http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/209132/1/.html
Istana gets first female full-time
aide-de-camp
The Istana, Singapore's Presidential Office, gets its first-ever
full-time female aide-de-camp (ADC) to the President.
She is 31-year-old Major Poh Li San from the Air Force.
Called the President's men and women, the honorary ADCs play a key
role in the numerous ceremonies which take place at the
Istana.
Their duties range from receiving guests and introducing them to
Singapore's leaders, and accompanying leaders from other countries
when they visit.
The usual period for the tour of duty for an honorary ADC is three
years.
But some of them go on to continue in what is called the core group
which will stay on as a group of seniors who will guide the new
ones into performing their duties.
But two individuals, who received their appointments from the
President on Friday, will play a slightly different role.
They will work full time at the President's office.
One of them is Major Stahlman Errol.
He said: "When it comes to functions and ceremonies, his
responsibility would be to ensure that the functions are executed
with precision in order to preserve the honour and prestige of the
President".
For Major Poh, she makes history with the ADC fraternity, being the
first woman to be named a full-time ADC.
She said: "This is a very important and significant step forward
for the female officers in the SAF and the Police Force."
Before becoming an ADC, Major Poh had to go through a short
training stint.
She said: "We were taught the history of the Istana, the roles of
the ADCs as well as protocol matters given by the specialists in
the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. That was useful for us."
Nearly 90 honorary ADCs received their appointments from the
President on Friday. - CNA/ir
