Viknesh Sooman
Singapore Armed Forces Intelligence Officer
Summary
Dynamic leader with extensive experience at the Ministry of Defence, excelling in operational leadership and crisis management. Spearheaded unit restructuring and pandemic response, enhancing readiness and resilience. Proven track record in stakeholder engagement and strategic planning, driving innovation and inter-agency collaboration. Skilled in mentoring and communications, fostering organizational development and mission success.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
4
4
Languages
Work History
Executive Officer
Ministry of Defence
01.2022 - Current
- Lead daily operations of a start-up unit of 50 people overseeing strategic planning, operational execution, training and inter-agency coordination
- Built foundational infrastructure of the unit from scratch, including setting 45 Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for the unit as well as authoring all key operational documents such as Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), administrative policies and Concept of Operations (CONOPs) tailored to a start-up unit
- Mange personnel from two different services within Singapore Armed Forces, overseeing human resource functions - manpower planning, career development and welfare
- Oversee Capability Development initiatives for the unit, driving innovation and long term operational readiness by leading multi-agency technology and process improvement projects
- Delivered high-stakes briefings and updates to senior leadership on operational outcomes, resource allocation and strategic priorities
- Currently leading unit restructuring efforts
Head Of Operations Control
Ministry of Defence
01.2020 - 01.2022
- Oversaw Operations Control for a military formation comprising of 950 personnel ensuring seamless day to day mission execution, readiness and infrastructure management
- Led the COVID-19 crisis response for the entire formation, designing and executing a 4-team rotation system to prevent cross-contamination while sustaining uninterrupted 24/7 operations
- Coordinate across internal departments and external agencies to implement pandemic protocols, manage manpower deployment, and respond to health incidents, including handling procedures for confirmed cases
- Wrote and implemented the Formation's Business Continuity Plan to institutionalize pandemic preparedness for future contingencies
- Managed all infrastructure for the formation including facilities oversight, maintenance scheduling, and upgrades to operational spaces
- Advised Senior Leadership on operational risk, manpower resilience and contingency strategies to enhance formation's operational readiness
Officer Commanding
Ministry of Defence
01.2018 - 01.2020
- Led an operational intelligence team of 30 personnel, directing intelligence analysis and sense-making of global and regional developments, supporting decision-makers with timely intelligence assessments
- Applied deep understanding of the geopolitical landscape, including Southeast Asian security dynamics, to guide collection priorities and operational risk assessments
- Mentored junior staff members, fostering analytical rigour, situational awareness and mission readiness
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Communications With Military Studies
Singapore University of Social Science
Singapore 04.2001 -
Skills
Operational Leadership & Management
Crisis and Risk Management
Organizational Development
Stakeholder & Interagency Engagement
Communications
Accomplishments
- Attended Singapore Armed Forces Command and Staff College - Obtained A-Grade upon completion of course
- Received three Letters of Commendation by Singapore Armed Forces Senior Leadership for outstanding contributions
Certification
Crisis Management
Timeline
Crisis Management
06-2023
Executive Officer
Ministry of Defence
01.2022 - Current
Head Of Operations Control
Ministry of Defence
01.2020 - 01.2022
Officer Commanding
Ministry of Defence
01.2018 - 01.2020
Bachelor of Arts - Communications With Military Studies
Singapore University of Social Science
04.2001 -
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