Honouring MINDEF Volunteers

Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen hosted a dinner this evening to recognise the contributions and commitment of 321 volunteers serving on 36 Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) boards and committees. Dr Ng also presented certificates of appointment and re-appointment to 81 volunteers at the dinner. Held annually since 1998, the MINDEF Volunteers’ Dinner serves to thank volunteers for their invaluable contributions to MINDEF.
 
Speaking at the dinner, Dr Ng thanked the volunteers for providing professional expertise and perspectives to enhance the work of MINDEF and the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF). He said, "Your expertise helped us run the SAF efficiently and fairly, whether it is growing public understanding and support for defence, building SAFRA clubs, making important judgements in your medical and legal panels, counselling NSmen or visiting offenders, as civil resource experts, or providing financial or scientific advice - the list goes on."
 
The volunteers serving in MINDEF boards and committees are industry experts in the private and public sectors. Their contributions in diverse areas such as law, medicine, engineering, science, finance, and music and the arts allow MINDEF to stay updated on industry best practices and organisational processes. Through their extensive networks, the volunteers also serve as the link between MINDEF and the public by promoting public awareness on defence and inspiring support for NS.
 
Referring to this year being the 50th anniversary of National Service and its theme "From My Generation to Yours", Dr Ng said that the volunteers served as good role models for the next generation to emulate. He said, "As I said in the beginning, this citizen-military partnership is very unique, it is an outstanding aspect that sets Singapore apart. I hope that you will continue to be good role models and I believe that if we continue this, then I think we would have discharged our duty and our generation can pass on good values and good foundations to the next."
 
Also present at the dinner were Senior Minister of State for Defence Dr Mohamad Maliki Bin Osman, President of the Military Court of Appeal Justice Choo Han Teck, Permanent Secretary (Defence) Mr Chan Yeng Kit, Chief of Defence Force Lieutenant-General Perry Lim, Permanent Secretary (Defence Development) Mr Neo Kian Hong, Chief of Army Major-General Melvyn Ong, Chief of Navy Rear-Admiral Lew Chuen Hong as well as senior officials from MINDEF and the SAF.

More Resources

Speech by Minister for Defence at Mindef Volunteers' Dinner 2017