Preparing for the Future: Insights from NS Engagement

“We should be open to step out of our comfort zones, and we will find it less overwhelming when we take one step at time”. This was one of the key messages by Alumnus Linus Lim (Class of 2018) who was invited back to our school to speak with the current Y5 cohort about his National Service (NS) experiences. Linus also shared that while NS was mentally and physically demanding, especially since he had added responsibilities as an officer and commander, he would do it all over again since the experience enabled him to develop many important life skills.

Along with Linus, there were also representatives from the Central Manpower Base (CMPB), and Captain Doreen Kwek, Head of Navy Recruitment who engaged our students at this year’s NS Engagement. The objectives of the NS Engagement include preparing all male Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents for NS, and sharing career opportunities in the defence sector. With regards to the latter, Captain Doreen shared her varied experiences throughout her career in the Navy. Both Captain Doreen and Linus also shared how, like with all careers, it is important to have a good support system that can encourage, motivate and enable one to succeed. For both of them, their support system included members of their family and close friends, many of whom they met during their time at school.

We thank Captain Doreen, representatives from CMPB and our alumnus Linus for making time to share and prepare our students who will be serving NS, and to increase our Josephians awareness of opportunities to serve in the defence sector!