Singapore’s First Female Naval Diver
Singapore’s First Female Naval Diver
At just 1.55 m tall, it’s hard to imagine Esther Tan as one of the nation’s toughest women. And yet, that’s exactly who she is. Having recently left the Singapore Navy, where she held the rank of Major in the elite Naval Diving Unit, Esther still holds the distinction of being Singapore’s first female navy diver. “I didn’t set out to break stereotypes,” she says of her ceiling-shattering role. “I did it because of the love of adventure. It goes beyond just the physical; it’s also about the mental capacity.” While part of her job comprised clearing bombs underwater, Esther was also involved in many search and rescue operations, including the recovery of missing naval officers in the 2005 RSS Courageous collision with a container ship. Looking back on 22 years of naval service, Esther can’t help but be proud of her time there. “I was following my heart. There was nothing more that I could ask for in a job that required both mental strength and mettle,” she confesses. “Till today, I still feel it’s one of the best choices I’ve made in my life.”
WORDS TO LIVE BY: “Gender isn’t an issue. What’s more important is your ability.”
