The core values of the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF), such as loyalty to country, leadership, discipline and team excellence, resonate strongly with those who have bravely chosen to serve our nation. Among them is Military Expert 4 Apprentice (ME4A) S Suren, an undergraduate student pursuing a Bachelor of Engineering in Electrical and Electronic Engineering at Nanyang Technological University (NTU).

He was awarded the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) Engineering Scholarship in 2021. Suren’s experiences have cemented his determination and confidence in serving Singapore through the RSAF.

Engineering as a Path Forward

With a passion for engineering and military aircraft, Suren joined the RSAF by signing on as an Air Force Engineer. “I wanted to align my engineering skills with my interest in military aircraft. I believe defence in Singapore is very important and is something that we cannot overlook or take for granted,” he shared. “Our main priority as Air Force Engineers in the RSAF is not ourselves, but our nation and the people we protect.”

The SAF Engineering Scholarship has connected him with like-minded individuals who share a strong passion to serve the nation and its people. “The support from my colleagues and seniors I received has been crucial for my growth in the organisation,” he enthused.

“My colleagues are always there to collaborate and share insights with me, making it easier to tackle complex problems and a good opportunity to learn from each other,” he added. “Seniors also provided mentorship, offering guidance and advice based on their own experiences, which helped me navigate challenges and make informed decisions.”

Additionally, he had a Commanding Officer as his mentor during his vacation attachments. “Having someone to observe and learn from was incredibly inspiring. Seeing their dedication, work ethic, and leadership style firsthand gave me a clear example of what it takes to succeed in the RSAF,” he explained. “Their approach to problem-solving and team management has greatly influenced my own practices and aspirations.”

These learning experiences are invaluable to him. “I see these as chances where I can do my best to share my ideas and opinions on key issues, and hopefully, to influence the organisation in a greater capacity in the future,” Suren emphasised. “I don't see this as a personal gain but more for the purpose of serving and helping the SAF and Singapore.”

Laying the Groundwork for Success

In charting his path forward, Suren decided on a strong engineering foundation by choosing NTU. “When I was exploring higher education options, I learnt that laboratory and hands-on sessions are a core part of NTU’s electrical and electronic engineering course. This was the clincher, as I had enjoyed practical learning in polytechnic and I didn’t want to just study theory in university,” he observed.

His academic journey has imparted many valuable lessons, one of which is the importance of embracing failure and learning from it. Suren shared, “My engineering projects have had their ups and downs, and each setback has provided valuable lessons,” he said. “Recognising that failure is part of the learning process has helped me build resilience and a growth mindset, enabling me to persevere and continuously improve.”

Another lesson that has shaped his outlook is the significance of teamwork. “Throughout my studies, I've realised that working as a team is essential. Collaborations with classmates on projects and assignments has taught me that you can't study or succeed alone,” he noted. “Offering different perspectives and skills within a group often leads to more innovative solutions and a richer learning experience.”

As he looks to the future, Suren said, “This role will allow me to make a direct impact on the ground as a leader, collaborating closely with my team. I am particularly excited about being able to lead and inspire both men and women, especially at such a young stage in my career.”

He also emphasised the unique challenges presented by the rapidly evolving landscape of defence and aerospace technology. “I am eager to be part of an agile workplace that is at the forefront technological innovation, allowing me to work on cutting-edge projects,” he noted.

Such focused direction and steely dedication only serve to steer Suren to give his all when it comes to his role in the RSAF. He confidently articulated, “The RSAF plays a vital role in protecting our skies and ensuring our nation's sovereignty. Knowing that my work contributes to maintaining Singapore's way of life gives me a sense of purpose and energy every day.”

Seizing Growth Opportunities

The numerous opportunities to grow professionally and expand his knowledge horizons make RSAF his first choice. “The organisation is deeply committed to professional development, offering extensive training programs and scholarships for further studies,” he shared.

He also highlighted the opportunities for exposure like his recent six-month exchange programme with the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado, USA. “Participating in overseas exercises is another highlight, as it exposes you to different operational environments and allows for international collaboration. This experience has allowed me to gain new perspectives, learn from different operational practices, and helped me forge valuable global connections for my career,” he shared enthusiastically.