Ex-Cadet Inspector of Dunman High School NPCC Uint: Midshipman Benson Chian Wei Chong, who has since been promoted to 2LT, did the The Republic of Singapore Navy and Singapore Armed Forces proud recently when he was awarded the Australian Defence Force Academy’s (ADFA) Commander-in-Chief Medal. The prestigious award is the highest one given to the most outstanding ADFA graduate in five respective fields, namely; military, academic achievement, leadership, personal example and performance of duty.
2LT Chian, is one of 247 Navy Midshipmen, Army and Air Force Officer Cadets who graduated from the ADFA on 11 Dec 08. He recieved the medal from Her Excellency Quentin Bryce, the Governer-General of Australia. “I am happy and proud that my efforts allowed the RSN to be recognised internationally for having quality personnel among her ranks,” says the young officer.
Having spent the last three years as a trainee at the Academy, 2LT Chian had to undergo numerous forms of training that included outfield leadership challenges, rigorous physical training and strenuous daily routines. He also had to balance his academic studies to attain his university degree at the same time. 2LT Chian reflected upon his past three years, saying: “Such challenges to my physical and mental state were taxing, and required fortitude to maintain the highest standards in performances throughout the three years. I therefore feel a sense of achievement in not only completing the training phase, but also winning the Commander-in-Chief Medal.”
According to 2LT Chian, his deepest and most lasting experiences came during occasions when he sailed on board the various RAN platforms, which included HMAS Stuart, a Anzac-class Frigate, HMAS Manoora, a Kanimbla-class Landing Platform Amphibious, and STS Young Endeavour, a Sail Training Vessel. Those were occasions when he was able to work together with his RAN course mates through the various evolutions at sea. He also got to work with his Academy counterparts from the Australian Army and Royal Australian Air Force on an outfield leadership training programme, which he says, assisted in his understanding of the different armed services and how they operated together jointly.
“The most important takeaway from ADFA would be the friendships I have formed with my Australian Defence Force counterparts and allowing them to have a better understanding of the RSN and SAF,” says 2LT Chian, who thoroughly enjoyed his experience in Australia, “Such understanding would definitely aid in future exercises and enhance the bilateral ties between our two forces.”
The Australia Governor-General, Her Excellency, Ms Quentin Bryce, AC, presents Midshipman Benso Chian Wie Chong from the Singaporean Navy, the Commander in Chief Medal during the 2008 Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA) Graduation Parade.
(Date taken: 02 December 2008)
Australia Minister for Defence, The Hon. Joel Fitzgibbon MP, talks to the Commander and Chief Medal recipient, Midshipman Benso Chian Wie Chong from the Singaporean Navy after the Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA) Graduation Parade.
(Date taken: 02 December 2008)
Photos taken from:
ADFA Graduation Parade 2008NAVY news ISSUE 01 2009, The Republic of Singapore Navycyberpioneer
