Aide-de-Camp to the President

“As full-time and honorary ADCs, we ensure that ceremonies and events presided over by the President are conducted smoothly and with decorum, in accordance with protocol practices.”

-ME6 Ho Yong Cheh (centre)

Ever seen the men and women clad in uniform and standing behind the President at state ceremonies?

They are the Aide-de-Camp (ADC) to the President. The term “Aide-de-Camp” is of French origin and means “camp or field assistant”. The ADC was originally a military assistant in the field to a Sovereign, Chief of State, or General. They transmitted orders and supervised operations in the name of their commander, and even exercised delegated authority on occasions.

Today, the ADC is an officer of the uniformed services who assists the President. The ADC to the President attends to the needs of the President and accompanies the President at State functions, ceremonies or events of ceremonial nature. They are responsible for the coordination, planning, implementation and follow-up of the President’s events both locally and overseas. They also ensure that both local and internationally accepted protocol practices are observed at all times.

There are currently three full-time ADC serving the President, one of whom is a female. They are assisted by a corps of Honorary ADCs from the Singapore Armed Forces, the Singapore Police Force and the Singapore Civil Defence Force.

Senior Butler

“I am proud of my job and happy to be able to do what I do. It is great to have the opportunity to meet many overseas VIPs when they come to visit Singapore.”

-Mr Ismail Bin Abdul Ghani

Mr Ismail Bin Abdul Ghani was born and bred on the Istana grounds, and has been working at the President’s Office as a butler since he was young!

A third generation butler, Ismail’s grandfather and father were also butlers to the colonial governors and previous Presidents. As the staff quarters were housed in the Istana grounds back in the old days, Ismail was literally born in the Istana in the late 1940s, which started a lifelong association with the President’s Office.

When he was growing up on the Istana grounds, Ismail often saw the butlers serving dignitaries and important guests. This had aspired him to be one when he grew up.

Over the years, Ismail maintained a humble personality and joyous spirit, so much so dignitaries such as Queen Elizabeth were impressed with Ismail’s hospitality and had many good things to say about him.

Chef

“Wherever we work, the important thing is that we like the job. We must have a sense of pride in what we do.”

- Mr Wong Shang Hoon

If you ever have the opportunity to speak with Mr Wong Shang Hoon, one of the first things he would proudly tell you is how glad he is in the opportunity to serve all of Singapore’s Presidents and Prime Ministers.

Affectionately known as “Uncle Hoon” to everyone in Istana, he had been a chef at the Istana for 57 years. Over the years, Uncle Hoon had prepared a variety of meals for countless guests and foreign dignitaries. For five decades, Uncle Hoon’s comfort food had soothed the challenges of nation-building, and his delectable meals had added to the warm hospitality received by visiting dignitaries.

Although Uncle Hoon had retired from the service in January 2020, he is still dearly missed by Istana staff.

Senior Officer (Horticulture), NParks

“Each day may bring about its own challenges but is rich with new learning experiences that are very rewarding.”

 

- Mr Panneer Selvam Thangaveloo

 

From gardens filled with beautiful flora to vibrant wildlife, the Istana is home to many wonders of nature. Together with the NParks team, Mr Panneer Selvam Thangaveloo ensures that planting projects and horticultural maintenance are always held to the highest standards.

 

Having worked at the Istana for almost 30 years, Mr Panneer has been involved in several relandscaping projects. He has witnessed the evolving landscape of the Istana grounds, including the introduction of the Inclusive Garden, the enhanced Japanese Garden, and the Swan Pond. One of his most memorable experiences working at the Istana was when President Halimah Yacob recognised his efforts at the launch of the Inclusive Garden in 2021. He also takes pride in the fact that the Vanda Miss Joaquim found at the Villa in the Istana has been flowering under his care since it was planted in 2015.

 

During his free time, Mr Panneer enjoys swimming, jogging and brisk walking. He finds joy in being surrounded by the peaceful quality of the natural environment.