About Me

I’m an aviation enthusiast. I have always been since my teens. I joined Singapore Youth Flying Club for my extra-curricular activity in secondary school. In it, I grew to love aviation, planes and flying through the lessons and simulation sessions. I took on the role of logistics officer in my school’s branch, where I managed maintained the club’s equipment and resources. I also planned the training camps for the members in my school, running the camps with the help of my fellow office bearers and junior leaders. This experience taught me how to manage resources and finances at a young age.

After secondary school, I enrolled into the Aviation Management & Services diploma with Temasek Polytechnic. Through the program, I learnt about the aviation industry – from the various key players like the ICAO and IATA and their roles, to how different aspects of the industry work together.

I also had the opportunity to fly. Instead of taking an internship, I opted to enrol into the Singapore Youth Flying Club Private Pilot’s License program. A simulation is just that, a simulation. The experience of being at the controls up in the skies is unparalleled. One particular flight stood out during my time in the program.

Clouds gathered rather quickly, forcing my instructor to end the flight early due to inclement weather. My instructor took us through the clouds in order to descend quickly and when we exited, I was greeted with another plane climbing towards us. I quickly informed my instructor, who manoeuvred us out of the way. It was a truly sobering experience. This program helped build my situational awareness and communication skills, vital traits for pilots to have, and I left with a much greater appreciation for aviation.

That appreciation led me to Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University where I earned my degree in Aviation Business Administration. During my course of studies, I gained a much deeper understanding of how the aviation industry operated and its role in the global community.

Besides aviation, I came to love marketing and branding through my coursework. I, along with my team, wrote, shot and edited several advertisements, including one for my school. That advertisement was then used for internal presentations. I enjoyed the process of conceptualising and creating adverts that represented the brand in a slightly different manner. It inspired my desire to work with airlines in brand development.

I am now with Singapore Management University pursuing my Masters in Management. Previously, while serving my National Service, I was a Military Police Specialist by vocation. Before that, I took my Diploma in Aviation Management & Services with Temasek Polytechnic after my ‘O’ levels and graduating from St Andrew’s Secondary School.

My other interests include writing, movies, and reading. I hope to one day publish my story, whether traditional or self-published. I also dabble a bit in video editing but nothing fancy. 

I am always in search of interesting stories to read and tell, whether it be fact or fiction.

Footsteps

“I’ll be home soon, Shana.” Lucas hugged his five year-old.

“Where are you going, Papa?” Shana’s untouched innocence stabbed him in his heart.

He pecked her on her forehead and looked her in her eyes. “Take care of Mama until I come back, will you?” Lucas put his wedding ring in her small hands.

Shana nodded.

He stood up and embraced Sara. “I love you.”

“Stay safe,” she whispered.

~

“In a joint declaration with other leaders of the world, Prime Minister Lune announced that the war against the Khelekares has come to an end,” the news reporter said, beaming.

Shana could not wait. Any day now, Papa would be coming through the door. She toyed with the ring she wore on her neck.

A knock on the front door.

Shana rushed to open it, stubbing her toe on a corner. She smiled through the pain. Behind the door was a man and a woman, both in neat and fitting clothes. The man had a hat in his arms and the woman had her hat folded and tucked on her shoulder. Her face dropped.

“Hi there,” the man said with a smile. It seemed off, but Shana could not figure out why. “Is your mummy home?”

“Y-yes,” Shana squeaked. She turned around to call for Mama but she was already coming towards the door. She pat Shana on the head.

“Darling, could you please wait for me in your room?”

Shana nodded and walked towards the bedrooms, stopping before she entered to look at their guests. The last thing she saw was Mama shaking their hands and inviting them in.

She sat on her bed, wondering what Mama was talking about with the two. Maybe they were telling her when Papa would be coming back. Or where they could go to meet-

A scream sent chills through her.

~

“I thought I’d find you here.”

Kane leaned against the railing beside Shana, and handed her a coffee.

“Thanks.” She sipped the hot cuppa. She was glad she wore her jacket. The river breeze blew her inky black hair into her eyes.

“Penny for your thoughts?”

“I don’t feel like talking about it.” Shana glared at the Khelekares carcass across the YaLu river. Its two hind legs pierced through the water, into the riverbed the other six legs dug deep in the ground of Lu Dong city, all connected at the thorax of the alien, beetle-like creature. Its body casting a shadow that covered the entire city.

“Well, if you ain’t going to talk, I will,” Kane said. “I spoke to Horace, you’re off the hook.”

Shana hid her surprise by taking a long drink.

“There is, however, one condition.” He pulled a patch out of his pocket and handed it to her. It had a crossed scimitar and torch, circled with laurels. Shana knew it, it was too good to be true.

“I’d rather they throw me into detention.”

“No, you don’t.”

She threw Kane a look. He met her eyes and stared, pushing the patch towards her. She sighed and took the patch. “No, I don’t.”

“I’ll see you in camp.” He pat her on the shoulder and walked away.

Shana took out a patch from her pocket. It had the same insignia as the one Kane handed her, except it was worn and tattered. She ran her thumb over the frayed embroidery then affixed it on the velcro on her left sleeve. She rolled the ring on her index finger, staring at the carcass.

Author’s Note:

The inspiration for this piece is this wonderful art work by wlop on DeviantArt.
It is also set in the same world as my other piece: He prayed.