The RSAF is the steadfast guardian of our skies. With cutting-edge operational capabilities and systems, the RSAF is equipped to respond to a full spectrum of situations and threats. The RSAF never sleeps and stands ready round-the-clock to defend Singapore and her national interests.

The RSAF recognises that all this is only made possible by the work of its dedicated men and women. Meet 25-year-old ME4A Sim Jing Yu and 28-year-old ME4 Kenneth Chong Sun Yee, two outstanding officers in RSAF who stand tall in their conviction to serve the nation to the best of their abilities. They offer us an insider’s perspective into their rewarding careers in safeguarding the nation’s skies.

Unexpected Beginnings

For ME4A Sim, her journey with the RSAF began somewhat unexpectedly. She tells us, “Before University, I never thought about joining the RSAF. I knew I was interested in the aviation industry because of how fascinating and prestigious it was, so I took up an internship at a reputable aviation firm. Over there, I noticed that people had a lot of good things to say about the RSAF in terms of its people development. Later on, I also came to know about the many opportunities that RSAF offers its engineers. So I kept a look-out for RSAF Air Force Engineer (AFE) openings. I signed up after one of its recruitment drives, cleared the medical check-up, fitness test, and interviews, and then I started my career with the RSAF. Since then, being part of the RSAF has been a major accomplishment and a pretty cool part of my life.”

ME4A Sim Jing Yu
Air Force Engineer

Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering,
National University of Singapore

Right now, ME4A Sim is attached at an airbase where she is training to be an AFE. AFEs support the RSAF by primarily providing engineering knowledge and expertise to lead their teams to maintain and ready the RSAF’s aircraft and weapon systems. She adds, “I’m currently an apprentice AFE. As an apprentice, I observe, interact with, and learn from the engineers and specialists. I look forward to the day when I take on the officer role and take charge of my section.”

ME4 Chong’s story is not too different either. As a fresh engineering graduate from NTU, he didn’t know that he was going to end up in the RSAF. But the opportunity to explore new frontiers with the RSAF ultimately led him to join the organisation. “Joining the RSAF wasn’t on my mind at all. However, after reading about the Air Imagery Intelligence Expert (AIRIX) vocation, I decided to give it a shot. I just couldn’t pass up the chance to be part of the pioneer batch of this new vocation,” he exclaims.

As an AIRIX, ME4 Chong focuses on analysing real-time images collected by the air imagery, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) platforms before passing the findings to relevant agencies for action. Utilising state-of-the-art imagery systems, he contributes to the RSAF operations by providing accurate and timely mission information for air operations. Excited by the new frontiers he’ll forge in his vocation, he beams with pride as he tells us, “I look forward to further strengthening this new vocation in terms of training as well as the capability of individuals. This is a unique opportunity for me to have influence in the development of a vocation.”

Surpassing Their Limits

A career in the RSAF is assuredly a unique experience that you will be hard-pressed to find anywhere else. ME4A Sim tells us that a dynamic and challenging career awaits at the RSAF. She shares, “I’ve completed many milestones just within the span of a year – Basic Military Training (BMT), Officer Cadet School (OCS) and Military Domain Expert Course (MDEC). As a girl who has never been in any uniformed group or sports, BMT and OCS were huge challenges, especially on the physical aspect. However, the incredible bonds forged with my course mates and the cohesiveness of the team spurred me on, allowing me to push myself past my limits to become a physically and mentally stronger person.”

This sense of accomplishment is shared by ME4 Chong as well. He tells us, “The biggest achievement under my belt has got to be my unit’s assessment. We essentially had to create a training system from scratch, and this took a lot of hard work from everyone in the squadron. All the effort we put in was validated though, when we received excellent results for our assessment. We were even praised for our professionalism and knowledge by external assessors. I couldn’t help but feel this sense of joy and pride after seeing the people under me succeed in their professional fields.”

The Sky is the Limit

A career in the RSAF is for those who are willing to push new boundaries and achieve new heights. For those who aspire to join them, ME4A Sim advises, “When facing challenges, one should be determined to persevere without quitting. You should have an optimistic outlook, so that you can perceive even the worst of scenarios as learning opportunities.”

ME4 Chong shares ME4A Sim’s sentiments, saying, “Being self-motivated is essential! As an officer of the RSAF, people look to you for direction and positive energy. The mood of your team will depend largely on how much you can motivate yourself and your team during tense periods and impending deadlines.”

ME4A Sim concludes with some sound advice, saying “Be physically and mentally prepared to push yourself beyond your perceived limit. Be ready to step out of your comfort zone to experience and learn new things. You are able to achieve more. Also be clear of what you are signing up for. This job is meaningful and noble, and what you do affects the organisation’s performance in a direct and crucial manner.”