One thing that recent Barbie movies have taught us is that women experience different difficulties every day. Especially for women in male-dominated industries, it is difficult to avoid certain stereotypes and misconceptions.
In Singapore, serving the country is usually something only men do, and they must do compulsory military service for two years with the option to continue.
However, Ms Pauline Ang, a Class 5 military professional, did not hesitate to join the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) after graduating from university at the age of 24, shocking those around her.
She has been an engineer in the Singapore Air Force for over 13 years, from taking on various jobs, to dealing with stereotypes, and finally striking a balance between family and work.
Image source: Zula
When he grew up, he decided to join the Air Force
"What are you going to do after graduation?" This is a question that college students often hear while waiting to graduate.
Unlike most people, Pauline was convinced from an early age that she would grow up working in aviation. So when she chose to pursue an aerospace engineering degree at Nanyang Technological University, the people around her were not surprised.
"When I was pursuing my degree, I got the opportunity to intern at a commercial company. I didn't really like that job because it was a job where you had to sit at a desk and didn't interact much with people. That's when I knew I wanted a job that could be more proactive, even though I was an introvert. ”
Later, the Singapore Air Force came to Pauline's school to hold events. Inspired by them, Pauline chose to join the Air Force rather than a commercial engineering firm like her classmates did.
"I don't feel pressured because I'm a person who doesn't change a decision once he makes up his mind."
Pauline's friends were shocked by her decision because it wasn't the usual route for female engineers. But her family, especially her mother, was fully supportive.
Held various positions in the Air Force
Now 37 years old, Pauline is an Air Force Engineer (AFE) in the Singapore Air Force. As part of AFE's responsibilities, Pauline leads the team in maintaining and repairing aircraft, systems and equipment to ensure everything is in order. She focuses on the F-16 fighter jet as well as the G550-AEW airborne AWACS aircraft.
▲ Pauline (4th from left) Aircrew and ground crew with F-16D fighters
While this may sound like a lot of technical expertise, Pauline says she also has the opportunity to develop her other skills.
"During these 13 years, I have held many different positions in the Fifth Aeronautical Engineering and Logistics Group (AELG). The Singapore Air Force has given me many opportunities to grow and helped me develop leadership skills that can be applied in both work and life. ”
Pauline with the 5th Aviation Engineering and Logistics Group in front of G550 AWACS aircraft and F-16C/D fighters
Public speaking is almost every introvert's nightmare. During her tenure as Commander (OC) of the 5 AELG, Pauline led a team of 70 people, which is not an easy task for an introvert. Since then, she has overcome many fears.
In 2018, Pauline was named Honorary Adjutant to the President (HADC), an honor she was both surprised and honored to receive.
Pauline and her mother attend the re-election ceremony of the Honorary Adjutant to the President (HADC).
"As HADC, we represent the highest office in Singapore when we perform our duties at ceremonial events. It's especially important to show grace under pressure, as there are many unpredictable challenges during the event.
I also had the opportunity to interact and build friendships with other HADCs from other uniformed departments, such as SPF and SCDF. ”
Women in male-dominated industries
Pauline has also had the opportunity to work in the Singapore Armed Forces Women's Outreach Office, which was set up as a centralized office to focus on women's outreach and female military initiatives, including improving the working environment for female military personnel.
With significantly fewer women in the military, some small details may go unnoticed. Pauline's team has made great strides in implementing policies and initiatives to help female service members.
Pauline attends the event with five of her Aeronautical Engineering & Logistics Group colleagues
One of the things she is most proud of is helping to establish the Singapore Armed Forces Women Service Network, a strong, close-knit network of female soldiers within the Singapore Armed Forces.
"It's very exciting to meet other women who share my goals, passions and struggles. So we often communicate with each other, share skills, and encourage each other. ”
This feeling is not easy for Pauline, as she has to confront stereotypes about women in male-dominated industries. Like some of her friends and family believed, she was less active in college and quieter, so she shouldn't be able to lead others well.
"But I always believed that facts speak louder than words, so I proved their point of view wrong through excellent performances in various jobs."
Balance family and work
Asked about people who have supported her during her service in the Air Force, Pauline did not hesitate to mention her husband. The two are college classmates who confirmed their relationship in 2006 and finally tied the knot in 2014.
Pauline and her husband, Mr. Nick Leow, are training at the camp
In addition to her various roles in the Air Force, Pauline also plays an important role in the family - mother. They have two sons, ages 8 and 2, which means Pauline has to find the perfect balance between family and work.
She admits that this is the biggest challenge in her 13 years in the industry.
Pauline and her family
Pauline recalls that during her time as OC, she had to wake up at 6 a.m. every day to prepare breakfast for the family before starting the day. Most of the time, she leaves work at 6 p.m., picks up the kids from school, and prepares dinner for them. She couldn't rest for a moment, she could only go full speed.
But Pauline's schedule wasn't always fixed, night shifts and schedule changes were all part of military life.
"I am really grateful to my husband, who is able to stick to the house whenever my schedule changes. He was always so patient, understanding and supportive, so I could work easily. ”
Plans for the future
Pauline is currently pursuing a full-time Master of Industrial and Systems Engineering with funding from the Singapore Air Force. Just before she started her master's degree, she gave birth to her second child. Since she is now studying instead of working, she feels that balancing time with her family is a little easier for her.
Pauline and her family at the 2016 promotion ceremony
It's a fresh start, and Pauline is determined to excel in her studies, just as she does at work. After working for a long time, it was difficult to get back on campus again, but there were two main reasons why she chose to do so.
"First of all, it's for my personal achievements. Secondly, I hope to gain more knowledge and contribute further to my organization. ”
For other women who don't dare to venture into the Air Force, Pauline hopes to encourage them to be brave and do so.
"If you feel like something worth trying, continue to unleash your enthusiasm and take on the challenge, and you will have many surprises in the future as part of your life journey."
▲Air Force Open Day 2023
An inspirational quote from Obama has always inspired her to keep going: "If we wait for someone else or time, change won't come." So we ourselves are the change we seek. ”
This statement resonates with me because I have always believed that people need to be responsible and proactive in order to bring about the change we want to see. It's a call to call and self-empowerment. ”
Pauline, who has served in the Air Force for more than 13 years, is once again convinced that women can excel in their jobs.
Reflecting on her experience in the Air Force over the past 13 years, Pauline said, "I am honoured and proud to have made a meaningful contribution to the defence of Singapore. I hope to inspire more women to join me by sharing my own experiences, good and bad times, and how I overcame them. ”