Transcript of Speech by President Tharman Shanmugaratnam at the Aides-De-Camp Appointment Ceremony and Appreciation Dinner on 26 May 2025 at the MINDEF Annex Building

Mr Zaqy Mohamad, Senior Minister of State for Defence

Members of the Honorary Aide-de-Camp Corps

Distinguished Guests

1. It is my pleasure for my wife and I to be here for this Appointment Ceremony and Appreciation Dinner for our Honorary Aides-de-Camp or HADCs.

2. Let me begin by expressing, on behalf of the Office of the President, my deepest appreciation to each of you for your steadfast service.

3. The past year has been an especially full one. Beyond a packed calendar of domestic and international engagements, the Office also played a key role in the planning and conduct of the swearing-in of our fourth Prime Minister and his Cabinet – a moment in history of generational importance.  

4. The ongoing restoration works at the Istana main building have meant relocating many events, including tonight’s ceremony, which we are holding for the first time at MINDEF. You have each had to adapt to each venue while maintaining the dignity, care, and sense of occasion associated with the Istana. And you have done so with professionalism and composure.

5. For that – and for all that you quietly do – I thank you.

6. The role of an ADC is a unique one. It is ceremonial in form, but deeply meaningful in substance.

7. This year’s group of HADCs brings a rich diversity of backgrounds and experiences.

   1.     Many of you juggle this commitment on top of full-time professional lives. You bring with you perspectives from medicine, aviation, engineering, finance, the civil service, and even the arts and culture. These are not just day jobs – they are each callings in their own right, demanding both technical skill and sound judgment.

   2.     And this professional depth adds real value to the Corps and President’s Office. Your perspectives sharpen your ability to read the room, engage with people across different backgrounds and cultures, and adapt to different situations. You also expand the collective knowledge base of my office, helping us stay attuned to developments in different sectors.

8. Tonight, we are appointing 112 HADCs, comprising 24 newly appointed and 88 re-appointed HADCs. Let me highlight just a few of you:

   1.     Major (NS) Wong Pixiang is a second-generation Hakka ‘thunder tea rice’ stall owner. After much consideration, he decided to leave his career with the Republic of Singapore Air Force in 2017 to manage his family’s hawker business as he did not want his grandmother’s century-old recipe to be forgotten. Over the last 8 years, Pixiang has continued to be actively involved in his unit’s training, round-the-clock operations, and responsibilities as a third-year HADC, while pursuing his goal of preserving a cherished family legacy.

   2.     Major (NS) Muhammed Saufi Bin Abdul Rashid from the Singapore Civil Defence Force. Major Saufi’s journey is testament to grit and growth. On graduating from Institute of Technical Education (ITE), he kept learning and moving up in the job. Today, Saufi leads as a project manager at medical technology firm Medtronic Singapore Operations. As an NSmen, he is Deputy Commander of 3-1 [pronounced as three-one] Rescue Unit, leading a team of around 250 reservist personnel. He also volunteers at the Malay Youth Literary Association’s mentoring programme, guiding youths to embrace opportunities, challenge limitations, and strive for leadership. His story is a reminder that where we start in life should never determine what we achieve in life.

9. A few HADCs are retiring from the corps this year.

   1.     One of them is Major Dawn Cheong from the Republic of Singapore Navy, who has served as HADC for 15 years. For the past five years, she also took on the key role of Awards In-Charge at the National Awards Investiture. Arranging for the presentation of over 700 awards each year, with utmost precision, is quite a feat.

10. Together with the other officers who are retiring from the Corps, I thank you for your contributions. I hope that you look back fondly upon the experiences and friendships forged over these years.

11. I would like to thank the Chief of Defence Force, Commissioner of Police, Commissioner of SCDF and all supervisors - for nominating some of your best officers into the corps, and supporting them whenever they are called upon to serve. Your recognition of their efforts and continuing support is crucial in encouraging more outstanding officers to step forward to serve.

12. To the family members and spouses here with us, today’s event is also a recognition of the important role you play. It is your steadfast support and understanding, despite disruptions to personal and family time, that has made it possible for these men and women to serve their nation with dignity and pride.

13. To the Aides-de-Camp, may your appointment serve to remind all of us of the enduring spirit of service and unity that defines us as Singaporeans.

14. Thank you.