Fred Cheong (Ven. Tenzin Drachom) - Revision history

Dayana Rizal at 09:48, 4 December 2020

2020-12-04T09:48:40Z

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	====SQ117 hostage rescue (1991)====		====SQ117 hostage rescue (1991)====
	[[File:SQ117 The Straits Times 1991.jpg\|thumb\|''Fred Cheong only revealed his involvement in rescue in 2019.'' Photo from [https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/special-forces-storm-hijack-singapore-airlines-monk-fred-cheong-11279702 source.]]]		[[File:SQ117 The Straits Times 1991.jpg\|thumb\|''Fred Cheong only revealed his involvement in the rescue in 2019.'' Photo from [https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/special-forces-storm-hijack-singapore-airlines-monk-fred-cheong-11279702 source.]]]
	On 27 March 1991, Fred Cheong was one of the SAF commandos involved in the hostage rescue operation of SQ117; an inbound flight to Singapore from Kuala Lumpur.<ref name=":0" /> The flight had been hijacked by four male Pakistani nationals the night before.<ref>"Captain tells of cockpit drama". ''The Straits Times''. March 31, 1991. Accessed on 4 December 2020. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.</ref> After negotiations fell through, the commandos were given the green light to storm the plane.<ref>"[https://www.psd.gov.sg/heartofpublicservice/our-people/4-24-7/thunderbolt-the-sq117-story/ THUNDERBOLT: THE SQ117 STORY]". ''Public Service Division''. 2015. Accessed on 4 December 2020.</ref> The rescue operation reportedly lasted for 30 seconds after which, all four hijackers were shot dead.<ref>"Dr Yeo tells intrepid commandos : I was very impressed . . .". ''The Straits Times''. March 29, 1991. Accessed on 4 December 2020. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.</ref> Speaking about the operation, Fred Cheong said:<blockquote>“We were really quite clear when we went inside there; we knew exactly what to do. You cannot go there and start to think. We go there and do what we train for because there will be that trade-off. You were just there to do the job. Nothing more.”<ref name=":0" /></blockquote>Fred Cheong left the Special Operations Force unit in 2006, holding the position of Commander, Special Operations Training Centre at the time.<ref name=":0" />		On 27 March 1991, Fred Cheong was one of the SAF commandos involved in the hostage rescue operation of SQ117; an inbound flight to Singapore from Kuala Lumpur.<ref name=":0" /> The flight had been hijacked by four male Pakistani nationals the night before.<ref>"Captain tells of cockpit drama". ''The Straits Times''. March 31, 1991. Accessed on 4 December 2020. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.</ref> After negotiations fell through, the commandos were given the green light to storm the plane.<ref>"[https://www.psd.gov.sg/heartofpublicservice/our-people/4-24-7/thunderbolt-the-sq117-story/ THUNDERBOLT: THE SQ117 STORY]". ''Public Service Division''. 2015. Accessed on 4 December 2020.</ref> The rescue operation reportedly lasted for 30 seconds after which, all four hijackers were shot dead.<ref>"Dr Yeo tells intrepid commandos : I was very impressed . . .". ''The Straits Times''. March 29, 1991. Accessed on 4 December 2020. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.</ref> Speaking about the operation, Fred Cheong said:<blockquote>“We were really quite clear when we went inside there; we knew exactly what to do. You cannot go there and start to think. We go there and do what we train for because there will be that trade-off. You were just there to do the job. Nothing more.”<ref name=":0" /></blockquote>Fred Cheong left the Special Operations Force unit in 2006, holding the position of Commander, Special Operations Training Centre at the time.<ref name=":0" />

Dayana Rizal at 09:40, 4 December 2020

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	Fred Cheong (born 1964) is a former Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) military regular, where he served in the commando formation under the Special Operations Forces (SOF) unit.<ref name=":0">Mahmud, Aqil Haziq. “[https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/special-forces-storm-hijack-singapore-airlines-monk-fred-cheong-11279702 As a Special Forces soldier, he stormed a hijacked Singapore Airlines plane. Now he's a monk]”. ''Channel News Asia.'' March 3, 2019. Accessed on 27 November 2020.</ref> In 1991, he was part of the SOF unit that conducted ~~Operation Thunderbolt;~~ a hostage rescue operation during the hijacking of the Singapore Airlines SQ117 flight. A fully ordained monk since 2017, he now goes by the name of Venerable Tenzin Drachom.<ref name=":2">“[https://www.fpmtabc.org/resources_orien.php Orientation]”. ''Amitabha Buddhist Centre.'' n.d. Accessed on 27 November 2020.</ref>		Fred Cheong (born 1964) is a former Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) military regular, where he served in the commando formation under the Special Operations Forces (SOF) unit.<ref name=":0">Mahmud, Aqil Haziq. “[https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/special-forces-storm-hijack-singapore-airlines-monk-fred-cheong-11279702 As a Special Forces soldier, he stormed a hijacked Singapore Airlines plane. Now he's a monk]”. ''Channel News Asia.'' March 3, 2019. Accessed on 27 November 2020.</ref> In 1991, he was part of the SOF unit that conducted a hostage rescue operation during the hijacking of the Singapore Airlines SQ117 flight. A fully ordained monk since 2017, he now goes by the name of Venerable Tenzin Drachom.<ref name=":2">“[https://www.fpmtabc.org/resources_orien.php Orientation]”. ''Amitabha Buddhist Centre.'' n.d. Accessed on 27 November 2020.</ref>

	==Background==		==Background==
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	In 1984, Fred Cheong was one of 32 soldiers who were selected for the Special Operations Force (SOF)'s selection test. He graduated as a SOF trooper in April 1985 after completing his training; which included military courses such as combat diving, ranger and reconnaissance patrol.<ref name=":0" /> Recalling the experience in a 2019 interview with ''Channel News Asia'', he was quoted to have said:<blockquote>“I felt really good because it was the most elite and difficult course. Many people desired it, but not many were able to do it.”<ref name=":0" /></blockquote>		In 1984, Fred Cheong was one of 32 soldiers who were selected for the Special Operations Force (SOF)'s selection test. He graduated as a SOF trooper in April 1985 after completing his training; which included military courses such as combat diving, ranger and reconnaissance patrol.<ref name=":0" /> Recalling the experience in a 2019 interview with ''Channel News Asia'', he was quoted to have said:<blockquote>“I felt really good because it was the most elite and difficult course. Many people desired it, but not many were able to do it.”<ref name=":0" /></blockquote>

	====~~Operation Thunderbolt:~~ SQ117 hostage rescue (1991)====		====SQ117 hostage rescue (1991)====
	[[File:SQ117 The Straits Times 1991.jpg\|thumb\|''Fred Cheong only revealed his involvement in ~~Operation Thunderbolt~~ in 2019.'' Photo from [https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/special-forces-storm-hijack-singapore-airlines-monk-fred-cheong-11279702 source.]]]		[[File:SQ117 The Straits Times 1991.jpg\|thumb\|''Fred Cheong only revealed his involvement in rescue in 2019.'' Photo from [https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/special-forces-storm-hijack-singapore-airlines-monk-fred-cheong-11279702 source.]]]
	On 27 March 1991, Fred Cheong was one of the SAF commandos involved in the hostage rescue operation of SQ117; an inbound flight to Singapore from Kuala Lumpur.<ref name=":0" /> The flight had been hijacked by four male Pakistani nationals the night before.<ref>"Captain tells of cockpit drama". ''The Straits Times''. March 31, 1991. Accessed on 4 December 2020. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.</ref> After negotiations fell through, the commandos were given the green light to storm the plane.<ref>"[https://www.psd.gov.sg/heartofpublicservice/our-people/4-24-7/thunderbolt-the-sq117-story/ THUNDERBOLT: THE SQ117 STORY]". ''Public Service Division''. 2015. Accessed on 4 December 2020.</ref> The rescue operation reportedly lasted for 30 seconds after which, all four hijackers were shot dead.<ref>"Dr Yeo tells intrepid commandos : I was very impressed . . .". ''The Straits Times''. March 29, 1991. Accessed on 4 December 2020. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.</ref> Speaking about the operation, Fred Cheong said:<blockquote>“We were really quite clear when we went inside there; we knew exactly what to do. You cannot go there and start to think. We go there and do what we train for because there will be that trade-off. You were just there to do the job. Nothing more.”<ref name=":0" /></blockquote>Fred Cheong left the Special Operations Force unit in 2006, holding the position of Commander, Special Operations Training Centre at the time.<ref name=":0" />		On 27 March 1991, Fred Cheong was one of the SAF commandos involved in the hostage rescue operation of SQ117; an inbound flight to Singapore from Kuala Lumpur.<ref name=":0" /> The flight had been hijacked by four male Pakistani nationals the night before.<ref>"Captain tells of cockpit drama". ''The Straits Times''. March 31, 1991. Accessed on 4 December 2020. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.</ref> After negotiations fell through, the commandos were given the green light to storm the plane.<ref>"[https://www.psd.gov.sg/heartofpublicservice/our-people/4-24-7/thunderbolt-the-sq117-story/ THUNDERBOLT: THE SQ117 STORY]". ''Public Service Division''. 2015. Accessed on 4 December 2020.</ref> The rescue operation reportedly lasted for 30 seconds after which, all four hijackers were shot dead.<ref>"Dr Yeo tells intrepid commandos : I was very impressed . . .". ''The Straits Times''. March 29, 1991. Accessed on 4 December 2020. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.</ref> Speaking about the operation, Fred Cheong said:<blockquote>“We were really quite clear when we went inside there; we knew exactly what to do. You cannot go there and start to think. We go there and do what we train for because there will be that trade-off. You were just there to do the job. Nothing more.”<ref name=":0" /></blockquote>Fred Cheong left the Special Operations Force unit in 2006, holding the position of Commander, Special Operations Training Centre at the time.<ref name=":0" />

Dayana Rizal at 09:36, 4 December 2020

2020-12-04T09:36:02Z

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	==Background==		==Background==
	[[File:Fred cheong Lama Zopa Rinpoche.jpg\|thumb\|''~~A younger~~ Fred Cheong with Lama Zopa Rinpoche, the spiritual director of ~~the Buddhist organisation,~~ FPMT. Photo from [https://fpmt.org/mandala/archives/mandala-issues-for-2008/april/a-letter-from-a-student-to-lama-zopa/ source].'']]		[[File:Fred cheong Lama Zopa Rinpoche.jpg\|thumb\|''Fred Cheong with Lama Zopa Rinpoche, the spiritual director of FPMT. Photo from [https://fpmt.org/mandala/archives/mandala-issues-for-2008/april/a-letter-from-a-student-to-lama-zopa/ source].'']]

	===Personal life & family===		===Personal life & family===

Dayana Rizal at 09:35, 4 December 2020

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	{{Infobox person		{{Infobox person
	\| image = ~~Fred Cheong~~.jpg		\| image = Tenzin Drachom.jpg
	\| birth_date = 1964		\| birth_date = 1964
	\| birth_place = Singapore		\| birth_place = Singapore
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	Fred Cheong (born 1964) is a former Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) military regular, where he served in the commando formation under the Special Operations Forces (SOF) unit.<ref name=":0">Mahmud, Aqil Haziq. “[https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/special-forces-storm-hijack-singapore-airlines-monk-fred-cheong-11279702 As a Special Forces soldier, he stormed a hijacked Singapore Airlines plane. Now he's a monk]”. ''Channel News Asia.'' March 3, 2019. Accessed on 27 November 2020.</ref> In 1991, he was part of the SOF unit that conducted Operation Thunderbolt; a hostage rescue operation during the hijacking of the Singapore Airlines SQ117 flight. A fully ordained monk since 2017, he now goes by the name of Venerable Tenzin Drachom.<ref name=":2">“[https://www.fpmtabc.org/resources_orien.php Orientation]”. ''Amitabha Buddhist Centre.'' n.d. Accessed on 27 November 2020.</ref>		Fred Cheong (born 1964) is a former Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) military regular, where he served in the commando formation under the Special Operations Forces (SOF) unit.<ref name=":0">Mahmud, Aqil Haziq. “[https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/special-forces-storm-hijack-singapore-airlines-monk-fred-cheong-11279702 As a Special Forces soldier, he stormed a hijacked Singapore Airlines plane. Now he's a monk]”. ''Channel News Asia.'' March 3, 2019. Accessed on 27 November 2020.</ref> In 1991, he was part of the SOF unit that conducted Operation Thunderbolt; a hostage rescue operation during the hijacking of the Singapore Airlines SQ117 flight. A fully ordained monk since 2017, he now goes by the name of Venerable Tenzin Drachom.<ref name=":2">“[https://www.fpmtabc.org/resources_orien.php Orientation]”. ''Amitabha Buddhist Centre.'' n.d. Accessed on 27 November 2020.</ref>

	== Background ==		==Background==
	[[File:Fred cheong Lama Zopa Rinpoche.jpg\|thumb\|''A younger Fred Cheong with Lama Zopa Rinpoche, the spiritual director of the Buddhist organisation, FPMT. Photo from [https://fpmt.org/mandala/archives/mandala-issues-for-2008/april/a-letter-from-a-student-to-lama-zopa/ source].'']]		[[File:Fred cheong Lama Zopa Rinpoche.jpg\|thumb\|''A younger Fred Cheong with Lama Zopa Rinpoche, the spiritual director of the Buddhist organisation, FPMT. Photo from [https://fpmt.org/mandala/archives/mandala-issues-for-2008/april/a-letter-from-a-student-to-lama-zopa/ source].'']]

	=== Personal life & family ===		===Personal life & family===
	Fred Cheong Chung Soon was born in 1964.<ref name=":3">"[https://mothership.sg/2020/10/tenzin-drachom-special-forces-reflection/ Are we living or merely surviving? Ex-Special Forces soldier turned monk reflects on S'pore life.]". ''Mothership''. October 18, 2020. Accessed on 4 December 2020.</ref> Having been raised in a Buddhist family, Fred Cheong was also a devout Buddhist and studied at the Amitabha Buddhist Centre. Speaking to Amitabha Buddhist Centre's ''Tashi Delek'' about the presence of Buddhism in his childhood, he said:<blockquote>"It is something I felt deeply inside me since I was young, to become a monk. I remember I would generate some wish, in secondary school, that I would go to the temple and stay there."<ref>Amitabha Buddhist Centre. "[https://www.fpmtabc.org/2014/download/newsletter/2014_V2_Mar_Apr.pdf An Inspired New Life]". ''Tashi Delek''. March/April 2014. Accessed on 4 December 2020.</ref></blockquote>Fred Cheong enlisted into the National Service in 1982 before deciding to sign-on as a full-time soldier.<ref name=":1">Iso, Gemma. “[https://theindependent.sg/soldier-turns-monk-in-the-military-i-destroyed-the-enemy-outside-now-i-destroy-the-enemy-inside-fred-cheong/ Soldier turns monk: “In the military, I destroyed the enemy outside. Now I destroy the enemy inside” – Fred Cheong]”. ''The Independent News.'' March 4, 2019. Accessed on 27 November 2020.</ref><ref>Eric SOF. "[https://special-ops.org/rescue-of-singapore-airlines-flight-sq-117-over-in-30-secs-flat/ Rescue of Singapore Airlines flight SQ 117 over in 30 secs flat]". ''Spec Ops Magazine''. March 7, 2020. Accessed on 4 December 2020.</ref> During his military career, he often woke up in the early mornings to pray before leaving for camp.<ref name=":1" /> Fred Cheong was married to Cyndi Yee for 20 years before she passed away in 2012 from a stroke.<ref>Tenzin Tsultrim. "[https://issuu.com/fpmtinc/docs/mandala_jan-mar2013 Cyndi Yee Yoke Fen, 40, died in Singapore, September 18, 2012 of cerebral venous thrombosis]". ''Mandala Magazine''. December 7, 2012. Accessed on 4 December 2020. Retrieved from Issuu.</ref>		Fred Cheong Chung Soon was born in 1964.<ref name=":3">"[https://mothership.sg/2020/10/tenzin-drachom-special-forces-reflection/ Are we living or merely surviving? Ex-Special Forces soldier turned monk reflects on S'pore life.]". ''Mothership''. October 18, 2020. Accessed on 4 December 2020.</ref> Having been raised in a Buddhist family, Fred Cheong was also a devout Buddhist and studied at the Amitabha Buddhist Centre. Speaking to Amitabha Buddhist Centre's ''Tashi Delek'' about the presence of Buddhism in his childhood, he said:<blockquote>"It is something I felt deeply inside me since I was young, to become a monk. I remember I would generate some wish, in secondary school, that I would go to the temple and stay there."<ref>Amitabha Buddhist Centre. "[https://www.fpmtabc.org/2014/download/newsletter/2014_V2_Mar_Apr.pdf An Inspired New Life]". ''Tashi Delek''. March/April 2014. Accessed on 4 December 2020.</ref></blockquote>Fred Cheong enlisted into the National Service in 1982 before deciding to sign-on as a full-time soldier.<ref name=":1">Iso, Gemma. “[https://theindependent.sg/soldier-turns-monk-in-the-military-i-destroyed-the-enemy-outside-now-i-destroy-the-enemy-inside-fred-cheong/ Soldier turns monk: “In the military, I destroyed the enemy outside. Now I destroy the enemy inside” – Fred Cheong]”. ''The Independent News.'' March 4, 2019. Accessed on 27 November 2020.</ref><ref>Eric SOF. "[https://special-ops.org/rescue-of-singapore-airlines-flight-sq-117-over-in-30-secs-flat/ Rescue of Singapore Airlines flight SQ 117 over in 30 secs flat]". ''Spec Ops Magazine''. March 7, 2020. Accessed on 4 December 2020.</ref> During his military career, he often woke up in the early mornings to pray before leaving for camp.<ref name=":1" /> Fred Cheong was married to Cyndi Yee for 20 years before she passed away in 2012 from a stroke.<ref>Tenzin Tsultrim. "[https://issuu.com/fpmtinc/docs/mandala_jan-mar2013 Cyndi Yee Yoke Fen, 40, died in Singapore, September 18, 2012 of cerebral venous thrombosis]". ''Mandala Magazine''. December 7, 2012. Accessed on 4 December 2020. Retrieved from Issuu.</ref>

	== Military career (1982 - 2013) ==		==Military career (1982 - 2013)==
	[[File:Fred Cheong SAF 2013.jpg\|thumb\|''Fred Cheong (right) pictured in 2013. Photo from [https://www.facebook.com/OCS.SAFTI/photos/ltc-fred-cheong-chung-soon-was-awarded-the-saf-long-service-and-good-conduct-30-/322958664475111/ source].'']]		[[File:Fred Cheong SAF 2013.jpg\|thumb\|''Fred Cheong (right) pictured in 2013. Photo from [https://www.facebook.com/OCS.SAFTI/photos/ltc-fred-cheong-chung-soon-was-awarded-the-saf-long-service-and-good-conduct-30-/322958664475111/ source].'']]
	For over three decades, Fred Cheong served as a military regular in the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) where he was once a part of the commando formation.<ref name=":3" /><ref>Officer Cadet School, Singapore. "[https://www.facebook.com/OCS.SAFTI/photos/ltc-fred-cheong-chung-soon-was-awarded-the-saf-long-service-and-good-conduct-30-/322958664475111/ LTC Fred Cheong Chung Soon was awarded the SAF Long Service and Good Conduct (30 Years) Medal]". ''Facebook''. January 18, 2013. Accessed on 4 December 2020.</ref>		For over three decades, Fred Cheong served as a military regular in the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) where he was once a part of the commando formation.<ref name=":3" /><ref>Officer Cadet School, Singapore. "[https://www.facebook.com/OCS.SAFTI/photos/ltc-fred-cheong-chung-soon-was-awarded-the-saf-long-service-and-good-conduct-30-/322958664475111/ LTC Fred Cheong Chung Soon was awarded the SAF Long Service and Good Conduct (30 Years) Medal]". ''Facebook''. January 18, 2013. Accessed on 4 December 2020.</ref>

	=== Special Operations Force trooper (1985 - 2006) ===		===Special Operations Force trooper (1985 - 2006)===
	In 1984, Fred Cheong was one of 32 soldiers who were selected for the Special Operations Force (SOF)'s selection test. He graduated as a SOF trooper in April 1985 after completing his training; which included military courses such as combat diving, ranger and reconnaissance patrol.<ref name=":0" /> Recalling the experience in a 2019 interview with ''Channel News Asia'', he was quoted to have said:<blockquote>“I felt really good because it was the most elite and difficult course. Many people desired it, but not many were able to do it.”<ref name=":0" /></blockquote>		In 1984, Fred Cheong was one of 32 soldiers who were selected for the Special Operations Force (SOF)'s selection test. He graduated as a SOF trooper in April 1985 after completing his training; which included military courses such as combat diving, ranger and reconnaissance patrol.<ref name=":0" /> Recalling the experience in a 2019 interview with ''Channel News Asia'', he was quoted to have said:<blockquote>“I felt really good because it was the most elite and difficult course. Many people desired it, but not many were able to do it.”<ref name=":0" /></blockquote>

	==== Operation Thunderbolt: SQ117 hostage rescue (1991) ====		====Operation Thunderbolt: SQ117 hostage rescue (1991)====
	[[File:SQ117 The Straits Times 1991.jpg\|thumb\|''Fred Cheong only revealed his involvement in Operation Thunderbolt in 2019.'' Photo from [https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/special-forces-storm-hijack-singapore-airlines-monk-fred-cheong-11279702 source.]]]		[[File:SQ117 The Straits Times 1991.jpg\|thumb\|''Fred Cheong only revealed his involvement in Operation Thunderbolt in 2019.'' Photo from [https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/special-forces-storm-hijack-singapore-airlines-monk-fred-cheong-11279702 source.]]]
	On 27 March 1991, Fred Cheong was one of the SAF commandos involved in the hostage rescue operation of SQ117; an inbound flight to Singapore from Kuala Lumpur.<ref name=":0" /> The flight had been hijacked by four male Pakistani nationals the night before.<ref>"Captain tells of cockpit drama". ''The Straits Times''. March 31, 1991. Accessed on 4 December 2020. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.</ref> After negotiations fell through, the commandos were given the green light to storm the plane.<ref>"[https://www.psd.gov.sg/heartofpublicservice/our-people/4-24-7/thunderbolt-the-sq117-story/ THUNDERBOLT: THE SQ117 STORY]". ''Public Service Division''. 2015. Accessed on 4 December 2020.</ref> The rescue operation reportedly lasted for 30 seconds after which, all four hijackers were shot dead.<ref>"Dr Yeo tells intrepid commandos : I was very impressed . . .". ''The Straits Times''. March 29, 1991. Accessed on 4 December 2020. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.</ref> Speaking about the operation, Fred Cheong said:<blockquote>“We were really quite clear when we went inside there; we knew exactly what to do. You cannot go there and start to think. We go there and do what we train for because there will be that trade-off. You were just there to do the job. Nothing more.”<ref name=":0" /></blockquote>Fred Cheong left the Special Operations Force unit in 2006, holding the position of Commander, Special Operations Training Centre at the time.<ref name=":0" />		On 27 March 1991, Fred Cheong was one of the SAF commandos involved in the hostage rescue operation of SQ117; an inbound flight to Singapore from Kuala Lumpur.<ref name=":0" /> The flight had been hijacked by four male Pakistani nationals the night before.<ref>"Captain tells of cockpit drama". ''The Straits Times''. March 31, 1991. Accessed on 4 December 2020. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.</ref> After negotiations fell through, the commandos were given the green light to storm the plane.<ref>"[https://www.psd.gov.sg/heartofpublicservice/our-people/4-24-7/thunderbolt-the-sq117-story/ THUNDERBOLT: THE SQ117 STORY]". ''Public Service Division''. 2015. Accessed on 4 December 2020.</ref> The rescue operation reportedly lasted for 30 seconds after which, all four hijackers were shot dead.<ref>"Dr Yeo tells intrepid commandos : I was very impressed . . .". ''The Straits Times''. March 29, 1991. Accessed on 4 December 2020. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.</ref> Speaking about the operation, Fred Cheong said:<blockquote>“We were really quite clear when we went inside there; we knew exactly what to do. You cannot go there and start to think. We go there and do what we train for because there will be that trade-off. You were just there to do the job. Nothing more.”<ref name=":0" /></blockquote>Fred Cheong left the Special Operations Force unit in 2006, holding the position of Commander, Special Operations Training Centre at the time.<ref name=":0" />

	=== Commander, Officer Cadet School (2006 - 2013) ===		===Commander, Officer Cadet School (2006 - 2013)===
	From 2006 to 2012, Fred Cheong was posted to the Officer Cadet School (OCS) as the commander of Hotel Wing, one of the wings for Army officer cadets.<ref name=":0" /> Overseeing a batch of 100 trainees every year, he was known for making each batch do the 1,000 sit-up challenge as a way of overcoming mental barriers.<ref>"[https://singaporerecords.com/most-number-of-people-doing-1000-sit-ups-together/ Most Number of People Doing 1,000 Sit-Ups Together]". ''Singapore Book of Records''. Accessed on 4 December 2020.</ref> Elaborating on the reasoning behind his actions, he was quoted to have said:<blockquote>“It was not so much about doing the thing. It was doing what they seemingly were not so sure of doing. Most people after finishing, they still couldn’t believe what they had just done. Because between doing and believing, believing is more difficult.”<ref name=":0" /></blockquote>Fred Cheong became commander of the OCS Army wing in 2012, holding the appointment until he retired from the Singapore Armed Forces in September 2013.<ref name=":0" />		From 2006 to 2012, Fred Cheong was posted to the Officer Cadet School (OCS) as the commander of Hotel Wing, one of the wings for Army officer cadets.<ref name=":0" /> Overseeing a batch of 100 trainees every year, he was known for making each batch do the 1,000 sit-up challenge as a way of overcoming mental barriers.<ref>"[https://singaporerecords.com/most-number-of-people-doing-1000-sit-ups-together/ Most Number of People Doing 1,000 Sit-Ups Together]". ''Singapore Book of Records''. Accessed on 4 December 2020.</ref> Elaborating on the reasoning behind his actions, he was quoted to have said:<blockquote>“It was not so much about doing the thing. It was doing what they seemingly were not so sure of doing. Most people after finishing, they still couldn’t believe what they had just done. Because between doing and believing, believing is more difficult.”<ref name=":0" /></blockquote>Fred Cheong became commander of the OCS Army wing in 2012, holding the appointment until he retired from the Singapore Armed Forces in September 2013.<ref name=":0" />

	== Monkhood (2013 - current) ==		==Monkhood (2013 - current)==
	After retiring from the SAF in 2013, Fred Cheong flew to Dharamsala, India to be initiated as a monk.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":2" /> He then became known as Venerable Tenzin Drachom.<ref>Panchen Losang Chogyen Vienna. "[https://www.facebook.com/252107618140619/posts/we-congratulate-ven-tenzin-drachom-previously-known-as-fred-cheong-to-his-ordina/668097749874935/ We congratulate Ven. Tenzin Drachom (previously known as Fred Cheong) to his ordination.]". ''Facebook''. September 29, 2013. Accessed on 4 December 2020.</ref> Drawing on the parallels between being a monk and a soldier, he was quoted to have said the following:<blockquote>“Both needed great amounts of discipline. One is awareness of the enemy and situation. The other is awareness of negative emotions that cause an unpleasant state of mind prevalent to all.”<ref name=":0" /></blockquote>		After retiring from the SAF in 2013, Fred Cheong flew to Dharamsala, India to be initiated as a monk.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":2" /> He then became known as Venerable Tenzin Drachom.<ref>Panchen Losang Chogyen Vienna. "[https://www.facebook.com/252107618140619/posts/we-congratulate-ven-tenzin-drachom-previously-known-as-fred-cheong-to-his-ordina/668097749874935/ We congratulate Ven. Tenzin Drachom (previously known as Fred Cheong) to his ordination.]". ''Facebook''. September 29, 2013. Accessed on 4 December 2020.</ref> Drawing on the parallels between being a monk and a soldier, he was quoted to have said the following:<blockquote>“Both needed great amounts of discipline. One is awareness of the enemy and situation. The other is awareness of negative emotions that cause an unpleasant state of mind prevalent to all.”<ref name=":0" /></blockquote>

	=== Ordination ===		===Ordination===
	In March 2017, Tenzin Drachom was fully ordained as a monk by the Dalai Lama.<ref name=":2" /> In the same year, he travelled to a cave in the Himalayas for his first dharma retreat; a tradition amongst monks to meditate for days to attain enlightenment.<ref>“[https://fpmt.org/centers/retreat/ Buddhist Retreat Facilities and Schedules]”. ''FPMT.'' n.d. Accessed on 27 November 2020.</ref> According to a ''Channel News Asia'' article, Tenzin Drachom has also been attending yearly lectures at the Sera Jey Monastery in Mysore, India as part of his learning curriculum as a monk.<ref name=":0" />		In March 2017, Tenzin Drachom was fully ordained as a monk by the Dalai Lama.<ref name=":2" /> In the same year, he travelled to a cave in the Himalayas for his first dharma retreat; a tradition amongst monks to meditate for days to attain enlightenment.<ref>“[https://fpmt.org/centers/retreat/ Buddhist Retreat Facilities and Schedules]”. ''FPMT.'' n.d. Accessed on 27 November 2020.</ref> According to a ''Channel News Asia'' article, Tenzin Drachom has also been attending yearly lectures at the Sera Jey Monastery in Mysore, India as part of his learning curriculum as a monk.<ref name=":0" />

	=== Animal liberation practices ===		===Animal liberation practices===
	As part of an accumulation of merit in Buddhist practices,<ref>"[https://www.fpmtabc.org/prayers_alib.php Animal Liberation]". ''FPMTABC''. Accessed on 4 December 2020.</ref> Venerable Tenzin Drachom has been liberating beings in the form of marine animals since 2000.<ref>“[https://fpmt.org/charitable-activities/projects/social-services/ven-drachoms-pledge-to-liberate-10-million-beings/ Ven. Drachom’s Pledge to Liberate 10 Million Beings]”. ''FPMT.'' March 8, 2014. Accessed on 30 November 2020.</ref><ref>“[https://fpmt.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2011/10/10MillionLivesforGuru.pdf 10 Million Lives For The Guru]”. ''FPMT.'' October 2, 2010. Accessed on 30 November 2020.</ref><ref>"[https://fpmt.org/mandala/archives/mandala-issues-for-2008/april/a-letter-from-a-student-to-lama-zopa/ A Letter from a Student to Lama Zopa]". ''FPMT''. April/May 2008. Accessed on 4 December 2020.</ref> In July 2013, Fred Cheong and the ABC liberated 11,000 kg of shellfish (an estimated one million lives) for the Dalai Lama’s birthday.<ref>“[https://fpmt.org/fpmt-community-news/news-around-the-world/animal-liberation-fund-donates-us2000-to-benefit-animals-in-singapore/ Animal Liberation Fund Donates US$2,000 to Benefit Animals in Singapore]”. ''FPMT.'' August 8, 2013. Accessed on 30 November 2020.</ref> According to the Amitabha Buddhist Centre, Tenzin Drachom liberated one million animals for his teacher, Lama Zopa Rinpoche in 2016.<ref>“[https://fpmt.org/lama-zopa-rinpoche-news-and-advice/lama-zopa-rinpoche-news/long-life-puja-for-lama-zopa-rinpoche-in-singapore/ Long Life Puja for Lama Zopa Rinpoche in Singapore]”. ''FPMT.'' March 14, 2016. Accessed on 30 November 2020.</ref>		As part of an accumulation of merit in Buddhist practices,<ref>"[https://www.fpmtabc.org/prayers_alib.php Animal Liberation]". ''FPMTABC''. Accessed on 4 December 2020.</ref> Venerable Tenzin Drachom has been liberating beings in the form of marine animals since 2000.<ref>“[https://fpmt.org/charitable-activities/projects/social-services/ven-drachoms-pledge-to-liberate-10-million-beings/ Ven. Drachom’s Pledge to Liberate 10 Million Beings]”. ''FPMT.'' March 8, 2014. Accessed on 30 November 2020.</ref><ref>“[https://fpmt.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2011/10/10MillionLivesforGuru.pdf 10 Million Lives For The Guru]”. ''FPMT.'' October 2, 2010. Accessed on 30 November 2020.</ref><ref>"[https://fpmt.org/mandala/archives/mandala-issues-for-2008/april/a-letter-from-a-student-to-lama-zopa/ A Letter from a Student to Lama Zopa]". ''FPMT''. April/May 2008. Accessed on 4 December 2020.</ref> In July 2013, Fred Cheong and the ABC liberated 11,000 kg of shellfish (an estimated one million lives) for the Dalai Lama’s birthday.<ref>“[https://fpmt.org/fpmt-community-news/news-around-the-world/animal-liberation-fund-donates-us2000-to-benefit-animals-in-singapore/ Animal Liberation Fund Donates US$2,000 to Benefit Animals in Singapore]”. ''FPMT.'' August 8, 2013. Accessed on 30 November 2020.</ref> According to the Amitabha Buddhist Centre, Tenzin Drachom liberated one million animals for his teacher, Lama Zopa Rinpoche in 2016.<ref>“[https://fpmt.org/lama-zopa-rinpoche-news-and-advice/lama-zopa-rinpoche-news/long-life-puja-for-lama-zopa-rinpoche-in-singapore/ Long Life Puja for Lama Zopa Rinpoche in Singapore]”. ''FPMT.'' March 14, 2016. Accessed on 30 November 2020.</ref>

	== References/ Citations ==		==References/ Citations==
	[[Category:People of Interest]]		[[Category:People of Interest]]
			<references />

Dayana Rizal: Created page with "{{Infobox person | image = Fred Cheong.jpg | birth_date = 1964 | birth_place = Singapore | other names = Tenzin Drachom | spouse..."

2020-12-04T09:33:35Z

Created page with "{{Infobox person | image = Fred Cheong.jpg | birth_date = 1964 | birth_place = Singapore | other names = Tenzin Drachom | spouse..."

New page

{{Infobox person
| image = Fred Cheong.jpg
| birth_date = 1964
| birth_place = Singapore
| other names = Tenzin Drachom
| spouse = Cyndi Yee (m. 1992 - 2012)
}}

Fred Cheong (born 1964) is a former Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) military regular, where he served in the commando formation under the Special Operations Forces (SOF) unit.<ref name=":0">Mahmud, Aqil Haziq. “[https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/special-forces-storm-hijack-singapore-airlines-monk-fred-cheong-11279702 As a Special Forces soldier, he stormed a hijacked Singapore Airlines plane. Now he's a monk]”. ''Channel News Asia.'' March 3, 2019. Accessed on 27 November 2020.</ref> In 1991, he was part of the SOF unit that conducted Operation Thunderbolt; a hostage rescue operation during the hijacking of the Singapore Airlines SQ117 flight. A fully ordained monk since 2017, he now goes by the name of Venerable Tenzin Drachom.<ref name=":2">“[https://www.fpmtabc.org/resources_orien.php Orientation]”. ''Amitabha Buddhist Centre.'' n.d. Accessed on 27 November 2020.</ref>

== Background ==
[[File:Fred cheong Lama Zopa Rinpoche.jpg|thumb|''A younger Fred Cheong with Lama Zopa Rinpoche, the spiritual director of the Buddhist organisation, FPMT. Photo from [https://fpmt.org/mandala/archives/mandala-issues-for-2008/april/a-letter-from-a-student-to-lama-zopa/ source].'']]

=== Personal life & family ===
Fred Cheong Chung Soon was born in 1964.<ref name=":3">"[https://mothership.sg/2020/10/tenzin-drachom-special-forces-reflection/ Are we living or merely surviving? Ex-Special Forces soldier turned monk reflects on S'pore life.]". ''Mothership''. October 18, 2020. Accessed on 4 December 2020.</ref> Having been raised in a Buddhist family, Fred Cheong was also a devout Buddhist and studied at the Amitabha Buddhist Centre. Speaking to Amitabha Buddhist Centre's ''Tashi Delek'' about the presence of Buddhism in his childhood, he said:<blockquote>"It is something I felt deeply inside me since I was young, to become a monk. I remember I would generate some wish, in secondary school, that I would go to the temple and stay there."<ref>Amitabha Buddhist Centre. "[https://www.fpmtabc.org/2014/download/newsletter/2014_V2_Mar_Apr.pdf An Inspired New Life]". ''Tashi Delek''. March/April 2014. Accessed on 4 December 2020.</ref></blockquote>Fred Cheong enlisted into the National Service in 1982 before deciding to sign-on as a full-time soldier.<ref name=":1">Iso, Gemma. “[https://theindependent.sg/soldier-turns-monk-in-the-military-i-destroyed-the-enemy-outside-now-i-destroy-the-enemy-inside-fred-cheong/ Soldier turns monk: “In the military, I destroyed the enemy outside. Now I destroy the enemy inside” – Fred Cheong]”. ''The Independent News.'' March 4, 2019. Accessed on 27 November 2020.</ref><ref>Eric SOF. "[https://special-ops.org/rescue-of-singapore-airlines-flight-sq-117-over-in-30-secs-flat/ Rescue of Singapore Airlines flight SQ 117 over in 30 secs flat]". ''Spec Ops Magazine''. March 7, 2020. Accessed on 4 December 2020.</ref> During his military career, he often woke up in the early mornings to pray before leaving for camp.<ref name=":1" /> Fred Cheong was married to Cyndi Yee for 20 years before she passed away in 2012 from a stroke.<ref>Tenzin Tsultrim. "[https://issuu.com/fpmtinc/docs/mandala_jan-mar2013 Cyndi Yee Yoke Fen, 40, died in Singapore, September 18, 2012 of cerebral venous thrombosis]". ''Mandala Magazine''. December 7, 2012. Accessed on 4 December 2020. Retrieved from Issuu.</ref>

== Military career (1982 - 2013) ==
[[File:Fred Cheong SAF 2013.jpg|thumb|''Fred Cheong (right) pictured in 2013. Photo from [https://www.facebook.com/OCS.SAFTI/photos/ltc-fred-cheong-chung-soon-was-awarded-the-saf-long-service-and-good-conduct-30-/322958664475111/ source].'']]
For over three decades, Fred Cheong served as a military regular in the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) where he was once a part of the commando formation.<ref name=":3" /><ref>Officer Cadet School, Singapore. "[https://www.facebook.com/OCS.SAFTI/photos/ltc-fred-cheong-chung-soon-was-awarded-the-saf-long-service-and-good-conduct-30-/322958664475111/ LTC Fred Cheong Chung Soon was awarded the SAF Long Service and Good Conduct (30 Years) Medal]". ''Facebook''. January 18, 2013. Accessed on 4 December 2020.</ref>

=== Special Operations Force trooper (1985 - 2006) ===
In 1984, Fred Cheong was one of 32 soldiers who were selected for the Special Operations Force (SOF)'s selection test. He graduated as a SOF trooper in April 1985 after completing his training; which included military courses such as combat diving, ranger and reconnaissance patrol.<ref name=":0" /> Recalling the experience in a 2019 interview with ''Channel News Asia'', he was quoted to have said:<blockquote>“I felt really good because it was the most elite and difficult course. Many people desired it, but not many were able to do it.”<ref name=":0" /></blockquote>

==== Operation Thunderbolt: SQ117 hostage rescue (1991) ====
[[File:SQ117 The Straits Times 1991.jpg|thumb|''Fred Cheong only revealed his involvement in Operation Thunderbolt in 2019.'' Photo from [https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/special-forces-storm-hijack-singapore-airlines-monk-fred-cheong-11279702 source.]]]
On 27 March 1991, Fred Cheong was one of the SAF commandos involved in the hostage rescue operation of SQ117; an inbound flight to Singapore from Kuala Lumpur.<ref name=":0" /> The flight had been hijacked by four male Pakistani nationals the night before.<ref>"Captain tells of cockpit drama". ''The Straits Times''. March 31, 1991. Accessed on 4 December 2020. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.</ref> After negotiations fell through, the commandos were given the green light to storm the plane.<ref>"[https://www.psd.gov.sg/heartofpublicservice/our-people/4-24-7/thunderbolt-the-sq117-story/ THUNDERBOLT: THE SQ117 STORY]". ''Public Service Division''. 2015. Accessed on 4 December 2020.</ref> The rescue operation reportedly lasted for 30 seconds after which, all four hijackers were shot dead.<ref>"Dr Yeo tells intrepid commandos : I was very impressed . . .". ''The Straits Times''. March 29, 1991. Accessed on 4 December 2020. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.</ref> Speaking about the operation, Fred Cheong said:<blockquote>“We were really quite clear when we went inside there; we knew exactly what to do. You cannot go there and start to think. We go there and do what we train for because there will be that trade-off. You were just there to do the job. Nothing more.”<ref name=":0" /></blockquote>Fred Cheong left the Special Operations Force unit in 2006, holding the position of Commander, Special Operations Training Centre at the time.<ref name=":0" />

=== Commander, Officer Cadet School (2006 - 2013) ===
From 2006 to 2012, Fred Cheong was posted to the Officer Cadet School (OCS) as the commander of Hotel Wing, one of the wings for Army officer cadets.<ref name=":0" /> Overseeing a batch of 100 trainees every year, he was known for making each batch do the 1,000 sit-up challenge as a way of overcoming mental barriers.<ref>"[https://singaporerecords.com/most-number-of-people-doing-1000-sit-ups-together/ Most Number of People Doing 1,000 Sit-Ups Together]". ''Singapore Book of Records''. Accessed on 4 December 2020.</ref> Elaborating on the reasoning behind his actions, he was quoted to have said:<blockquote>“It was not so much about doing the thing. It was doing what they seemingly were not so sure of doing. Most people after finishing, they still couldn’t believe what they had just done. Because between doing and believing, believing is more difficult.”<ref name=":0" /></blockquote>Fred Cheong became commander of the OCS Army wing in 2012, holding the appointment until he retired from the Singapore Armed Forces in September 2013.<ref name=":0" />

== Monkhood (2013 - current) ==
After retiring from the SAF in 2013, Fred Cheong flew to Dharamsala, India to be initiated as a monk.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":2" /> He then became known as Venerable Tenzin Drachom.<ref>Panchen Losang Chogyen Vienna. "[https://www.facebook.com/252107618140619/posts/we-congratulate-ven-tenzin-drachom-previously-known-as-fred-cheong-to-his-ordina/668097749874935/ We congratulate Ven. Tenzin Drachom (previously known as Fred Cheong) to his ordination.]". ''Facebook''. September 29, 2013. Accessed on 4 December 2020.</ref> Drawing on the parallels between being a monk and a soldier, he was quoted to have said the following:<blockquote>“Both needed great amounts of discipline. One is awareness of the enemy and situation. The other is awareness of negative emotions that cause an unpleasant state of mind prevalent to all.”<ref name=":0" /></blockquote>

=== Ordination ===
In March 2017, Tenzin Drachom was fully ordained as a monk by the Dalai Lama.<ref name=":2" /> In the same year, he travelled to a cave in the Himalayas for his first dharma retreat; a tradition amongst monks to meditate for days to attain enlightenment.<ref>“[https://fpmt.org/centers/retreat/ Buddhist Retreat Facilities and Schedules]”. ''FPMT.'' n.d. Accessed on 27 November 2020.</ref> According to a ''Channel News Asia'' article, Tenzin Drachom has also been attending yearly lectures at the Sera Jey Monastery in Mysore, India as part of his learning curriculum as a monk.<ref name=":0" />

=== Animal liberation practices ===
As part of an accumulation of merit in Buddhist practices,<ref>"[https://www.fpmtabc.org/prayers_alib.php Animal Liberation]". ''FPMTABC''. Accessed on 4 December 2020.</ref> Venerable Tenzin Drachom has been liberating beings in the form of marine animals since 2000.<ref>“[https://fpmt.org/charitable-activities/projects/social-services/ven-drachoms-pledge-to-liberate-10-million-beings/ Ven. Drachom’s Pledge to Liberate 10 Million Beings]”. ''FPMT.'' March 8, 2014. Accessed on 30 November 2020.</ref><ref>“[https://fpmt.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2011/10/10MillionLivesforGuru.pdf 10 Million Lives For The Guru]”. ''FPMT.'' October 2, 2010. Accessed on 30 November 2020.</ref><ref>"[https://fpmt.org/mandala/archives/mandala-issues-for-2008/april/a-letter-from-a-student-to-lama-zopa/ A Letter from a Student to Lama Zopa]". ''FPMT''. April/May 2008. Accessed on 4 December 2020.</ref> In July 2013, Fred Cheong and the ABC liberated 11,000 kg of shellfish (an estimated one million lives) for the Dalai Lama’s birthday.<ref>“[https://fpmt.org/fpmt-community-news/news-around-the-world/animal-liberation-fund-donates-us2000-to-benefit-animals-in-singapore/ Animal Liberation Fund Donates US$2,000 to Benefit Animals in Singapore]”. ''FPMT.'' August 8, 2013. Accessed on 30 November 2020.</ref> According to the Amitabha Buddhist Centre, Tenzin Drachom liberated one million animals for his teacher, Lama Zopa Rinpoche in 2016.<ref>“[https://fpmt.org/lama-zopa-rinpoche-news-and-advice/lama-zopa-rinpoche-news/long-life-puja-for-lama-zopa-rinpoche-in-singapore/ Long Life Puja for Lama Zopa Rinpoche in Singapore]”. ''FPMT.'' March 14, 2016. Accessed on 30 November 2020.</ref>

== References/ Citations ==
[[Category:People of Interest]]