Winston Choo, A Soldier at Heart, a Memoir

by Winston Choo, Chua Siew San, Judith d'Silva

“Don’t be a coward. What are you afraid of? Never mind if people do not take favourably to what you have to share. Just be honest and truthful, don’t embellish but humbly present your story.” This was how Winston Choo convinced himself to write this memoir.

As a boy, all he wanted was to be a soldier. Never in his wildest dream did he imagine that he would, one day, have three stars on his shoulders.

He tells how he was groomed by Dr Goh Keng Swee to lead the Singapore Armed Forces – and yet had to surmount hurdles within both the military and civilian administration. He relates how he shaped the structure, values and culture of the SAF by focusing on people and esprit de corps, and taking a strategic yet pragmatic approach.

After 33 years being a man of war, he found himself once again handpicked, this time to be a man of peace – first in the diplomatic service, then as Chairman of the Singapore Red Cross. His novel experience of being ADC to President Yusof Ishak and his astute dealings with the military around the world for the SAF ensured his success in making friends for his homeland.

Stricken with cancer, but ever disciplined and never ready to surrender, Winston Choo shares what keeps him soldiering on.

Genres: Memoir

288 pages, Paperback

Published June 28, 2021

Reviews

[Ethan Ho · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of A Soldier At Heart: A Memoir

Reflections and Review of “A Soldier At Heart: A Memoir” by Lt-Gen (Ret.) Winston Choo

On Leadership

“When I look back at my life, I do not think I could have asked for more. My Christian upbringing at home, in ACS, in the BB and in church has taught me to put my trust in God and be grateful for Him for many blessings in my life. And there have been many wondrous gifts. The *biggest gift* (emphasis mine) of all from God has been a very special woman - Kate, my wife and life partner. To me, ours is a relationship made in heaven.”
- Chapter 30, “The Gift Of My Life” from A Soldier At Heart

The most moving chapter of the book - the final chapter, provides us the lens with which we are to read the book. It is an account of humility and thanksgiving which are traits that distinguish great leaders from good ones. The final chapter dedicated to his wife struck me as a moving yet astute lesson in leadership - that is great leaders are not lone rangers but rather have the enablement of loved ones supporting him or her. And while great leaders do great things, this last chapter reminds us of the unspoken and oft secret sacrifices made in order to release the time, vigour and strength of the leader. It is an important lesson to a rising generation of leaders that we must remember and give thanks to those who have sacrificed in order to allow us to reach toward that potential.

The chapter also portrays the depth of affection shared between husband and wife. To use an old term, the provision of “a help meet” is something to be thankful to God for, because there is no love like that of a husband and wife bound in a covenant relationship.

On National Service

“Many years after I retired, a man came up to me in Ghim Moh hawker centre and said, “Sir I was a soldier at 4 SIR. You know sir, you were a bastard. You were so tough on us. But you cared for us. I will go to war with you.”
- Chapter 11, “A Special Unit” from A Solider At Heart

The memoir traces how the SAF was created, nurtured and moulded to become the respected force that it is today. The memoir takes the readers through Singapore’s colonial past to its uncertain and turbulent beginnings during Separation to present day. Each season has its challenge, recounted with candour and frankness.

Stories of what colonial military training was like, live operations in Sabah during Konfrantasi are some treats that the readers can look forward to. From descriptions of day to day life to a regaling of tales on the frontline, the book makes for an interesting and vivid read, a flavourful peering into the Malayan Peninsula in the 1950s.

Post independence, Choo shares his struggles in forging a respected and formidable armed force with help from his colleagues and with the support of wise ministers. Here, lessons in organisational leadership abounds, with episodes detailing the initial internal challenges and bureaucratic hurdles and how they were managed. It holds insights on steps taken to professionalize the military establishment to make it a more effective decision-making body and refine its operational capabilities.

On Purpose

“Youth is something the young have, but only the old know how to use”

“生命无法倒带， 却可以重新再来“
- 许南盛， 歌：“仅此一生”

As an elderly gentleman writing and reflecting about his life’s journey and his years of public service, this book is personally insightful because it raises questions about purpose, about how I am stewarding all that is given to me.

As a young person, we often find ourselves making life’s biggest decisions with the least amount of experience. Decisions about a life partner, career etc, yet sorely lacking the experience and wisdom needed to make them. Therefore, this memoir is invaluable as it teaches us certain lessons in life, lessons that can guide us.

Being a Singaporean, this memoir holds a special place in our hearts, for it is a book written from one generation to another. After leaping from third world to first, we often forget how we got here amidst the dizzying lights and materialism. I hope that all generations, especially the young will hide within our hearts the struggle and hardship it took to have the Singapore we know today. Lest we forget.

We are unable to rewind our life, but we can choose to start over and chart a new path. May we find the inspiration and courage to seek out the purpose given to us.

I highly recommend this book to all who may wish to learn what it means to be “A Soldier At Heart”.

You can purchase a copy here:
https://singapore.kinokuniya.com/bw/9...

Article:
https://www.straitstimes.com/singapor...

[Landmark Recommendations · Rating 5 out of 5]

As publisher of Landmark Books, I have been asked for the details of how Gen Winston Choo’s book came about. i hesitated to tell all, but on reflection, I am doing so because it shows Gen Choo’s humility.

Like most NSmen of my generation, Gen Choo was, for me, "way up there". I think if I had met him in the 1970s when I was doing NS, I would be tongue tied!

I first met Gen Choo when my publishing company, Landmark Books, produced Giving Strength to the Nation for the SAF’s 50th anniversary in 2015. All the CDFs were given a questionnaire to answer for a feature at the end of the book. I went with Judith d'Silva, who was then with Nexus, Mindef, which led the publication, to meet Gen Choo about this. I had casually mentioned to Judith that Gen Choo should write his memoir. Judith agreed and, at a meeting, the subject was broached along the way. Gen Choo's immediate reaction was that he had nothing worth writing about. I found myself saying that indeed, no one should write a memoir if one had nothing worth sharing. I did not think that I could change Gen Choo's mind.

Four years later, Mothership ran an interview with Gen Choo which went viral. That he shared many anecdotes from his life got me thinking that I should make a serious approach to Gen Choo for his memoir. I consulted Judith and Col (Rtd) Ramachandran Menon whom I had worked with on various book projects for the SAF, and they encouraged me to do so. Judith roped in Chua Siew San, her former colleague from Mindef, and four of us planned to go visit Gen Choo together to propose the idea. Col Menon wrote to General Choo to prepare the way and make the appointment.

On 28/8/2019 8:21 AM, Gen Choo replied to Col Menon:
My Dear Menon
Ayah this biography thing has come up again !!
I have been resisting it for a few reasons: First, I don’t think I am important enough for people to want to read about me. Second. I must have a message to put across for it to be meaningful. Haven’t thought too much about it. Third I don’t have much to talk about myself. I cannot say too much about my work in the SAF as I am bound by the Official Secrets Act.
I want to stay under the radar. I thought the interview with Mothership was a foolish mistake.
My friend I’ll will meet you to explain my doubts and concerns.
Thanks
Warmest
Winston

Col Menon replied:
Hello Sir,
There is no question that you are under-rating your contribution to Singapore and the SAF in particular, but that is one of your great strengths. You kept the SAF together for 17 years and you are still an icon among those who have gone through the SAF. I think we can work around the difficulties.
Regards, R. Menon

When we met with Gen Choo, we told him that he had a valuable story to tell. He was still reluctant, but agreed to give the project consideration.

We now know that he asked Mrs Choo and his children for their views. They argued that Gen Choo owed it to his grandchildren and their children to leave them his legacy so that they may benefit from his story. So, it really was his family that persuaded Gen Choo to write his memoir. I am glad that they succeeded.

[JM · Rating 5 out of 5]

“You know, Sir, you were a bastard. You were so tough on us. But you cared for us. I will go to war with you.”
It is hard not to be filled with awe and emotion when you read this book.
You will be laughing and crying with him, you will be in joy and pain, anxiety, anguish and excitement with him, you will be cheering him on and saluting him. And you will go to war with him.
You will wish he is your father, grandfather m godfather, brother, uncle, cousin, friend, boss, colleague, and dare I say, your husband!
You will fall in love with him.
General Winston Choo is not only a soldier at heart, an officer and a gentleman, he is Singapore’s son.
God Bless You, Sir!

[Bernard Tan · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent autobiography of the Singapore Armed Forces first Chief of General Staff. I read this in all of two days. It was an easy read, the stories relatable and doused with humour, and the chapters well ordered. Kudos to Siew San and Judith for such clear writing. Wished it was longer. Both of you should be involved in more projects like this, recording Singapore's history.

Clarence Tan - the SAF's first Chief Commando Officer - suggested I read this book to learn more of the early days of the SAF and the pioneers role in raising it, including my father. He said that the stories were not 100% accurate. But I really could not identify which parts he was referring to!

The book throws you back to the pre-independence era and leads you all the way to modern Singapore. What made the book more interesting is that I know 80% of the people described in the book. From the FMC officers - Kesevan Soon, Edward Yong, Jimmy Yap. To the pioneers in the modern SAF, including the first service chiefs, Boey Tak Hup, Michael Teo and James Leo. To the resolute Chief Defence Scientist Lui Pao Cheun, and to the ace lady pilot Koh Chai Hong. They were all still in service when I was a young officer in MINDEF. After attending the reunion of the 5th Federation Military Course in KL, I now know more FMC granduands including Pengiran Ibnu and Pehin Mohammad.

I am a special audience. I was a military brat, and a career military officer. I can therefore fully relate to the work and the challenges in the raising of the SAF, and the efforts at military diplomacy. Moreover I knew Gen Choo as a child. He was then "Uncle Winston" ( and Auntie Kate). When I was a serving officer in the SAF, Gen Choo was CGS/CDF. When he came for social dinners in Pulau Bukom, I called him "Sir". When I was a senior officer in the SAF, and when he was retired, I remember meeting him in Israel. I addressed him as "Your Excellency". So I am not sure how this book will read to a younger audience with so many strange names and places.

In biographies, one looks forward to the juicy untold stories. You won't find too many nasty stories here. I suspect this was never the aim of this book. Nevertheless I do know that the British officers leading 1 SIR pre-independence were generally poor. They did not see Konfrontasi as "their war" and kept clear of harm's way while sending local soldiers to face danger. Some of the early consultants looked down on us and were difficult to deal with. There were early tensions between civilians and the military. I can guess at some of the characters. But what was clear from the stories was the immense work done by Dr Goh Keng Swee for the SAF - even when he was no longer Minister for Defence. The SAF owes a lot to this one man.

I met Gen Choo at my Dad's wake recently. They were in FMC together. He was in fine fettle and promised to tell me more stories about my father at a later stage. I will take him up on the offer.

I have decided henceforth to go back to calling him Uncle Winston.

[Fern · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well-written memoir and a very necessary one that captures the heart of the early years of the Singapore Armed Forces.

It is written in a very personal tone telling of his childhood and love of the Boys Brigade, his determination to get into the Federation Military College in Port Dickson amidst objection from parents and school, his years in the military, being hand-picked by Goh Keng Swee to take the leadership role (and the wisdom of Goh Keng Swee in the many directives) to life after SAF as an ambassador and Chairman of the Singapore Red Cross.

There are many leadership lessons as he tells of the rationale for his actions and his walking of the ground, of loyalty and support for his men ("Notwithstanding technology, in the final analysis, we need the soldier, the boots on the ground") and of being a "farmer". His successful transition to life after the army, calling on the good inter-personal relationships he had formed, also highlights one of his greatest strengths.

The natural flow and generous sharing of insights as his story unfolds is probably what sets this memoir apart from many others.

[Sivasothi N. · Rating 5 out of 5]

How wonderful to be able to learn about the hard work by Winston Choo through his life. We NSmen recognised the caring leader in him form afar and now we finally get to know more! This is a great contribution by the publisher and the team who helped to turn this reluctant task of his into a reality - including his family.

Loved the quote comprehensive of his army years, and how he’s been open-mindedly ahead of his time, lives that he shared a little about his years revamping Red Cross (that was tremendous), all that diplomacy by a “non-diplomat”, and the little glimpses of characters in the civil device and beyond.

I could not put it down, so read it one sitting! He’s such a glorious part of our nation-building heritage for Singapore to have, and the book is packed with wonderful lessons about leadership and service. And to think he thought had nothing to share!

[Ihachan · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was an easy read. The tributes provided by former Defence Chiefs from Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei and Israel speaks a lot about Gen Choo’s contribution. Provided a good overview of the trials and tribulations that the pioneers went through to make Singapore what it is today. Nonetheless, was a tad disappointed that important events such as 4 MIB, Farrer Park, Laju Hijack and SQ 117 were not discussed.

[Bryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring and motivational. LG Winston Choo brings you through his early life as a soldier seeing combat during the Konfrontasi, all the way till his appointment as CDF of the SAF and his later years as a diplomat. His life experiences teaches us that you don’t need to be brilliant to succeed; as long as you work hard, do your best with whatever is given to you, you can succeed. His strong Christian faith throughout his life inspires me as well.

[CZ Lim · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an inspiring story of a Singaporean boy who became a soldier and then the chief of defence forces. Packed full of lessons on how to make friends, be persuasive and be accepted as a leader.

But while the general hinted at managing of troubles with our neighbours and how they were managed, don’t expect any detailed geopolitical or security analysis of the region.

[M.Y · Rating 5 out of 5]

Despite not being an NSman, I thoroughly enjoyed reading about his journey in first becoming a soldier out of sheer passion and later rising to Singapore's first CDF. General Choo's story illustrates the value of hard work and good leadership in various aspects of life – career, relationships with others and most importantly, self.

[Sean · Rating 3 out of 5]

The language in the book is plain and dull. Yet, where this book lacks in style, it makes up with the dynamic life of Choo. Reading how Choo transitioned from a rambunctious boy to the CDF; his transition from being a "man of war" to a "man of peace" and his views on the military, foreign affairs and life more than makes up for the mediocre writing.

[Gabriel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think it is nice to hear the story of someone who self-admittedly wasn't at the top of his class or in his sports, but eventually became really successful. It just goes to show that hard work is just as important as innate talent.

[Kevin Qiu · Rating 3 out of 5]

LG Choo is a good storyteller. His pre-SAF lore was quite interesting and eye-opening.