Hero banner for Lessons That Last A Lifetime
Teachers do more than impart knowledge. When someone needs guidance, they adapt their approach to help them find their footing.
For Teacher's Day, we spoke with SCDF instructor, WO2 Abdul Halim Bin Ahmad, who nurtures the next generation of SCDF emergency responders.
With 21 years in the SCDF, WO2 Abdul Halim Bin Ahmad has spent much of his career training and mentoring officers. PHOTO: SCDF
With nine years of frontline experience as a Section Commander at Jurong Fire Station and later as a Deputy Rota Commander at Ang Mo Kio Fire Station, WO2 Halim translates his operational experience to his role as an instructor.
He has spent more than a decade in training roles, including as an instructor for the Rota Commander Course at the Civil Defence Academy and as a Senior Training Specialist at Central Fire Station.
Since 2022, he has been an instructor with the Basic Rescue Training Branch at the Civil Defence Academy, where he trains full-time National Servicemen newly enlisted into SCDF.
For WO2 Halim, becoming an instructor felt like a natural progression.
“Through my various postings, I realised that learning is a lifelong process and that I enjoy teaching people. As instructors, we learn from our colleagues and sometimes even our recruits. You may think that you are using the best method, but when you see someone approach things differently, you realise there is always a better way,” he said.
Upon enlistment, SCDF recruits who do not meet the required fitness standards undergo the two-month Physical Training Phase to build up their fitness before progressing to Basic Rescue Training.
Over the weeks, WO2 Halim has seen his recruits make significant progress. Initially struggling to complete a 2.4km run, many have improved their timings significantly and gained confidence in themselves.
“Progress does not happen overnight. We consistently encourage them not to give up and to give their best. When they see their own improvement, it gives them the affirmation and motivation to keep going,” he said.
Beyond physical training, WO2 Halim helps his recruits adjust to a new environment.
“The transition from civilian life into a regimental environment may be challenging for some of them. We have to be patient, empathise with them, and give them time to adjust to NS life,” he said.
“We must pay attention to the small details. We observe their body language and look out for changes in their behaviour. Some recruits may be more reserved, so a simple question like ‘Are you okay?’ or ‘Is there anything we can help you with?’ can help them to open up,” he added.
He has also learnt that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to teaching.
“Every generation is different, with its own strengths and challenges. As instructors, we need to understand them as individuals and find the best way to connect with them,” WO2 Halim said. “As we help them ease into NS, we also instil discipline, integrity, respect, and responsibility.”
These values are inculcated through daily routines such as wearing the uniform with pride, being punctual, and showing respect to everyone around them.
For WO2 Halim, teaching his recruits is a continuous process of learning and self-discovery. PHOTO: SCDF
“Skills can be taught during training, but values shape how a person carries out their duties and interacts with others. As emergency responders, we must always be professional, look out for one another, and serve with sincerity,” WO2 Halim said firmly.
These are lessons he learnt from an instructor who left a lasting impression on him - the late SWO1 (Ret) Mohd Salleh Ali, also known as Encik Agayle, who had served as a Regimental Sergeant Major at the Civil Defence Academy from 1999 to 2020.
“Encik Agayle was strict, but he carried out his duties with passion and was always willing to share his knowledge with us. He was someone I looked up to,” WO2 Halim recalled.
Years later, that influence is seen in the way WO2 Halim approaches his own role. Teaching recruits with different personalities, backgrounds, and learning styles has taught him to become a better communicator.
“Every recruit learns differently, so I have to adapt my approach and understand their perspectives. At the same time, I have to recognise their effort and improvement. As instructors, we should continue learning and growing alongside our recruits,” WO2 Halim said.
“Knowing that the recruits we train today will eventually become emergency responders on the frontline keeps me motivated to continue teaching,” he added. “It is satisfying to see them become stronger, more confident, and eventually develop into proficient SCDF officers who take pride in their work. Seeing them achieve something they once thought impossible is truly rewarding.”
Over the years, he has seen some of his recruits go on to serve on the frontline and later pursue careers as SCDF Regular Officers.
“Whenever they return to the Civil Defence Academy, they would greet us. Seeing how much they have grown is truly heartwarming,” he said with a smile.
For WO2 Halim, the greatest reward is knowing that the lessons that he has shared with his recruits will continue to guide them long after they leave the academy.
To all SCDF instructors, thank you for your dedication to nurturing the next generation of SCDF officers. Happy Teacher’s Day!