To better understand what it takes to be a military pilot, executive photojournalist Alphonsus Chern (above) went through the strain of aviation physiology training.

It was a tough five months, including experiencing being in a rotating black box designed to cause a loss of spatial orientation.

For his work, the 36-year-old scored a hat-trick of awards this year, including Feature Picture of the Year for his photograph of six F-16C Fighting Falcons from the Republic of Singapore Air Force in formation over the South China Sea.

He also won for Best Interactive Infographics for a piece on the National Gallery, and Best Video, which he won with executive photographer Ng Sor Luan, 37, for their video on the Black Knights.

" I've always been interested in aspects of the military. Working at The Straits Times has allowed me to try things that I wouldn't have been able to do even if I signed on."

Amelia Teng