Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) Tan Xinhui (right) is a recipient of the SAF Merit Scholarship. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Science from the University of Warwick in the United Kingdom and a Master of Education in Adult Learning and Education from the University of British Columbia in Canada. She is currently Head of the Training Development Branch at the Naval Training Department in the Republic of Singapore Navy.
At first glance, it might seem unusual for an officer with the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Science. However, this academic background has served Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) Tan Xinhui well in the different roles she has undertaken throughout the years. A recipient of the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) Merit Scholarship in 2007, LTC Tan recently attained a Master of Education in Adult Learning and Education from the University of British Columbia with the SAF Postgraduate Award.
As Head of the Training Development Branch at the Naval Training Department in the RSN, this mother of two young children continues to strengthen the training ecosystem within the RSN.
Leading With Vision
As a leader, LTC Tan is tasked with critical responsibilities and her role involves a wide array of task that have a lasting impact on the RSN. Her primary responsibility is to ensure that the RSN’s training system continually nurtures sailors with the necessary competencies and expertise to deliver on the RSN’s missions in increasingly complex and dynamic environments.
LTC Tan establishes development plans to support the career progression of different corps, identifies emerging competencies needed to future-proof the RSN, and articulates competency scaffolds that determine how the RSN trains its sailors.
“No two days are the same, and a range of activities keeps me busy. As training takes place in a continuum between schools and operational units, the bulk of my work involves discussions and meetings with stakeholders to understand their needs and challenges,” LTC Tan explained. “This ensures that the training plans designed by my team are aligned with operational demands and address emerging needs. As a Branch Head, I also spend time checking in with my team to exchange ideas, provide guidance, and ensure their welfare.”
LTC Tan’s academic background in Biomedical Sciences developed in her a mindset of continuously learning and critical thinking.
“Biomedical Science is a field that is constantly evolving with new technologies – that the gold standard today can quickly become obsolete in the near future has imbued me with a continuous learning mindset. Hence, staying updated and innovative is key,” she shared.
She added: “My education in the sciences placed much emphasis on evaluating evidence objectively, drawing conclusions from empirical evidence. These softer skillsets honed through a science-based education have shaped the way I approach and solve problems in my jobs.”
A Scholarship That Opens Doors
LTC Tan’s academic, and subsequently, professional growth started with her scholarship choice that opened the doors to acquiring other competencies.
“The prospect of development in a challenging yet rewarding environment made the SAF Merit Scholarship stand out to me,” she said.
Her time away from family and friends in Singapore while pursuing her Bachelor’s degree at the University of Warwick in the United Kingdom has taught her invaluable lessons such as resilience, independence, resourcefulness and adaptability.
“Beyond academic pursuits, I had opportunities to regularly interact with personnel from other services which broadened my perspectives on the culture and best practices of other services,” she recounted. A particular experience that stood out for her was participating in the inaugural Singapore-Brunei Defence Scholar Programme, where she forged lasting friendships.
When asked why she decided to pursue a career in the RSN, LTC Tan recalled: “When I was considering the SAF, the RSN came across to me as a tight-knit family. The sense of camaraderie and idea of belonging to a cohesive team resonated with me.
“My lived experiences in the RSN have proven this to be true – out at sea, we only have each other to rely on; each individual plays a crucial role to the collective success of our operations,” she noted.
LTC Tan Xinhui (fourth from right) with her colleagues from the RSN.
Making A Meaningful Impact
Despite her many years of service, LTC Tan’s journey with the RSN thus far has been rewarding and continues to be filled with challenges. She still looks forward to the many opportunities that allow her to contribute to “strengthening the training system in the Navy”.
“For me, it’s incredibly fulfilling to see theoretical ideas and plans translated into tangible changes that improve the organisation and deepen the expertise of our people. This realisation of making a meaningful difference drives me to continue to craft effective plans and strategies to continually upskill and deepen the competencies of our sailors,” she expressed enthusiastically.
“While joining the military may not be a conventional career proposition for females, I have never looked back. For those seeking to join the RSN, the organisation offers unparalleled opportunities to make a meaningful impact to those we lead and those around us,” LTC Tan emphasised, when asked about what advice she would offer to individuals seeking to pursue a similar career trajectory.
She added, “Embrace the journey with a commitment to serve and willingness to learn. In return, the experience in the RSN will foster personal growth in leadership, resilience, and adaptability – key life skills for any leadership roles and to thrive in dynamic and complex environments.”
