Every nation owes its peace and stability to the visionaries who laid the groundwork for its defence. For Singapore, one such towering figure is Colonel Gurcharan Singh Sekhon (born 1937)—fondly remembered as the “Father of the Engineers.” His journey from a humble Sikh household in Aljunied Road to becoming one of the most respected leaders in the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) is a story of resilience, leadership, and selfless service.
Early Life of Gurcharan Singh: Discipline and Determination
Born in a Jat Sikh family, Colonel Gurcharan Singh Sekhon grew up under the watchful eyes of his father, Mall Singh, a disciplined man who instilled in him the values of hard work and commitment. Childhood for young Gurcharan was not easy—the Japanese invasion of Singapore disrupted life dramatically. He studied in a strict Japanese school, lived through air raids, and experienced uncertainty daily.
Yet, adversity shaped him. After the war, he attended Saint Andrew’s School, where his leadership qualities blossomed. Despite being a minority in a Christian institution, he was entrusted with multiple leadership positions—an early sign of the trust and respect he naturally commanded. Later, he pursued engineering at the University of Malaya in Kuala Lumpur, setting the stage for the role he would one day play in nation-building.
The Reluctant Soldier Who Became a Trailblazer
In 1966, at the age of 29, Singh returned to Singapore at the request of his father and a senior police officer to join the newly forming Singapore Armed Forces. Although initially hesitant, he quickly rose as a natural leader. With his engineering background and maturity, he was chosen to lead groups and guide younger cadets.
In July 1967, he graduated as part of Singapore’s very first batch of officer cadets. That historic cohort went on to shape the SAF, but Singh stood out—he was the first to command a specialist branch, to simultaneously lead a battalion, and to later command the First Division of the SAF.
Gurcharan Singh: Building the Singapore Combat Engineers
Perhaps his most lasting legacy is his role in establishing the Singapore Combat Engineers. Alongside fellow officer Chng Teow Hua, Singh was sent to Fort Belvoir, Virginia, to undergo specialized training. On his return in 1968, he and his team conducted the very first Engineer Commanders’ Course in Singapore, creating the foundation for what would become a crucial branch of the SAF.
Known affectionately as the “Father of Engineers,” Singh personally guided units from their early days in Pulau Blakang Mati (now Sentosa) to Gilman Barracks, Mandai Camp, Seletar Camp, and Lim Chu Kang Camp. He was not just a commander but a mentor—visiting units monthly and earning the nickname “Guru” among his peers and subordinates.
Leadership Beyond Rank
As the 6th Commandant of the Singapore Command and Staff College (1979–1981), Singh faced two enormous challenges: relocating the college to Seletar Camp and overhauling its curriculum. With only a handful of instructors and staff, he achieved both in just two years—a testament to his organizational brilliance and unwavering drive.
Later, as Assistant Chief of General Staff (Operations) and Commander of the 2nd People’s Defence Force, Singh held positions that today are equivalent to those of generals. Even Singapore’s first Defence Minister, Dr. Goh Keng Swee, acknowledged the importance of leaders like him, saying, “The colonels of those days were like generals of today.”
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