By Nabilah Husna A. Rahman

For Staff Sergeant James Lim, “the sky’s the limit” is not just another over-churned aphorism to live by. His journey to the skies and beyond began after he completed his ‘O’ levels, when he spotted a recruitment advertisement by the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF), detailing a scheme which would subsidise his diploma education and provide monthly remuneration.

“I thought to myself then, since I am going to pursue a diploma, need some pocket money, and will work in a related field upon graduation – why not?” he recalls. “It’s like killing three birds with one stone.”

After graduating with a Diploma in Electronics and Computer Engineering in 2000, James dived headfirst into a career with the RSAF, finding an overlap between his field of study and job scope.

“I’m currently working on the F-16 radar system and it involves a lot of troubleshooting of electronic components,” he explains. “Modern-day diagnoses and troubleshooting involve usage of computers, so what I learnt in polytechnic is very much relevant to my current job.”

James is constantly engaged by the challenges he faces on the job, such as maintaining aircraft safety.

“During my days as an A4 Senior Technician, there was a particular defect which occurred intermittently and it was very difficult to simulate. Equipped with the technical manuals and keeping in mind the conditions the component is subjected to when up in the skies, I finally managed to nab the problem, and it gave me a great sense of fulfilment,” he recounts.

The job provides James with more than just rewards in the related workforce, but also academic prospects. “I’ve been given the opportunity to further my studies in UniSIM,” he says. This degree programme involves three areas of study – Electronics and Instrumentation; Mechanics, Materials and Aerostructures; and Management and Planning. Students are able to expand their knowledge on not only the various components of an aircraft, but also human resource-planning, budget-planning and leadership skills.

James finds these course-specific programmes are just one of the advantages of working at RSAF. “The organisation developed me more completely as a person, and allowed me to gain more skills and knowledge through experience and academic achievements.”

For this Senior Technician, the thrills aren’t just related to the opportunity to work directly with aircraft – public acknowledgement gives him just as much job satisfaction. “When I see Singaporeans at the National Day Parade waiting in anticipation for the Fighter Planes to fly above them, and the thunderous applause that comes after, it tells us that our work is appreciated,” he muses.

Certainly, James made the right career choice. “You can’t find another job where you can both serve the country as well as work on advanced aircraft and weapon systems,” he quips.