The original labor chief and labor minister previously oversaw a division that developed computerized data networks for military operations.
Before he entered elections in 1997, he first worked for the National Computer Board and then the Economic Development Board. He served as a whole chancellor until his retirement in 2020.  ,
Leadership entails establishing objectives, formulating strategies, guiding and motivating everyone on the team, and coordinating all of their collective efforts to simultaneously reach our shared goals, he said. ” Many of the soft expertise and hard know-how are prevalent, relevant, and appropriate in both the military and the civil settings”
” NO GUARANTEE” OF SuccESS
However, according to observers, having a military Resume can also have its flaws.
Dr. Lee remarked that” the human earth is more cooperative and less hierarchical.” The expectations of collaboration and personal empowerment in human settings may conflict with an established leadership style that was developed in the defense.
Assoc Prof. Singh also made reference to the learning curve for those interested in becoming lawmakers in Singapore, whether it is through political procedures, global relations, or both.
” It does not mean that you will be a political basic tomorrow because you’re a military general,” he said. ” No guarantee.”
Previous military commanders ‘ ability to adapt would depend on how open-minded they are, whether they are willing to put any satisfaction to the test, and how willing they are to face the constant scrutiny.
” The change is more challenging today because of social media and the transparency,” said Assoc Prof. Singh. Don’t forget that while the social life is 101 % public, the military lifestyle is still very personal.
Their military service is less significant than their actions and behaviors on the ground, according to the social scientist, in terms of appealing to voters.
The senior military officers ‘ character and personality, along with the public’s faith in their honesty to serve their country, will be the key factors.
Softer factors like emotional knowledge will also be important in attempting to make an impact, especially for a younger public who is serious and invested in a greater number of issues, Prof. Singh continued.
Previous secretary Yeo claimed it took him years to learn more about the life, hopes, and fears of Singaporeans of all kinds.
He claimed that having a basic understanding of social and political structures is hardly sufficient. One must feel empathy for all facets of society in elections, not just an active brain but also a willing heart.
PARTICIPATION TO THE Criticism
Singapore’s criticism has never had members of Parliament with military-related high positions.
Former air force lieutenant-colonel Francis Yuen, who succeeded party founder and former PAP MP Tan Cheng Bock, as secretary-general of the Progress Singapore Party ( PSP) between 2021 and 2023, is perhaps most notable.
He and another previous lieutenant-colonel in the PSP’s rates, Nadarajah Loganathan, who left the group’s highest decision-making figure on March 20, contested the 2020 GE.
Previous SAF captain Ang Yong Guan, who had contested the past three elections under the banner of the Singapore Democratic Party, SingFirst, and PSP, were also not elected to the PSP’s main professional commission.
Additionally, the PSP has former Singaporean prime minister Lee Hsien Yang, the brother of the country’s foundational prime minister, as a member. He joined the party in June 2020, just before the general election that season, even though he did not win the election in the end.