Lim Zhao-Yi

The youngest in her family of five, 23-year old Lim Zhao-Yi grew up listening to the stories of her father when he was still serving in the Singapore Army. His stories allowed Zhao-Yi to appreciate National Service and the huge task that most Singaporean boys go through. She’s amazed by the camaraderie which her father still shares with his Officer Cadet buddies and their annual meet-ups despite the fact that her father is nearly 70. “I’ve always shared with the people around me that I would love to do my part for Singapore too. So when I saw the news about the Singapore Armed Forces Volunteer Corps (SAFVC), I knew it was time for me to walk the talk,” she said.

Yet her journey has not been an easy one. Her ever-protective mother, having witnessed Zhao-Yi’s two elder sisters sustain injuries from gymnastics and dance activities in their school, decided that it would be better off for Zhao-Yi to steer clear from activities that seemed to increase her risk of injuries. Till this day, she could still recall her mother’s advice: “Just join the choir. Stand up and sing. Fewer injuries!”

Prior to joining the SAFVC, Zhao-Yi encountered some weight issues during her internship days and a random check -up in school made her realise that her blood pressure was not ideal. “It was a wake-up call to take my health more seriously. I mean…I’m still so young.” The life-changing incident and perhaps her life-changing decision to join the SAFVC made her adopt a more active lifestyle. Today, the 23-year old figure-skates regularly and enjoys participating in half-marathons.

Zhao-Yi opted for the SAFVC’s modular Basic Training (BT) as it allowed her to attend BT without disrupting her studies at Nanyang Technology University (NTU). For her, attending the Pulau Tekong Field Camp was the most memorable. “Field Camp week was especially tough and memorable to me as it coincided with NTU’s ‘Hell Week’ where all my Mid-Term papers and projects were due. I felt mentally and physically stretched but overcoming these challenges was worth it.”

Out in the jungle during Field Camp was where she realised how an everyday item like instant noodles can transform into absolute bliss. “People always tend to have instant noodles when they’re feeling lazy, but out there (in the field), it’s different. To have that warm meal… it’s like heaven.” Another important life lesson she learnt during her time in the SAFVC was: “One for all, all for one” and she quips, “Completing BT has made me significantly tougher and more resilient; and I’ve learnt that no matter how tired you are, you have to think about others.”

Zhao-Yi serves as an Auxiliary Security Trooper and is proud to be a part of the SAFVC, and when asked if there’s anybody in particular she’d like to thank, she said: “My family has been very supportive, especially my dad, although he doesn’t give out compliments freely, I do hope that he is secretly proud of me.”

Background information

Lim Zhao-Yi
Undergraduate Student
Singapore Citizen
SAFVC role: Auxiliary Security Trooper