SAF Chief Guards Officer Colonel Nelson Yau resigned suddenly

SINGAPORE – Singapore Arm 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 sudden announcement last Monday after calling for an emergency meeting, reported local newspaper Lianhe Zaobao.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. Apparently, there are two key candidates to take over Colonel Nelson Yau’s duties.

Last March, Colonel Nelson 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.It is understood that Colonel Nelson Yau had been actively planning for NDP since last year.

Colonel Nelson Yau’s resignation came as a shock to the SAF as he had held his post for about a year. Senior SAF officers must give at least three months’ notice before tendering their resignation.An officer who did not want to be named described Colonel Nelson Yau as a smart and approachable leader. If he had stayed on with the forces, it is believed that he will likely get promoted to Brigadier General.

Colonel Nelson Yau was appointed as Chief Guard Officer in Mar 2011. During the Change of Command ceremony, he told his men, “My sense of family spirit and teamwork was nurtured when I was in Guards. The closely knit family stratagem is very important. We must be inclusive of everyone and nurture a core of people with a common purpose. We must engage and energise our people through coaching, nurturing and mentoring.”

According to the media, if Colonel Nelson Yau continues to serve, it is believed that he will be promoted to the rank of Brigadier General this year.Hence, his sudden departure surprises everyone as he has had a great career in SAF and has been busy preparing for this year’s NDP.Given that SAF officers need to give 3 month notice before resigning, it’s unclear where or why he is going.

SAF Chief Guards Officer Col Yau Thian Hock resigned suddenly as Head of NDP for ‘personal reasons’

SAF Chief Guards Officer and Chairman of the Organizing Committee of National Day Parade (NDP) 2012 Colonel Nelson Yau Thian Hock (姚天福) has resigned abruptly from the committee for ‘personal reasons.’ He is also the Commander of the 21st Division.

According to Lianhe Zaobao, Colonel Nelson Yau made the shocking announcement on Monday in an Emergency Meeting to senior members of the NDP organizing committee. Colonel Tan Kok Ming will be taking over his position. It is not revealed if Colonel Nelson Yau is resigning from his positions in SAF as well.

Colonel Nelson Yau was appointed as Chief Guard Officer in March 2011 and was awarded the Public Administration Medal (Silver) during the National Day awards last year.