The Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) is entrusted with the
duty of overseeing Singapore’s defence needs. Defence Merit
Scholar Tiffany Tay tells us more about how the Defence
Executive Officers (DXOs), the non-uniformed personnel
of MINDEF, work alongside their military counterparts to
contribute to our nation’s defence.
As Singaporeans, we can all rest easy at
night because of the Singapore Armed
Forces (SAF). The SAF protects our
country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,
ensuring that Singaporeans are able to enjoy
peace and stability.
Providing MINDEF with critical support in
multiple areas are the DXOs. In their careers,
DXOs are challenged with different levels of
responsibilities in varied areas, serving a wide
range of functions in order to fulfil the needs of
the organisation.
One such individual is Tiffany Tay Zhixin,
a recipient of the Defence Merit Scholarship
(DMS). We spent some time with her finding
out more about her journey as a Defence Merit
scholar and how she contributes to the defence
of our nation as a DXO.
A place for all
Pursuing a career in the defence sector was
never part of Tiffany’s plan. However, after
learning more about the organisation, she knew
that it was something worth pursuing. She
explains, “My Junior College had publicised a
MINDEF organised scholarship tea session,
and that’s where I heard about the Defence
Merit Scholarship (DMS). I thought a career in
MINDEF sounded intriguing, and matched well
with my interest in political science, so I decided
to look more into it.”
The flexibility that the DXO career scheme
accorded further reaffirmed her decision to
join the organisation. “MINDEF is almost like a
microcosm of our government. There’s Finance,
Legal, Policy, Psychology, HR, Communications,
etcetera. They have something for every
interest. I like trying lots of things, so this was
perfect for me!” Tiffany excitedly shares.
Tiffany Tay Zhixin
Defence Merit Scholar
Designation:
Staff Officer, Defence Policy Office
Studied:
Master of International Relations,
University of Chicago, US
Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in
Politics with International Studies,
University of Warwick, UK
Opportunities are abundant for the DMS
recipients. They can expect their scholarship
journeys to be full of memorable experiences.
“I remember going through a Scholars'
Development Programme where we got to
interact with a few Bruneian defence scholars,
both in Singapore and in Brunei. I definitely
won’t forget crawling through a bat cave full
of guano. Definitely a great way to build lasting
friendships!” she recalls with a laugh.
Making a difference
Currently working as a Staff Officer in the
Defence Policy Office, Tiffany’s responsibilities
include formulating policy recommendations
and strategic plans. Her department also keeps
an eye out for defence-related developments in
the international and regional arenas that could
affect defence relations.
The passion that she has for her job is
evident for all to see. Tiffany says, “The best
thing about my job is that there is no typical day
of work in my office. There is often something
new and exciting every week. Sometimes we
travel abroad to attend bilateral and multilateral
meetings. We also work very closely with the
Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) on various
operational issues, and it is always interesting to
see how policies affect the people on the ground.
Some of our work involves various government
agencies, and I enjoy working closely with them
in order to forward Singapore’s interests. My
job is never boring, and that is what keeps me
excited going to work every day.”
"I was
unsure if this was the right path for me when I first went for the scholarship tea session. And now I’m
working in such an interesting, meaningful, and dynamic job, surrounded by so many driven and passionate
colleagues. I just can’t imagine wanting to be anywhere else"
With that said, Tiffany admits that her work
does come with challenges. She elaborates,
“Emergencies do occur and we need to
respond to them quickly, which requires a lot of
coordination with the SAF and other agencies.
However, I am fortunate enough to have great
bosses and colleagues who are very nurturing
towards the newbies in the office. Everyone
is also very passionate about what we do. It
feels good to have everyone working towards
a common goal. Playing a part in Singapore’s
defence is a big responsibility, but it is also a
very fulfilling and meaningful career.”
Working towards a brighter future
When asked about what she sees for her
future in MINDEF, she says, “I would continue
to serve in MINDEF, doing my best to serve
my country by playing a role in sustaining the
diplomatic relationships we have with other
countries. Knowing that the foundations we
have built for good defence relationships will
last for generations to come is enough for me.”
For aspiring DMS scholars, Tiffany advises
that honesty is the way to go. She explains, “I
think too many people focus on saying the 'right'
thing during interviews. They just say what they
think the interviewers want to hear. Instead of
doing that, you should be sincere, be passionate,
and most of all, be yourself.”
She concludes, “Sometimes you just need
to take a leap of faith, and you will end up
where you need to be. I was unsure if this was
the right path for me when I first went for the
scholarship tea session. And now I’m working
in such an interesting, meaningful, and dynamic
environment, surrounded by so many driven
and passionate colleagues. I just can’t imagine
wanting to be anywhere else.”