SAF Chief Guards Officer quits over 'personal reasons'

Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) Chief Guards Officer, Colonel Nelson Yau Thian Hock, has resigned from his post, leaving the Organising Committee of the National Day Parade (NDP) 2012 without a leader.

He made the abrupt announcement last Monday after calling for an emergency meeting.

The Colonel, who is the Commander for the 21 Division, tendered his resignation due to 'personal reasons', said the Chinese daily.

The Ministry of Defence had confirmed his resignation, according to the report.

However, his replacement has not yet been named. But various reports suggests that Colonel Desmond Tan from the Public Affairs Department is the top candidate for the job.

Yau's sudden resignation after holding his post for only one year came as a shock to many, as he was seen as a bright spark with good career prospects ahead.

It is understood that senior SAF officers must give at least three months' notice before tendering their resignation.

Last March, Col Yau took over leadership of the 21 division and was awarded the National Day Public Administration (Silver) (Military) medal.

He was also appointed to helm the National Day Committee responsible for the preparations of the annual parade.

The task of chairing the planning committee is seen as an important one, especially when Singapore is celebrating her 47th anniversary this year. There are high hopes for the celebrations this year, said Shin Min evening daily.

Col Yau had been actively planning for NDP since last year. His departure from the National Day Committee might have "some impact" on the celebrations, said the source.

A SAF officer who did not want to be named described Col Yau as a smart and approachable leader.

In 2003, when he was the Commanding Officer of 1st Battalion Singapore Guards from Jan 2001 to Jun 2003, he led his unit to win the SAF Best Combat Unit Award for the first time in its 35-year history.

From 2005 to 2007, he was appointed Commander 7th Singapore Infantry Brigade (SIB).

In 2005, he was awarded the Commendation Medal (Military), Pingat Penghargaan (PP), at the National Day Awards ceremony.

And just last year, he was again awarded the Public Administration Medal (Silver), Pingat Pentadbiran Awam (PPA), during the National Day Awards 2011.

If Yau had stayed on with SAF, it is believed that he will likely get promoted to Brigadier General this year.

ORIGINAL SOURCE
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