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For someone who used to struggle with physical fitness tests in school, Lieutenant-Colonel (LTC) Chia Shang Yi has attained exceptional achievements at the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF).
Standing at 1.6m tall, LTC Chia has confidently scaled high-rise buildings with firefighting gear that weighs up to 20kg, led a fire station comprising of 80 Fire & Rescue and Paramedic personnel, and introduced new technology to keep Singapore safe and secure.
Her transformation at the SCDF extends beyond physical abilities – over her 13-year career, she has not only grown into a field-tested officer who responded to hazardous chemical spills but also contributed to exciting technological innovations like the Red Rhino Robot which augmented SCDF’s unmanned firefighting capabilities.
“Before I joined SCDF, I mostly enjoyed reading, watching television and sitting down in cafes. I never envisioned myself saying, ‘I want to be a firefighter’,” the 35-year-old shares with a laugh. She is now a Senior Assistant Director (Plans & Policy) at SCDF’s Planning & Organisation Department, leading a team to oversee the formulation of SCDF’s strategic planning that enables the organisation’s long-term growth.
It was during one of those television-watching sessions that her life’s purpose became clear. Footage and news reports in May 2008 of SCDF’s 55-member contingent sent to help with the search and rescue efforts following the devastating Sichuan Earthquake left an indelible mark on her, then an 18-year-old exploring her scholarship options.
“The event showed me how their work could make a tangible difference to people’s lives during a crisis. I thought that I could become a part of this,” she says.
Due to her petite frame, she initially doubted if she could meet the physical demands of the job. Upon engaging with the SCDF team during a career fair, she learnt about the organisation’s comprehensive gradual training that emphasises safety to help build her strength, knowledge and endurance to execute firefighting operations well.
“They told me that physical fitness wasn’t the key concern as they can train me in this,” she says.
New recruits have to undergo a mandatory seven-month course at the Civil Defence Academy during which they are trained in disaster management, firefighting, Hazardous Material (Hazmat) emergency medical response, and urban search and rescue.
LTC Chia explains that all trainees undergo medical screening before embarking on a structured programme to build their fitness progressively.
She recalls that by the end of her second month training, she was able to confidently run up nine storeys with firefighting gear and rescue equipment.
Advanced training simulators that mimic real-life environments such as high-rise firefighting scenarios are also used to provide a safe, controlled training environment for trainee officers.
“This training helps one to build both confidence and stamina, especially for those who aren’t naturally athletic, preparing us to become confident during rescue operations,” LTC Chia explains. “After joining SCDF, I’ve grown to enjoy sports like running and badminton more because I didn’t get tired so easily and became more energetic.”
Having applied to study chemical engineering at the National Technological University, she had imagined herself working behind the scenes as a chemical engineer in one of the petrochemical plants at Jurong Island. Instead, she found herself beginning an exciting journey with the SCDF as a Hazmat Rota Commander in Alexandra Fire Station, suited up to not only attend to Fire & Rescue incidents but also don the Hazmat gear to respond to chemical, biological and radiological emergencies.
“With fires caused by metals like titanium, we avoid using water since it can trigger a reaction and cause an explosion. For chlorine gas leaks, we use detectors to monitor concentration levels that could pose health risks.”
While SCDF equips all its officers with essential knowledge and training, her chemical engineering background gave her an extra edge during her second posting as a Senior Staff Officer at the SCDF Hazmat Department.
Beyond the SCDF, LTC Chia was seconded to the Ministry of Home Affairs, Planning & Organisation Department, where she had the opportunity to be exposed to policy development at the whole of Government and ministry level. She also oversaw the successful organisation and execution of the ministry’s flagship events, like the Home Team Festival 2023, which attracted more than 100,000 attendees.
| From front lines to strategy LTC Chia drives SCDF’s growth through rescue and innovation 2013-2014 Hazmat Rota Commander, Alexandra Fire Station Led emergency response teams and coordinated rescue operations. 2014-2017 Senior Staff Officer, SCDF Hazmat Department Handled industrial regulations and hazardous material emergencies, working with specialised equipment to monitor chemical risks and manage dangerous substance incidents. 2017-2019 Fire Station Commander, Marina Bay Fire Station Managed over 80 personnel across Fire & Rescue and Emergency Medical Services. Led operations in the Marina Bay area, and oversaw logistical and administration operations, as well as medical emergency teams for major events. 2019-2021 Senior Staff Officer, Operations Policy, Operations Department, SCDF Handled operations policy related matters, explored new areas of operations to enhance SCDF’s operational capability. 2021-2024 Senior Assistant Director (Strategic Planning), Planning & Organisation Division, MHA Conceptualised and implemented strategies to catalyse a culture of innovation within the Home Team, and organised Home Team Festival 2023. 2024-present Senior Assistant Director (Plans & Policy), SCDF’s Planning and Organisation Department Spearheads planning and identifying socio-economic trends and threats that will have strategic impact on SCDF. Plans, reviews and monitors the organisation structure, manpower establishments, roles and functions. |
She eventually returned to the SCDF and joined the Planning & Organisation Department as a Senior Assistant Director (Plans & Policy) in 2024, focusing on the organisation’s strategic planning.
Making use of technology to improve SCDF’s operational effectiveness and save manpower, LTC Chia helped develop the Red Rhino Robot, enhancing the capabilities of SCDF’s Light Fire Attack Vehicle operations. The goal was to leverage a robot to complement the transition from a four-man to a three-man crew.
The portable robot can be sent to fight fires while the human firefighters are setting up the main water line. “It can go into areas that are more dangerous for humans,” LTC Chia explains. When connected to a water supply, it can help SCDF teams save on manpower on the ground.
“I find my work very meaningful, because I get to make a difference to people’s lives while safeguarding Singapore.”
– LTC Chia Shang Yi, recipient of the Local Merit Scholarship under the MHA Uniformed Scholarship
(SCDF) scheme
In addition, the 6th-generation Red Rhino vehicle can now carry 50 litres of compressed air foam, more than five times what a firefighter can carry in a backpack. It is also equipped with Advance Driver Assistance Systems that alert the driver to potential collisions.
These new innovations reflect how far SCDF has enhanced its firefighting and emergency response capabilities using technology and innovation.
“I find my work very meaningful because I get to make a difference in people’s lives while safeguarding Singapore,” says LTC Chia.
“For those who are seeking a life-changing career with purpose, the SCDF offers that opportunity to make an impact on society.”
| About The MHA Uniformed Scholarship Depending on your interests and aspirations, this scholarship will allow you to kick-start your leadership journey as a uniformed officer in one of five Home Team departments: Singapore Police Force (SPF), Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF), Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA), Singapore Prison Service (SPS) and Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB). |
This article is brought to you by the Singapore Civil Defence Force.
