Why This 52-Year-Old Australian Volunteers With The Singapore Army | Singapore Hour

Key Concepts

• Singapore Armed Forces Volunteer Corps (SAFVC): A volunteer component of the Singapore Armed Forces, allowing citizens and Permanent Residents to contribute to national defense.
• National Service (NS): Mandatory military service for male Singaporean citizens and Permanent Residents.
• Exercise Walaby: A military exercise conducted in Australia involving SAFVC personnel.
• Technological Advancement & Future Industries: Focus on AI, manufacturing, and supply chain technologies.
• Integration & Belonging: Stephanie’s desire to connect with colleagues through shared experiences like NS and contribute to Singaporean society.
• Personal Safety & Security: A key factor in Stephanie’s preference for living in Singapore compared to Australia.
• Durian: A Southeast Asian fruit, initially disliked by the interviewee but later embraced through exposure and cultural immersion.

Stephanie Krishnan: A Life in Singapore & Service

This video presents a personal narrative of Stephanie Krishnan, a 52-year-old member of the Singapore Armed Forces Volunteer Corps (SAFVC), detailing her journey of integration into Singaporean society and her commitment to national service. The video interweaves personal anecdotes, professional insights, and reflections on her experiences living in both Australia and Singapore.

Early Volunteering & SAFVC Experience

Stephanie first encountered advertisements for the SAFVC in 2015, coinciding with the formation of the volunteer call. She successfully completed the interview and medical testing processes, enlisting in June 2017. She demonstrates her commitment by showcasing her “go to duty container” and commemorative patches, including one from Exercise Walaby in Rockhampton, Australia (October 2025). During Exercise Walaby, she served as a security trooper, experiencing a moment of national pride when challenged about her uniform by a civilian, to which she responded by emphasizing her responsibility as a migrant to contribute to Singapore’s defense. She highlights the camaraderie built during basic training and leadership courses, sharing photos with her section buddies.

Connecting Through National Service & Workplace Dynamics

Stephanie explains that her decision to join the SAFVC was partly motivated by a desire to connect with colleagues in her male-dominated professional fields (logistics and technology). Conversations at work frequently revolved around National Service (NS) experiences, and she felt excluded from these discussions. She states, “Being able to be included in that was actually quite important.” She views volunteering as a way to “give back” and contribute to the protection of national security, recognizing that peace and prosperity depend on a strong defense.

Physical Training & SAFVC Activities

The video includes footage of a “run and gun” or laser tag activity in 2026, an SAFVC event designed to maintain physical fitness for duty. Stephanie emphasizes the physical demands of the SAFVC, recalling that joining at age 44 was “probably the hardest physical thing I’d done in my life,” citing carrying up to 25 kilos of equipment up five flights of stairs as a significant challenge.

Professional Life & Technological Focus

Stephanie works as an Associate Vice President with a market research firm, specializing in the manufacturing and supply chain industries. Her role involves identifying emerging technologies, particularly Artificial Intelligence (AI), and advising organizations on their implementation. She notes, “AI is the way to solve those problems.” She chose to live in Singapore due to its advanced technological infrastructure, specifically mentioning the availability of high-speed internet options (3 Gbits or 10 Gbits per second).

Cultural Immersion & Food Experiences

The video features a lighthearted segment with friends reminiscing about past experiences, including a shared memory of trying laksa in Australia. Stephanie’s journey with durian, a pungent Southeast Asian fruit, is a recurring theme. Initially repulsed by the smell (“smelt like damp smelly salts”), she was gradually introduced to it through durian puffs and cake, eventually becoming a devoted enthusiast, consuming it “5 days a week” at one point. Her friends playfully acknowledge her strong preference for durian.

Safety, Security & Sense of Home

A pivotal aspect of Stephanie’s narrative is her comparison of safety and security between Australia and Singapore. She recounts a mugging and home invasion in Sydney before relocating to Singapore. In contrast, she describes feeling safe enough to witness a woman walking her baby at 3:00 a.m. in Singapore, a scenario she believes would be unthinkable in Sydney. She highlights the normalcy of such scenes, noting that Singaporeans often take this safety for granted. She participated in a competition along the Green Corridor at 2:00-3:00 am, something she wouldn’t have done in Australia.

Stephanie expresses a deep connection to Singapore, stating, “Now my home is here. I built a life here. It’s a home that I love. And yeah, I’m here for good.” She acknowledges her fondness for both Australia and Singapore but ultimately prioritizes the life she has established in Singapore.

Perspectives from Friends & Colleagues

Friends and colleagues offer insights into Stephanie’s personality and transformation. They describe her initial impression as “prim and proper” but were surprised to learn of her SAFVC involvement. One colleague jokingly asked if she knew how to use a gun. They acknowledge her dedication and physical resilience, describing her as someone who “tests yourself like nobody.” They also highlight her openness to new experiences, like embracing durian.

Synthesis & Conclusion

Stephanie Krishnan’s story is a compelling illustration of integration, commitment, and the pursuit of a fulfilling life. Her decision to join the SAFVC was driven by a desire to connect with her community, contribute to national security, and challenge herself physically. Her professional expertise in technology and her embrace of Singaporean culture, particularly its diverse cuisine, demonstrate her adaptability and openness. Ultimately, the video portrays Singapore as a safe, technologically advanced, and welcoming environment that Stephanie has wholeheartedly embraced as her home. Her narrative underscores the importance of national service, community involvement, and the value of finding a place where one feels secure and connected.