Cher Zhong Ming

I first visited DSO National Laboratories (DSO) a couple of years back, during one of the Open Houses that they organised for students. DSO is Singapore’s national defence research and development (R&D) laboratory. During the visit, I was impressed by the cutting-edge technologies that their research engineers were working on to help the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) protect and defend our nation.

This led me to do a DSO-URECA project during my second year in NTU. That project sparked my interest in radar technology and applied research! So when the time came to pick a company for me to do my IA, DSO was one of my top choices. I knew that interning there would give me the opportunity to explore my interest in that area and to experience what R&D is like in a defence organisation.

At DSO, I was attached to the Sensors Division, which conducts R&D in a wide range of sensor technologies for the SAF, including radar. I was inspired by the researchers that I worked with ?their intelligence, strong technical ability and passion for the innovations that they developed were obvious from the onset. They were also helpful in immersing me into DSO’s working environment by involving me in project trials and sharing the results and insights with me. It was a very good learning experience, and I don’t think any other IA student had the chance to go out on trials until 1 or 2 am in the morning!

My IA at DSO was fun, particularly with fellow NTU interns. Though each of us were in different areas, we met up often and bonded throughout this period. There were also activities and events planned by the Human Resource Department, specifically to help the IA students feel at home, such as the Orientation for interns, IA Retreat, and even grooming and presentation courses. I was surprised, and touched by the amount of effort that DSO put into arranging these activities for us. We even got to participate in the festivities of their Lunar New Year celebrations.

One of the more interesting side projects we interns had, was being split into various teams to build a plane (or a makeshift Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) to participate in a competition during the IA retreat. It really tested our engineering skills. Our effort was slightly disastrous in the end, as my group’s plane did not fly more than five metres. More important than the end result however, was the process. We came up with all sorts of ideas to make the plane fly faster and further, including putting ‘Mentos?candy into baking soda, using a water pump, and even finding ways to gain access to the “classified?ideas of other groups.

The final three months of my IA was spent in France. From May to July 2007, I was attached to two DSO staff conducting research there. As it was my first time in Europe, it was quite a culture shock to me. Going to France without knowing how to speak French was difficult. During my stay there, it made me understand how it felt like to be surrounded by people who speak a language which you cannot comprehend at all. As I was there during their presidential election period, I also experienced the resulting riots first-hand. It made me realise that many things are taken for granted in Singapore. It was pretty scary to watch people becoming so agitated that they would set vehicles on fire and smash windows.

Thankfully the two DSO researchers were there to guide me around. Despite some of these heart-thumping moments, I truly enjoyed my attachment in France. It gave me the opportunity to interact and learn from the researchers there. Finally, one thing I discovered from my time in France is that I still can’t cook, even though I prepared my own dinner every day for three months!

What I learnt during my IA has really allowed me to apply the knowledge I learnt in school to practical use. My attachment in DSO also fuelled my passion in the field of radar and more importantly, cemented my desire to pursue a career in R&D.

I have accepted DSO’s SpOnsorship for Aspiring Researchers (SOAR), which sponsors my final year of study in exchange for a one-year service obligation to the organisation after graduation. With the great working environment and the wonderful eye-opening opportunities that I was given, I really look forward to working in DSO when I graduate!

The article first appeared in the January 2008 issue of CAREERtracks Magazine, published by Nanyang Technological University.

Adele Chong

The initial thought of doing my internship in DSO, a well-known research company, evoked feelings of excitement and nervousness. But this was soon dispelled by the warm greetings received from the staff who organised an enjoyable orientation for us. This orientation not only introduced us to other IA students, but also sparked the bloom of friendship between us.

In the Applied Physics Lab that I was posted to, the working environment was like a family working hand in hand, and everyone was always more than willing to share their knowledge and provide help. Their passion for their work can be deeply felt and this evoked my own passion in the field of research. This is also largely attributed to my supervisor, who placed great trust in me. Despite her tight schedule, she would always try to take time to share with me her personal experience.

These 6 memorable months spent in DSO has made me realise that this is the place I would want to work in. I felt that the company will provide me the opportunity to learn and develop both my technical and interpersonal skills. Hence, after my graduation, I chose a career with DSO.

Currently, I am working in the Advanced Communications Lab. Although I have only been working for a few months, both my department and supervisor have provided me ample learning opportunities. I greatly appreciate the help and understanding from my supervisors and other colleagues in DSO. I’d encourage other undergraduates/graduates to join this big DSO family, which will provide an eye-opening experience.

Wilson Teo Wei Shun
Final Year Electrical & Electronic Engineering student, Nanyang Technological University

When I heard of the DSO SpOnsorship for Aspiring Researchers (SOAR), I applied for it without much hesitation. My interest in defence research was first sparked when I undertook the DSO-URECA programme in NTU. Through this programme, I learnt of the importance of Defence R&D and the role it plays in providing leading-edge technologies that can enhance the operational effectiveness of the Singapore Armed Forces.

The SOAR experience has been great so far. Currently, for my final year project, I am working closely with a researcher from DSO’s Guided Systems Division on the project requirements. I am glad to be able to learn from the experienced researchers and mentors, and I also look forward to a rewarding career with DSO after graduation.

Sharon Chang Ci’En
Final Year Science (Applied Physics) student,
National University of Singapore

As part of the SOAR award, I was attached to the Microsystems Laboratory while in DSO. My mentors were very passionate about their work, and were always friendly and approachable with a good sense of humour. This helped to keep the spirits and momentum up in the lab. They taught me not only research skills, but also life skills, and I appreciate them for taking me under their wings.

Of the numerous scholarships or sponsorships available, I have to say the DSO SOAR is very attractive and unique. It really allows one to experience the various facets of R&D, and through it, I became sure that defence research was what I wanted to pursue after graduation.

Neo Jia Ling
Final Year Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering student, Nanyang Technological University

DSO SOAR is the perfect choice for me. Since I have always been interested in R&D, I get to experience being at the forefront of science and technology with DSO. I was also able to do my Industrial Attachment with DSO and benefit from the challenging and nurturing work environment.

The best part is: DSO really makes you feel at home. Apart from learning and research work, we also got to participate in various organisation-wide recreation activities and soak in the vibrant atmosphere!