NSmen among 88 honorary aides-de-camp reappointed, with 24 new ones added to corps

For Major Muhammed Saufi Abdul Rashid, serving the Office of the President for the past three years has been an opportunity to witness history.

- Ng Wei Kai

As an honorary aide-de-camp (HADC) to the president, he has played a role in executing national events such as the swearing-in of Singapore's new Cabinet on May 23 at the Istana.

The 37-year-old told The Straits Times: "You cannot purchase this experience with money. The satisfaction is something that you cannot replace."

Maj Saufi, who is a deputy commander in the Singapore Civil Defence Force and a technical specialist at medical technology company Medtronic Singapore Operations, is part of a group of officers drawn from the Republic's uniformed services. The group comprises both regulars and national servicemen like himself.

HADCs support a group of four full-time aides-de-camp in planning, managing and executing functions and events attended by the President. They serve in this role on top of their main appointments or civilian jobs, typically serving for three years, and can be reappointed thereafter.

On May 26, he was one of 88 HADCs reappointed to the role by President Tharman Shanmugaratnam at a ceremony held at the Ministry of Defence headquarters in Bukit Gombak.

Speaking at the event, the President highlighted Maj Saufi's story as an example of the rich diversity of backgrounds and experiences among this year's appointees.