Sense of purpose drives SAF’s first woman General

SINGAPORE —  At 18, she wanted a job that would offer adventure and meaning, and thought the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) could be the right place.

Little did she realise that she would embark on a career that would eventually see her make history by becoming the first female brigadier-general (BG) in the SAF.

Drawn to “the esprit de corps, the strong sense of purpose and identity” in the SAF, Colonel Gan Siow Huang was one of the first four women to receive the SAF merit scholarship in 1993, when it was opened to women. 

After graduating from the London School of Economics, she rose through the ranks in the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF), where she drafted policies and commanded the RSAF’s 203 squadron and Air Surveillance and Control Group.

The 41-year-old was among the seven colonels promoted to the rank of BG or Rear Admiral at the annual SAF promotion ceremony today (June 26). 

The others were Col Lam Sheau Kai and Col Kenneth Liow from the Army, Col Lew Chuen Hong and Col Frederick Chew from the Republic of Singapore Navy, Col Kelvin Khong from the RSAF and the Military Security Department’s Col Paul Chew.

Congratulating all the servicemen who were promoted in a Facebook post, Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen highlighted Col Gan’s achievement, calling it “a new chapter in SAF’s history”.

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, extending his congratulations to the officers over Facebook, also singled out Col Gan’s accomplishment, adding: “Many good women and men serve in our armed forces. Thank you for your commitment and dedicated service to the nation.”

Even before her promotion to BG, Col Gan was already the highest-ranking woman officer in the SAF. With her appointment, which will take effect on July 1, Col Gan, who is currently head of the SAF’s joint manpower department, will be head of air intelligence and director of special projects.

As the first female BG, Col Gan hopes her promotion would show that women can have successful careers in the SAF, and encourage more women in Singapore to join the armed forces. 

Currently, close to 1,500 women hold combat jobs in the SAF, which is less than 10 per cent of SAF regular personnel. Every year, about 60 women join the SAF.

However, Col Gan was quick to stress that success should be based on capabilities. “I believe strongly that it’s always the best person for the job — that has been my experience in the SAF so far.”

Besides paying tribute to her supportive colleagues and bosses, the mother of three also thanked her parents-in-law and husband — a former regular who is now in the private sector — for their support as she juggled motherhood and her career. 

“I believe family support is critical for working mothers in Singapore,” said Col Gan. “My parents-in-law have been very supportive — they take care of the children in the day and have been uncomplaining. I am very grateful for their help.”

In all, the SAF promoted 413 officers, 74 military experts and 34 warrant officers from the Army, Navy and Air Force, including regulars and operationally ready national servicemen. All promotions will take effect on July 1.