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The motivated mariner

PHOTO: CHONG JUN LIANG

WHEN Major Yong Wei Hsiung applied for a government scholarship, he was unfazed by the wide choices being offered and the prospects of being bonded.

Major Yong says: "I did not sign on for a 'free education' but for a meaningful career, so I wasn't really bothered about the bond. The Navy has a way of keeping you busy, interested and committed, and before you know it, the bond has expired."

It was during his Basic Military Training (BMT) that he decided on a career with the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF).

While serving his full-time National Service (NS), he was struck by the question of what it meant to be a Singaporean and to be serving his NS. He experienced a sleepless night, pondering over it during a field camp in the middle of a jungle.

"The more I probed, the more I began to realise how much I loved my family, my country and what they stood for," says the 28-year-old.

"I remember thinking about my platoon mates and deciding that there would be enough future teachers, lawyers, engineers, doctors and bankers among them."

"So that night, I decided to defend my home, not by proxy but by placing myself at the front line."

His decision to serve in the SAF was met with a mix of surprise and concern from his family. But they were very proud when he received the prestigious scholarship, he says.

The SAF sponsored his Bachelor of Science in Science, Technology and International Affairs at Georgetown University and his master's degree in International Policy Studies at Stanford University in the United States.

Upon returning from his studies, he enjoyed a mentorship arrangement, in which each scholar was assigned a mentor he could approach for advice and guidance.

Building leadership

As an Executive Officer, Major Yong manages and runs all aspects of RSS Vigilance, a Missile Corvette in the Republic of Singapore Navy.

"Reporting to the Commanding Officer, I am responsible for the crew's training, morale, discipline and safety, and the ship's logistical readiness and security," he says.

"I spend a third of the year at sea in short-term deployments and training exercises overseas. When ashore, we plan for deployments, conduct warfighting and seamanship training in simulators and on ships, and manage our crew's career aspirations and expectations."

Recently, Major Yong participated in a multinational reconstruction effort off the coast of Iraq. He served on board the landing ship tank tasked to perform security operations at the Al-Basra Oil Terminal in the Northern Arabian Gulf.

He says: "I learnt that no matter how small you think you are, every member of the international community has a role to play in ensuring global peace and security."

Every two years, he is moved to a new post where he takes on a new set of challenges that range from operational and training to policy-making roles.

"You are constantly forced out of your comfort zone before you get too comfortable," he says. "Spending weeks in a confined space with the same group of people, you learn to be more tactful and accommodating."

It is not easy, but it's well worth the reward, he adds. "I love my job. I cannot imagine having it any other way. You emerge from the entire experience a much more well-rounded and confident person."

Work-life fulfilment

His time away from home has helped Major Yong to build stronger and long-lasting relationships with his family, friends and colleagues.

"Familiarity breeds indifference. In my travels with the Navy, I have learnt to appreciate the simple joys, luxuries and peace some Singaporeans tend to take for granted," he says.

To those who are thinking of joining the Navy, he says: "Study hard, do well for your examinations and stay physically fit."

"That way, instead of struggling to just get by during BMT and Officer Cadet School (OCS), you can focus on being the best that you can be – to lead, excel and overcome."

In building up a Third Generation Navy with new technologies and operating concepts, he says: "Now more than ever, we need bright, young, committed people to help us blaze new trails."