In Singapore, National Service (NS) is compulsory for all eligible male citizens, while it remains optional for women.
While it’s undeniable that joining the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) is mentally and physically demanding, voluntarily opting to join the SAF as a woman signifies another level of dedication and respect for the nation’s defence.
It’s also not an everyday occurrence to see a woman voluntarily enlisting in the SAF, making it all the more endearing to the public.
S’pore PR & YouTuber Joins SAF Volunteer Corps
The woman who has captured the public’s attention is KK, known by her online moniker, The Krazy Koala.
In a YouTube video released on Saturday (4 November 2023), she shared about her voluntary enlistment in the SAF, a topic she had kept a secret from the public for some time.
For those who might not be familiar with her, it’s important to note that KK is more than just a pretty face.
Her impressive resume speaks volumes about her accomplishments.
Journey Was Difficult, But Worth It
In her YouTube video titled “Major Life Updates in Singapore,” KK discussed her experience and the journey of becoming a part of the Singapore Armed Forces Volunteer Corps (SAFVC) and highlighted her motivations behind joining it.
The Singapore Permanent Resident (PR) shared that the entire journey has taken several years, from the moment she applied to completing the actual training.
KK openly shared that the journey was challenging, involving rigorous training that even took a toll on her health.
Besides enduring long hours and early schedules, not to mention the “very simple living conditions,” KK pushed her physical limits by carrying weights of 20kg to 30kg during training.
Adding to the challenge, she had to manage gruelling hours and tight living arrangements, all while dealing with constant exhaustion.
The training took such a toll on her that she ended up falling ill for a few weeks.
“My body was not quite used to that kind of environment and intensity, so it took me forever to recover from a cold,” she said, adding that it was not even COVID-19.
Nevertheless, KK decided to join because she believed it was her time to give back to the safety and security she cherishes in Singapore, and she hasn’t looked back since.
Following her course completion, she celebrated with a graduation ceremony and formation day, attended by a select group of close friends.
“I’ve actually never disclosed any of this information to [the] general public because I’m a very private person,” she said.
What is SAFVC?
If you don’t know what SAFVC is, we’ve got you covered.
The SAFVC is a uniformed volunteer scheme that allows more Singaporeans and PRs to contribute to Singapore’s national defence.
Applicants can be Singaporean women, first-generation PRs, or new citizens.
Established in 2014, SAFVC provides an avenue for both Singaporean men and women between the ages of 18 to 45 who have completed their National Service (NS) obligations to continue serving the country on a part-time basis.
Volunteers will receive military training, learn valuable skills, and can choose from various roles such as support for humanitarian missions, cybersecurity, or crisis response.
Who is The Krazy Koala?
KK is not just a former model; she is a published author, a YouTuber, a thriving entrepreneur, and an investor.
And now, she can proudly add another accomplishment to her growing list of achievements, this time as a member of the SAFVC.
KK’s impressive achievements don’t stop there. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Media Studies from New York University, a Master’s in Statistics from Columbia University, and an MBA from Insead.
Notably, Columbia University is one of the renowned private Ivy League institutions in the United States. It is renowned for its academic excellence and historical significance, joining the ranks of prestigious universities like Harvard, Brown, and Yale.
In addition to her intelligence, she has a diverse portfolio, she is also the mind behind KK Success, an enterprise offering coaching programs.
Balancing SAFVC Rules and Her Role as a Content Creator
As we know, military service often demands a uniform to create a fair level of playing field and coloured hair is a definite no-go.
KK mentioned in her video that it was a challenge to strike a balance between her life as a content creator and the strict regulations imposed by SAFVC.
To meet the training requirements, she had to make some adjustments, including changing her hair colour and giving up phone access – something crucial for her work as a content creator.
Adding to the difficulty, during those weeks when she fell ill, she even lost her voice, resulting in her being unable to talk to the camera, which was a setback for her.
Calls Singapore Her Home
Despite the challenges she faced in the volunteer corps, KK would wholeheartedly embrace the experience once more.
“At the end of the day, through all these difficulties, I’m still very proud to say that I never regretted what I am doing,” she said.
KK, who has been a Singapore PR for many years, expressed her deep appreciation for the numerous benefits she has personally gained from the country, including its safety, environment, facilities, and exceptional efficiency.
“And I think that by being a soldier, and being part of the army, it’s time for me to contribute to the safety of the country that I’ve benefitted from,” she added.
Furthermore, she had a strong desire to deepen her understanding of the country she now proudly calls home.
“It doesn’t matter if you live in an HDB or go to a hawker centre every day. You don’t get a comprehensive understanding of the country without understanding the government and the military services,” she explained.
Respect from Viewers
The YouTube video she posted on 4 November 2023 has already racked up 18,000 views and garnered positive reactions, particularly from users in Singapore.
One enthusiastic commenter wrote, “Wah! I am SOoooooo impressed, Koala! Thank you for contributing to our country and ensuring its safety. Your hard work, determination, strength, and dedication… salute!”
Many others praised her unwavering determination and upbeat attitude throughout her SAFVC journey.
Another user noted that it’s even more admirable for her to volunteer and push herself when Singaporean men serve in the army out of obligation, highlighting KK’s exceptional dedication.
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