In his work with young people, HomeTeamNS volunteer LTC (NS) Mohd Khaidir Bin Rahman is dedicated to nurturing both their capabilities and character.
When a mistake occurs, it’s tempting to attribute it to ineptitude or laziness. However, a good leader and mentor should understand the root causes before jumping to conclusions, advises HomeTeamNS volunteer LTC (NS) Mohd Khaidir Bin Rahman, who has over a decade of experience working with young Singaporeans as both a Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) National Service (NS) unit commander and an educator. In his experience, most individuals strive to give their best but are often hindered by various obstacles. It’s crucial for leaders to identify and address these barriers, clearing the way for their teams to succeed. “For example, when a student struggles to complete a task, it’s easy to assume they weren’t paying attention,” he explains. “Similarly, if training objectives aren’t achieved, it’s often presumed that the effort was lacking. However, it’s vital to understand the reasons behind these issues by engaging those involved and exploring ways to improve the process, structure, or environment.”
Khaidir, who holds an engineering degree, chose to pursue a career in education after discovering his passion for helping others grasp challenging concepts and develop their skills. He recalls being inspired by his Mother Tongue teacher, who meticulously reviewed his schoolwork and consistently encouraged him to excel. “What stood out most in my memory was how he supported me in building resilience. Today, in my work with youths, it is very heartening to see them become more confident of themselves, willing to try new things and not give up.”
Khaidir applies this philosophy in his role as a Rescue Unit Commander, guiding and mentoring SCDF NS officers, as they enhance their skills in rescue procedures and gain a deeper understanding of essential safety protocols and risk assessment.
Similar to how he encourages his students to engage in collaborative and self-directed learning, during In Camp Training (ICT), Khaidir focuses on providing platforms for officers to lead their men and take ownership of rescue scenarios, thereby sharpening their decision-making skills and building greater confidence. “Before training starts, we collectively discuss the training objectives and expectations for the unit,” he shares. “Afterwards, during debriefs, we provide constructive feedback and encouragement, helping officers to identify areas for improvement and build on their strengths.”
LTC (NS) Mohd Khaidir Bin Rahman together with fellow NSmen and officers from SCDF’s 3rd Division, 31 Rescue Unit.
In both his roles as an educator and commander, Khaidir aims to know the people he works with, so that he can better support their growth by comprehending their thoughts, aspirations, and challenges. During ICT, this often involves informal chats during breaks and mealtimes about the officers’ families, work, or hobbies. “It is important to be open to ongoing feedback, so that the learning and training is a positive two-way experience,” he says. “I often ask my students for their thoughts on the lessons and how they can be improved. Similarly, during ICT, I seek officers’ input during debriefs on how to make training better.”
As a passionate lifelong learner, Khaidir has integrated technology into his lessons and created opportunities for students to develop their communication skills. He believes educators must be innovative and move beyond the traditional ‘chalk and talk’ approach to enhance their own skillsets.
But while training and teaching methods may evolve, the fundamental values remain the same. “What keeps me going is knowing that the work I do helps young people realise their potential, so that they can take charge of their own future. It’s fulfilling to know that I’ve contributed to nation-building through the development of my students’ skills and values,” he says.
Khaidir also gives back by volunteering on the HomeTeamNS Khatib Executive Committee, where he provides input on programmes designed for members and lends support to clubhouse events. “I’m proud to be part of the HomeTeamNS Khatib team, knowing that my contributions positively impact members and their families, enhancing their clubhouse experience,” he says.
Another regular highlight for Khaidir is preparing his unit for the Unit Assessment Exercise, which tests each unit’s capability and operational readiness. “It’s an opportunity to see how the years of training, growth and development within the unit and its people translate into meaningful collective action,” he explains.
Reflecting on his years of mentoring and working with youth, Khaidir expresses that the role of an educator and trainer extends far beyond the development of skills and values. “Educators are in a position to shape the future of the nation through the lives that they nurture,” he says. “My wish for this Teachers’ Day is for us to keep on learning, improving and being the best versions of ourselves, so that we can contribute and give back in our own ways.”
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