Meet the President’s Aides (Part 1: SCDF)

PHOTOS: Dayana Yakob

It’s a special responsibility on top of their regular duties, but one they take on with pride. Honorary Aides-de-Camp (HADCs) comprise officers from the Singapore Police Force (SPF), Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) and Singapore Armed Forces (SAF). They support full-time Aides-de-Camp at official events like visits by foreign dignitaries and the Istana Open Houses.

PHOTO: Dayana Yakob

This year’s HADC Appointment Ceremony and Appreciation Function was held on 14 February. Among the HADCs at the Ceremony were Major (MAJ) Chia Shang Yi and MAJ Kannan S/O Selvaraj of SCDF. They share what it means to serve as HADCs!

PHOTOS: Dayana Yakob

For MAJ Chia Shang Yi, serving as an HADC has taught her that it always helps to have a Plan B. Having completed several postings with SCDF, she’s currently on secondment at the Planning and Organising Division of the Ministry of Home Affairs.

What roles have you had as an SCDF officer?
I started as a Rota Commander in 2013 at Alexandra Fire Station, where I led a team of about 20 officers. In 2014, I was posted to SCDF’s Hazardous Materials (HazMat) Department as the Industrial Regulation Officer. There, I helped to formulate regulatory measures and systems pertaining to the control of hazardous materials, and also responded to HazMat incidents. 

In 2017, I was posted to the 1st SCDF Division as Commander, Marina Bay Fire Station. I took charge of more than 80 officers and we were on standby for major events such as the National Day Parade, the DPRK-USA Summit and the Marina Bay Singapore Countdown.

What made you apply for the HADC role?
My colleague had shared her experience as an HADC with me, and I was intrigued and excited by the unique job scope and ceremonial duties. Beyond our HADC duties, I’m glad to have the chance to work with like-minded officers from SPF and SAF. We wear different uniforms but share a common goal of making every function or event a successful one.

What qualities do HADCs need to possess?
An eye for detail, and the ability to think and act fast when things don't go according to plan. During an event, many issues may arise. We have to be able to respond quickly and resolve issues so that our guests can have the best possible experience at the Istana. Being an HADC has taught me to always have a contingency plan!

MAJ Chia receiving her Certificate of Appreciation from President Halimah Yacob, upon retirement after three distinguished years of serving at the Istana. PHOTO: SPF

Every HADC duty is unique. When we’re on duty at a state ceremony, we need to take care of every detail, from receiving guests to matters of protocol. During Istana Open Houses, we’ll have the opportunity to address questions directly from members of the public, and share with them the key highlights of the Istana grounds. 

What was your most memorable experience as an HADC?
I was on duty at a picnic event for underprivileged children at the Istana. During the storytelling session with President Halimah Yacob, there was a sudden downpour. Luckily, we had a contingency plan and this allowed us to quickly move everyone indoor, so that the storytelling session could continue, despite the rain. We saw the happy faces of all the children and this gave us a lot of satisfaction!

PHOTOS: Dayana Yakob

Meet MAJ Kannan S/O Selvaraj, a Rota Commander with SCDF’s elite Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team (DART). These skilled lifesavers respond to complex rescue incidents such as road traffic accidents, collapsed structures, height rescues and water rescues. It’s no wonder that MAJ Kannan is now taking his HADC duties in his stride. 

What are the roles you’ve had as an SCDF officer?
My first posting was a Rota Commander at Bukit Batok Fire Station. I was in charge of about 30 firefighters and we responded to firefighting and rescue cases that occurred within our boundary, which stretched from Bukit Panjang and Choa Chu Kang and Bukit Timah. 
 
After two years, I was posted to the Civil Defence Academy as a Firefighting and Rescue instructor. I had the opportunity to conduct courses and teach officers, section commanders and Operationally Ready NSmen, as well as international participants.

How did you feel when you were nominated to be an HADC?
I was very surprised to learn that I’d been nominated. The criteria is very stringent and after several rounds of interviews, I was among the officers who were selected. I feel honoured and proud that I’ve been given a chance to represent SCDF and serve as an HADC to the President.

MAJ Kannan receiving his Certificate of Appointment from President Halimah Yacob. PHOTO: SPF

Tell us about some of the duties you’ve undertaken as an HADC.
I was appointed an HADC in June 2020 and my first duty was for the Cabinet Swearing-in Ceremony that same month. This was a major function that required all HADCs to be involved. Due to COVID-19, many Safe Management Measures were put in place, such as having two locations for the Swearing-In Ceremonies. This event was most memorable for me due to its magnitude and the fact that it was my very first HADC duty!

What do you love most about being an HADC?
It has been an enriching experience as there is so much to learn. I also value the opportunities that I’ve had to interact and forge valuable friendships with fellow HADCs from SPF and SAF.

Read Meet the President's Aides (Part 2: SPF)