Safely back at home this afternoon from Bangkok after the client cancelled the workshop scheduled for 18-19 August 2015 considering the security risk in the aftermath of the bomb blast yesterday evening near the hotel venue. Sad to read that a Singaporean lady, 34, was killed. RIP and condolences to the family and friends.
"'I'm indebted to Singapore': Why SAF chief Ng Chee Meng is entering politics - CNA 18 August 2015
SINGAPORE: Outgoing Chief of Defence Force Lieutenant-General Ng Chee Meng announced his intention to enter politics on Tuesday (Aug 18), ahead of a change of command ceremony where he hands over the reins of the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) to his successor, Major-General Perry Lim.
"It's an open secret where I'm going next," acknowledged the 47-year-old, who served the SAF for 29 years.
"And one of the things why I've decided, with the blessings of my family, to step forward, is really to serve the Singapore which I grew up in. For giving me all the opportunities through our meritocratic system. It's not something that I've seen in many parts of the world. I'm indebted to Singapore."
LG Ng said this comes from not just the opportunities afforded by the SAF scholarship, but also the nurturing and space to test himself and his abilities. Over the course of his career, he had been the Commander of Changi Air Base, the Commanding Officer of 144 Squadron and Chief of Air Force.
He was also the Chairman of the State Funeral Organising Committee for the late Mr Lee Kuan Yew, and was part of the Vigil Guard at the founding Prime Minister's lying in state.
But a political career is unlike a military one. He agreed that uniting Singaporeans under a strong, shared identity could be a long and difficult journey, unlike an organisation that, although large, carries the same core values.
"So one key thing to do is to consult widely, listen actively as we've done in the Committee to Strengthen National Service (CSNS) where we engaged over 40,000. Get different people to come on board. And always have the humility to seek out the best ideas from people," said LG Ng."
Indeed, it was an 'open secret' where NS LG Ng is going after 29 years in the SAF. Am I excited about another BG or MG or military guy entering politics? Not really.
Lessons for me are:
1. I am glad that he is keenly aware the public is NOT SAF. He cannot "order people around to do the 'right things'" as in the SAF! He is not ALWAYS correct and obeyed as in the SAF. I think this will be the most difficult adjustment. Regardless of how 'open' he may think he is. In a regimented organization, commands must be obeyed. Even if it is to charge at a mountain top with the enemies' machine guns lining up waiting to kill you, and knowing you will be killed!;
2. the last Chief of Defence went to become a Group CEO of SMRT Corp. Supposedly brought in a bunch of defence force folks from the air force and wherever. He did himself not too much PAY wise though the overall performance is at best questionable. Still, his Board of Directors seems to think the world of him by doubling his pay package in 3 years! LOL!! I hope NS LG Ng will do better as a politician, and potentially a Minister of Defence to start with?;
3. I am sure he is a superb commander and a great fighter pilot. I hope he CAN transform into a politician that can take push back and criticism, sometimes even very nasty and unfair ones, to help 'create a bigger good for a larger number of people without trampling too much on the rights of the minority using his talent and passion'. This would be a great guiding principle in addition to his: 'I want to serve my nation to give back.'
Welcome to the unprotected world of politics, NS LG Ng or just Mr Ng?
"'I'm indebted to Singapore': Why SAF chief Ng Chee Meng is entering politics - CNA 18 August 2015
SINGAPORE: Outgoing Chief of Defence Force Lieutenant-General Ng Chee Meng announced his intention to enter politics on Tuesday (Aug 18), ahead of a change of command ceremony where he hands over the reins of the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) to his successor, Major-General Perry Lim.
"It's an open secret where I'm going next," acknowledged the 47-year-old, who served the SAF for 29 years.
"And one of the things why I've decided, with the blessings of my family, to step forward, is really to serve the Singapore which I grew up in. For giving me all the opportunities through our meritocratic system. It's not something that I've seen in many parts of the world. I'm indebted to Singapore."
LG Ng said this comes from not just the opportunities afforded by the SAF scholarship, but also the nurturing and space to test himself and his abilities. Over the course of his career, he had been the Commander of Changi Air Base, the Commanding Officer of 144 Squadron and Chief of Air Force.
He was also the Chairman of the State Funeral Organising Committee for the late Mr Lee Kuan Yew, and was part of the Vigil Guard at the founding Prime Minister's lying in state.
But a political career is unlike a military one. He agreed that uniting Singaporeans under a strong, shared identity could be a long and difficult journey, unlike an organisation that, although large, carries the same core values.
"So one key thing to do is to consult widely, listen actively as we've done in the Committee to Strengthen National Service (CSNS) where we engaged over 40,000. Get different people to come on board. And always have the humility to seek out the best ideas from people," said LG Ng."
Indeed, it was an 'open secret' where NS LG Ng is going after 29 years in the SAF. Am I excited about another BG or MG or military guy entering politics? Not really.
Lessons for me are:
1. I am glad that he is keenly aware the public is NOT SAF. He cannot "order people around to do the 'right things'" as in the SAF! He is not ALWAYS correct and obeyed as in the SAF. I think this will be the most difficult adjustment. Regardless of how 'open' he may think he is. In a regimented organization, commands must be obeyed. Even if it is to charge at a mountain top with the enemies' machine guns lining up waiting to kill you, and knowing you will be killed!;
2. the last Chief of Defence went to become a Group CEO of SMRT Corp. Supposedly brought in a bunch of defence force folks from the air force and wherever. He did himself not too much PAY wise though the overall performance is at best questionable. Still, his Board of Directors seems to think the world of him by doubling his pay package in 3 years! LOL!! I hope NS LG Ng will do better as a politician, and potentially a Minister of Defence to start with?;
3. I am sure he is a superb commander and a great fighter pilot. I hope he CAN transform into a politician that can take push back and criticism, sometimes even very nasty and unfair ones, to help 'create a bigger good for a larger number of people without trampling too much on the rights of the minority using his talent and passion'. This would be a great guiding principle in addition to his: 'I want to serve my nation to give back.'
Welcome to the unprotected world of politics, NS LG Ng or just Mr Ng?
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