Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) Karen Tan, with her
husband and two sons.
Of the 502 officers promoted during a ceremony held in the Ministry
of Defence on 28 Jun, rewriting history is Lieutenant Colonel (LTC)
Karen Tan, who has become the first female colonel in the
SAF.
Reflecting on this milestone, LTC Tan, who is Commander of the
Central Manpower Base, said: When I joined the SAF in 1981, I
really did not know how far I could go. All I could do was my
best."
As I became more exposed to the SAF and my seniority grew, I
realised that the SAF was much more open and it would only be a
matter of time before a female got promoted to the colonel rank. It
just never crossed my mind that I would be the one!
When asked if she thought of herself as a role model for young
female officers, LTC Tan said modestly: I do not actually! But I
do know that the younger lady officers do look at me, probably to
see the opportunities I have been given, and to study my management
or leadership style.
Like most working mothers, LTC Tan, who has two young sons,
balances the demands of office and home. She said with a laugh that
her sons always ask for more of her time, to play with them.
Nonetheless, her elder son, aged eight, is aware of his mother's
new rank. Although he does not say it, I can tell from the way he
talks and the questions he asks, that he is very proud! said LTC
Tan.
courtesy of cyberpioneer
