Speech by Minister for Defence and Chairman, SAFRA Board of Governors, Dr Ng Eng Hen, at the 16th SAFRA Awards and 50th Anniversary Dinner at SAFRA Mount Faber on 1 Dec 2022

President and Past Presidents of SAFRA,

SAFRA Volunteers and Corporate Partners,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

50 years ago, the late Dr Goh Keng Swee launched and inaugurated SAFRA and gave two clear and simple goals. He used the word “concrete form”, to show appreciation for NSmen for their service to Singapore and Singaporeans –that's one clear goal. In practice, what we have tried to do, SAFRA, sought to provide the same facilities, which private, exclusive and expensive clubs afford or give to their members at very high prices, but at SAFRA the concept was to give them the same facilities that they have access to and at affordable prices. There was a second goal, which was to provide a sense of belonging among NSmen to the Singapore Armed Forces and to instil in them pride in being an NSmen, to build bonds and cohesion. I have paraphrased some words, but this was the intent that the late Dr Goh Keng Swee put out.

So I thought in our fiftieth anniversary; it's an appropriate, opportune juncture to ask ourselves if we have met these two simple goals. I think most NSmen and Singaporeans would say a resounding yes. But lest we be accused of tooting our own horns, I think we should try to be objective and examine closely indeed if these two goals have been met.

The first goal – today, we have six SAFRA clubhouses all over the island that provide a wide array of facilities that I think match that of the private clubs. If some foreigner came and didn't know about SAFRA, he walks into SAFRA, he will think it's a private club. I think, fair right? Because in fact, beyond the usual swimming pools and other sports facilities, SAFRA has scored a number of firsts. The first indoor water playground in Singapore in Punggol. The largest indoor air weapons range and competitive bowling centres. And beyond that, as you saw in the video, preschools, enrichment centres, many restaurants. So, I think with facilities, we've met our goal.

What about affordability? I asked staff to go and check what the price of private clubs are. It's similar facilities, and per year it ranges from a few thousand to about $30,000 per year. Ordinary membership for private clubs now cost at least $300,000. Some have hit record highs of half a million. How much does SAFRA charge? $40 a year, to six clubs. I think we compare well with other clubs like civil service and NTUC.

We intentionally built and sited our SAFRAs to major housing estates so that it was accessible, either walking or public transport.

So come next year, SAFRA will celebrate another milestone: the opening of a seventh clubhouse in Choa Chu Kang. I understand SAFRA's Choa Chu Kang will be themed as a 'Fitness Oasis'. They have an integrated fitness and wellness hub, a sky running track, sheltered futsal court and a sheltered swimming pool. I am sure many of our NSmen and their families who live in the North West will look forward to its opening.

The funding for each SAFRA that we built, whether clubhouses or NSRCC golf courses, comes from our annual defence budget. SAFRA Choa Chu Kang is expected to cost just under $70 million. These sums are justified only if SAFRA meets the two goals that I mentioned.

All that I have mentioned are good things but perhaps the strongest endorsement for SAFRA, comes from NSmen and their families – nearly 475,000 members, NSmen and their families. Daily, over 3,000 members visit the clubhouses to enjoy all the facilities we talked about.

SAFRA's Journey through 50 Years – Facilities, Programmes and Partnering the Community

These are positive aspects that create a sense of belonging for NSmen, that they can enjoy what they protect and a fulfilling life. So I think the first objective has been met; what about the second; a sense of identity and pride as NSmen? Well we have got about 500 cohesion activities for more than 45,000 NSmen and their units.

SAFRA also organises activities now and then which are created:

a. For example, SAFRA partnered with the Association of Early Childhood and Training Services for 35,000 pre-schoolers to thank their dads through the Appreciating NSmen Art Jam initiative.

b. For this year's NS55 celebrations, SAFRA worked with businesses and organisations, for over 2,000 merchant outlets to provide additional discounts at their island-wide retail outlets.

Thank You to SAFRA's Volunteers and Partners

I think all of us can, with some satisfaction, say that we have all been involved in building up SAFRA in meaningful ways. I think that is the reason why we have past Presidents, Permanent Secretaries, senior officials come because this really is a ground up initiative that allows us to thank NSmen in ways that we cannot otherwise. It has come a long way. Not sure how many of you know where the first SAFRA was. It was in Prince Edward Lane, which was a temporary clubhouse at the former Norwegian Seamen's Mission Home with 2,000 members.

There's another aspect that many Singaporeans may not be aware; that what keeps our SAFRA clubhouses going are NSmen themselves. They are volunteers that serve beyond their NS duties. It is because of their commitment and expertise that we have what we have today.

SAFRA volunteers contribute widely, whether it is Gym, Education Schemes, Higher Education, Digital Transformation, and Brand Communications Committees. Our NSmen come from diverse industries; with a lot of skills and know-how and they really put their passion into it and they have built up each of our SAFRA clubhouses. I want to thank all SAFRA volunteers for their good work and sacrifices.

One more feather in the cap – for this year's 50th anniversary, volunteers and SAFRA staff got together to organise a major fundraising initiative, 'SAFRA Cares', and I want to thank all of you- because they raised over $800,000 to help those in need. Well done!

SAFRA Must Continue To Evolve In The Future

50 years on, SAFRA has done well in fulfilling its mission. But to maintain its relevance and attractiveness, I think we must adapt to the evolving tastes of a new generation of NSmen and their families.

With the active inputs and contributions of NSmen, volunteers and support from businesses and the community, I am confident that SAFRA can continue to thrive in the decades ahead.

Congratulations to SAFRA on its 50th anniversary and the award recipients.