PHOTOS: Samantha Fuentes and Dayana Yakob
It is a special responsibility on top of their regular duties, but one that 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.
Superintendent of Police (SUPT) Chan Mei Cheng and Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Irene Yong share with us what it means to serve as HADCs!
Supt Chan Mei Cheng completed stints at Bedok Police Division, Orchard Neighbourhood Police Centre and SPF's Manpower Department before taking on the role of Head (Resource Planning), Planning & Organisation Department, SPF. Having served as an HADC for almost a decade, she reflects on the two enduring qualities of the role - grace and dignity.
How long did you serve as an HADC, and what were your duties?
I was an HADC for nine years. I supported the full-time ADCs with the planning and execution of events that the President attends. For example, I helped to welcome guests to the Istana, and be a friendly face to them, especially if they hadn’t been there before. Aside from that, HADCs also ensure that events run smoothly by providing solutions to any hiccups that may come up. It was an honour to be selected and to serve as an HADC.
Describe the most memorable experience you had as an HADC.
Being an ADC-in-attendance – on overseas State visits or meeting foreign dignitaries – was particularly memorable. I was part of the delegation that accompanied former President Dr Tony Tan to Vatican City in 2016. This was the first visit to Vatican City by a Singapore Head of State, and it left a deep impression on me. I witnessed first-hand how the President’s Office represents Singapore and it filled me with pride.
I’m also grateful for the friendships I made. HADCs are drawn from SPF, SCDF and SAF, and it was always very nice to meet officers from other services.
Share with us the key lesson you took away from your time as an HADC.
I learnt to be more detail-oriented. For example, ceremonial protocol procedures may sound straightforward, but you only realise the complexities involved when you go through the processes. I also learnt to be more adaptable as we had to take on different roles during events.
What are the important qualities that an HADC should possess?
As an HADC, we represent the highest office in Singapore when we perform duties at ceremonial events. Hence, grace and dignity are two key qualities that HADCs must have. The need to display grace under pressure is especially critical because unforeseen challenges may come up during an event, and we need to be able to calmly work things out.
ASP Irene Yong was inspired to serve by her grandfather, a warrant officer in the Army with a passion for his work and a heart for his men. Having joined SPF in 2004, she's now Officer-in-Charge of the Community Policing Unit at Kampong Java Neighbourhood Police Centre (NPC).
What made you apply to be an HADC?
I learnt about the HADC role through one of my seniors, a Team Leader at Kampong Java NPC. A red badge on her uniform caught my eye, and I asked her about it. She shared that it represented her service as an HADC and told me about her experiences. That piqued my interest to serve as well. Subsequently, I attended a virtual tea session with many outstanding officers, followed by a series of panel interviews.
What are some of the qualities that have helped you to perform the role of an HADC?
Adaptability, being a team player and having an eye for detail. These are important when it comes to organising events and ensuring that protocols are adhered to. I also apply what I’ve learnt from my years as a Police officer – knowing how to manage my time and multi-task.
I understand you have two young children. How do you balance your policing and HADC duties with your family commitments?
It’s not easy but my family has always been my pillar of support. What I treasure most are our dinners together every day. Once, my son left me a note that said I worked very hard and that he hoped to spend more time with me. However, my children understand that my work helps to keep the community safe, and now they also want to become Police officers!
What do you hope to achieve from serving as an HADC?
I hope to sharpen my competencies, contribute in a different way as an officer and learn from my fellow HADCs. I’ve seen how they always try their best to complement one another. I’m inspired by their spirit and camaraderie, and I constantly push myself to fulfil our tasks honourably.
This year’s HADC Appointment Ceremony and Appreciation Function was held on 14 February.
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Meet the President's Aides (Part 1: SCDF)
