Message to Platoon 4...

Dear Platoon 4,

You all are possibly my greatest achievement/ pain/ joy/ everything else that comes in-between, that has happened to me as a BB45^th Company Primer.

I have since become emotionally invested in each and every one of you all. When you all achieve success, I feel that I have succeeded too. Ever since day one as recruits, I have never settled for anything but the very best effort from all of you. Everything I do is for a reason, when I scold and punish, it’s all coming from me wanting the best for you all. Even after half of the platoon became members of the 2017/18 NCO Council, I still constantly challenged the platoon and NCO council in ways that pushed the boundaries of what you all are comfortable with, and to keep everyone on their feet as leaders of the Company. I would have never allowed you all to be simply be as good as me, because I want you all to be even better than I ever was. Looking at the platoon’s many accomplishments and how much each and every one of you have grown from childish and shy platoon 1 Boys to reliable and respectable seniors, I can proudly say that you all certainly did not disappoint and I couldn’t be happier to be your Platoon Commander.

However, being emotionally invested is also probably the worst thing that can happen. This means that it is harder for me say goodbye. Saying you all are just simply mentees of mine would be a major understatement. Over the last four years, you all have become friends and younger brothers that I never had. Every parade, every camp, memories and moments that we have built collectively over the last four years have become immensely valuable to me, and they will stay with me forever.

Upon graduation, you all will be moving to a next stage in life. The following are two points that I want to remind you as you leave the school and the Company.

Opportunities. Do not be shy and let them slip by. Be proactive, and if you feel something is right for you, don’t wait. The timing will never be just right. Instead of waiting for something to come to you, why not go towards it? I understand that not knowing what could happen next can be frightening at times. However, if you don’t take risks outside of your comfort zone and try, you simply will never know what could have happened if only you did. Never ever allow yourself to look back in regret thinking “if only I did that”, because no one but yourself can truly control how you lead your life.

Gratitude. Your family, your teachers, your friends. Always remember those who have supported you through your journey. And when you do succeed, let them know that you are grateful even through simple gestures such as a thank you. Also, give back to the causes you believe in. It is truly heart-warming to see shared values and knowledge being kept alive, and passed on to the next generation.

To conclude my thoughts, it would be the word 'experience'. Being in 45th is more than just drills, camps, and push-ups. It's the bond, the brotherhood and the values that has shaped you over the past 4 years that will hopefully serve you well in the future. I do believe that be it big or small, everyone has learnt something valuable and this experience that we have crafted as one will be something special that you will never forget.

Platoon 4, the past 4 years have truly been an honour of mine and I would gladly do it all over again with you all if I ever could. Thank you.

- Jia Liang