Clarence Chew and Loh Kean Hean were both given deferments from full-time National Service (NS) for three years to pursue their polytechnic diplomas from Apr 2013 to Apr 2016.

As they required more time to complete their diploma course, the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) subsequently granted an extension of deferment for Clarence and Kean Hean until Feb 2018 and Sept 2017 respectively. When Clarence suspended his studies in 2017, his deferment extension was consequently withdrawn. Kean Hean was enlisted after his deferment extension for studies ended in Sept 2017.

To support our national athletes, MINDEF exercises flexibility in allowing Full-time National Servicemen to train and participate in international competitions such as the Commonwealth Games and the Asian Games, subject to operational requirements.
MINDEF has also granted deferments to exceptional sporting talents who are assessed to be potential medal winners at international competitions like the Olympic Games for the purpose of achieving national pride for Singapore. In recent years, Joseph Schooling and Quah Zheng Wen, who competed in the Olympic Games, were granted deferment based on these criteria.