This World Mental Health Month, we’re spotlighting one of our dedicated frontliners, SSGT (APF) Raymond Wong from Charlie Division. With close to ten years of service, SSGT (APF) Raymond is not only a leader on duty but also a loving single father to his 9-year-old son.

In this interview, he opens up about the ups and downs in both his personal and professional lives, how he stays grounded, and the support from the AETOS family that keeps him going every day. 

Hi Raymond! Tell us about yourself.

Hello! I’m SSGT (APF) Raymond Wong Joo Huat from Charlie Division, and I’ve been with AETOS for nine years now. I’m currently stationed at one of the Police headquarters, where I lead a team of APOs.

My daily responsibilities involve overseeing our operations, ensuring we’re well-staffed, responding to incidents, and coordinating special events like ministerial visits. I truly enjoy working alongside my team to keep things safe and running smoothly. Outside of work, I’m a proud dad to my 9-year-old son, who inspires me to give my best every day.

Balancing work and personal life can be challenging, especially as a security frontliner. How do you navigate this in your day-to-day life?

Balancing work and family life isn’t always easy, especially in a demanding role like ours. For me, time management is crucial! I try to make the most of my days off by planning special activities with my son.

I also make time for myself—whether it’s enjoying a good show or simply unwinding. These small acts of self-care allow me to reconnect with myself, leaving me feeling grounded and re-energised. When I return to work, I’m not only refreshed but also more focused and ready to tackle challenges with a clear mind.

Could you share a time when you faced an overwhelming situation at work, and how you managed to push through it?

There was one intense day on-site where everything seemed to happen at once—major events, back-to-back arrivals, and a stream of both internal clients and external visitors. The pace and pressure could easily have thrown us off, but instead, our team pulled together, supporting each other and staying closely connected. We coordinated very closely and stayed connected with both our team and the client on-site.

In that moment, I realised just how important camaraderie and trust are. Knowing we had each other’s backs and a strong rapport with the client made all the difference, as we navigated the challenges together and kept everything under control.

How do you take care of yourself and manage stress?

For me, staying active is key. I love going for a jog or cycling—it’s a great way to get outside, clear my mind, and recharge. Spending time with my son is also one of my favourite ways to unwind.

We often visit his favorite places, like the bird park, where we can relax and enjoy the day together. After a long day, we like to kick back and play some computer or mobile games like Mobile Legends together! It’s a simple but fun way for us to connect, and it helps me wind down while enjoying some quality time with him.

How has AETOS supported you in taking care of your mental well-being? 

AETOS has been incredibly supportive in helping me take care of my mental well-being with access to well-being coaches who are always there to listen and offer practical advice. Knowing I can reach out for guidance when things get challenging makes a big difference. Plus,  I also feel really supported by my peers; we’re all there for each other, whether it’s covering shifts or just checking in. It’s reassuring to know I’ve got both the company and my teammates behind me every step of the way.

What keeps you feeling positive and motivated, even when things get tough? And is there any advice you’d share with others who might be going through something similar?

For me, my son is my biggest source of strength. As his main caregiver, everything I do is for him—to make sure he’s provided for and grows up well, especially during these crucial years.

To anyone who’s feeling overwhelmed currently, always remember that when you feel like giving up, your loved ones are waiting for you at home. Family is often our greatest support, and we work hard because of them. Let that be your motivation to keep going, even on the hardest days.

As we celebrate World Mental Health Month, any message you'd like to share with our readers?

Taking care of our mental health is just as important as looking after our physical health—it affects everything we do, from how we work to how we connect with others. It’s important to recognise the signs of stress and know that there’s no shame in asking for help when we need it. By talking openly about mental health and supporting each other without judgment, we can create a safe environment where everyone feels valued and understood.

Remember that it’s not just okay to step back and put yourself first; it’s essential. Prioritising our own well-being is never selfish. It’s what allows us to show up fully for both our loved ones and our work!