Officer upgrades his skills at ITE after 30 years with SAF

This article was contributed by the Institute of Technical Education (ITE).

Alex Poh Chee Chen
Work-Study Diploma in Logistics & Supply Chain Management @ ITE College East
Recipient of Singapore National Employers Federation Gold Medal

Back to School 

For over 30 years, Alex Poh built a career with the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF). It was a job he enjoyed but one thing bothered him – his academic qualifications were stagnant for three decades. Though the SAF offered him opportunities to upgrade his skills, he declined due to work and family commitments.  

When the Work-Study Diploma (WSDip) programme was launched, it offered Alex what he wanted – recognition of his work experience, a dedicated study day without disrupting his work or family schedule, and skills upgrading. He grabbed the chance. During the course, Alex gained a deeper understanding in his field, enabling him to better contribute and work more effectively. For his impressive performance in class and at work, and the tenacity and leadership demonstrated during the course, Alex was awarded the Singapore National Employers Federation Gold Medal. 

Positive Learning Experience 

“I may have missed out on furthering my studies in my younger days, but the WSDip enabled me to re-join, re-learn, and re-experience studying again. It was truly challenging and tough when the course started. The thought of going back to school and coping with school work after 30 years bothered me quite a fair bit. But with the support and understanding from my family, batch mates, superiors and lecturers, my learning journey was a very fruitful and enriching one.” 

After ITE 

The skills Alex picked up during his WSDip, and his stellar performance during the training, have given his superiors the confidence to assign him more responsibilities. Previously a System  Development Warrant Officer, he has since been appointed Officer Commanding (Designate) for  Transport Centre (North), 1st SAF Transport Battalion. Alex has also been appointed Combat  Service Support Warrant Officer of the Changi Regional Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster  Relief Coordination Centre, on top of his primary role. 

Top Achievements  

• Alex was an exemplary trainee both on campus and at work. For his excellent work attitude and outstanding performance, he was awarded the Gold Course Medal for his WSDip course in 2021. 

• During his training, Alex received The Letter of Commendation from his Commander in 2020.  

• The WSDip gave Alex a wider perspective on the changing trends in supply chain management and kept him abreast on the latest in innovation and automation in the logistics industry. This knowledge helped sharpen Alex’s problem-solving skills, enabling him to optimise operational processes and work more effectively.