For most, the end of a military career signals a new chapter. But for Lieutenant Colonel (NS) Koh Chee Beng, William, it marked a powerful continuation of his calling – to lead, serve, and help others build secure financial futures. After a 14-year journey in the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF), where he earned the prestigious SAF Scholarship and rose through the ranks with strategic acumen and boots-on-the-ground leadership, William found himself at a pivotal crossroads. What followed was more than just a career pivot but was instead a mission redefined.
“When I left the SAF, I wasn’t retiring. I was recommitting to a new way of serving,” William shares. That new mission took form at Unicorn, an independently-owned family wealth office where he now serves as a Business Leader with the same grit, discipline, and clarity honed in uniform. The difference? His battlefield now lies in the world of family wealth planning, where he guides NSmen through financial resilience and legacy planning.
The Uniform May Be Different, But the Mission Endures
What sparked the shift from military strategy to family wealth consulting? For William, the answer is rooted in growth and impact. “I started to ask myself – what’s next?” he reveals. “In the SAF, I thrived on leading from the front, shaping teams, and seeing missions through. But the path ahead was shifting towards more staff roles. I wanted to continue serving with purpose, not just clock time till retirement.”
A chance encounter with family wealth office Unicorn’s Chairman, Patrick Tan, became the turning point. “He didn’t pitch a product. He shared a vision rooted in service, culture, and purpose. That night, I told my wife: If I don’t pursue this, I’ll regret it for life.”
Since then, William has spent over a decade at Unicorn not just managing portfolios, but also mentoring young consultants, building cohesive teams, and walking alongside families through life’s biggest financial moments. “This wasn’t a detour from leadership,” he says. “It was a continuation, but this time in service of helping others build what I call ‘financial defence’.”
Leading with Heart, Not Just Rank
William’s leadership philosophy remains anchored in the values forged during his SAF years: mission clarity, ground-up execution, and service before self. “In the Army, leadership was never about titles. It was about responsibility, discipline, and standing with your men in the trenches,” he reflects. “That hasn’t changed. Now, I do it in boardrooms and living rooms.”
At Unicorn, he leads by example by mentoring his team of consultants, including ex-military staff who transitioned out of service just like he did. “I tell them: your skills are still relevant. Tactical thinking, adaptability, and mission-focus are still invaluable in the corporate world. The challenge isn’t starting over. It’s reapplying what you already know.”
Four of his team members today are fellow ex-Army regulars. “We speak the same language of commitment, grit, and clarity,” he says. “That bond helps us guide clients with authenticity and empathy.”
The Case for “Financial Defence”
A champion of financial literacy for NSmen, William draws parallels between military preparedness and financial planning. “Emergency savings are like spare rations. You don’t go into the field without a plan, and life should be no different.” For many young NSmen, their first major financial decisions arrive just after ORD, when mistakes can be costly.
He sees lifestyle inflation – the subtle, creeping increase in spending – as one of the biggest financial enemies. “It sneaks up, like a silent adversary. Without structure and planning, it drains your resources and steals your future.”
Through workshops and one-on-one coaching, William helps NSmen think tactically. “We don’t just talk returns. We build life strategies with contingency planning, risk buffers, and long-term goals. Like a well-drawn ops plan, your finances should be mission-oriented and resilient.”
Turning Mistakes Into Lessons For Mentorship
William doesn’t shy away from sharing his own early financial missteps. “I once thought I could outsmart the market. But experience taught me otherwise and often painfully,” he admits. Those hard lessons became the foundation for how he now mentors others.
“I always ask: must you learn only from your own pain? Or can you also learn from someone else’s?” That humility, paired with candour, is what makes William a sought-after mentor. “Real mentorship isn’t about showcasing perfection. It’s about telling the truth and growing together.”
Vision: A Freehold Life, Anchored in Clarity
Looking ahead, William’s mission remains deeply rooted in purpose. “I want NSmen to live not just securely, but with clarity and confidence. Financial literacy shouldn’t be a luxury but a necessity and part of our national resilience.”
He also views family wealth planning as legacy building. “It’s not just about assets. It’s about values – what matters to you, and what you want to pass on. I help people clarify that vision.”
To NSmen who feel they’ve fallen behind financially, his message is clear: “It’s never too late. What matters most isn’t when you start. It’s that you start, and that you head in the right direction.”
Final Salute
Whether in boots or business attire, LTC (NS) Koh Chee Beng, William remains a soldier at heart, and one who now fights for futures, not fields. His legacy isn’t in the battles he’s won, but in the lives he’s empowered by ensuring discipline, heart, and a battle plan for life.
“To me, being truly mission-ready isn’t just about being prepared to succeed,” William concludes. “It’s about being prepared to serve fully, sincerely, and wherever life calls.”
To forge for yourself and your family a brighter financial future, visit the Unicorn website to start your journey now.
This article is brought to you by
