DOTC Team Retreat A Behind the Scenes Look at How an Air Base Operates

The Digital Ops-Tech Centre (DOTC) team embarked on an insightful retreat to Sembawang Air Base. This event provided a rare opportunity for the team to gain a deeper understanding of the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) and its critical role in safeguarding the nation’s airspace.

Setting the Stage: Reflection and Vision

Before delving into the activities at the air base, the team gathered for a self-actualisation exercise led by Howard Hung, Head of Corporate Services. He encouraged everyone to reflect on their key values and relate those values to aspects of DOTC that they wished to preserve or pursue. This exercise set a thoughtful tone for the retreat, reminding the team of their shared purpose and commitment to national defence and excellence.

Following this, James Kwek, Head of DOTC, addressed the team, reinforcing DOTC's vision, mission, and values. He spoke about DOTC’s pivotal role in driving digital transformation within the SAF and discussed with the team on the key focus areas for DOTC in the year ahead.

Immersive Experience at the Control Tower

A highlight of the visit was the visit to the air base's control tower to learn more about the RSAF’s operations. From this vantage point, the team observed firsthand the precision and coordination required for air traffic management within a military aerodrome. RSAF personnel shared insights into their operational processes and rigorous protocols, showcasing the close integration of technology and human expertise in ensuring the safety and efficiency of flying operations.

Vijey Ng, software engineer at DOTC, shared his experience of visiting the control tower:

"Visiting a control tower for the first time was an exciting experience. It was impressive to see the team operating like a well-oiled machine. While there were many lessons to take away from this short visit, what stood out most to me was how they had digitalised their processes. Previously, they used a physical whiteboard with movable magnets to track operations. Now, they’ve transitioned to a touchscreen interface where icons can be slid around seamlessly. This upgrade introduced features like real-time synchronisation across multiple boards and automatic warnings when things were out of place. It was enlightening to see how much the user experience could be improved while still maintaining a familiar workflow."

Eunice Lee, product manager at DOTC, reflected on the broader operational insights gained:

"It was a fascinating experience visiting the airbase, and eye-opening to learn how so many different squadrons come together to support one mission. I gleaned insights on the difficulties and risks of certain tasks, and gained a lot of respect for the honourable men involved in keeping our air space safe every single day. Being able to visit the control tower allowed me to link what was shared at the briefing with the actual operations."

Understanding RSAF Operations

Beyond the control tower, the team gained an appreciation for the complexity of managing a high-readiness air base, with RSAF officers explaining the importance of continuous learning and adaptability.

A Glimpse into SAF Life at Chong Pang Camp

As part of their visit, the team had lunch at the air base’s cookhouse, offering them a brief but insightful look into the day-to-day environment of RSAF personnel. This moment provided a sense of the camaraderie and routines that are part of life on base, giving a small window into military life.

Reflections on the Experience

This retreat not only deepened the team's appreciation of the role the RSAF plays in national security, but also allowed the team to observe first hand how technology can be closely integrated into operations to enhance operational efficiency and safety.

As DOTC continues to drive digital transformation in the SAF, experiences like this allow our team to have a more in-depth understanding of SAF operations, which will help them develop better products for operational users.

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