Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen hosted the annual Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) Volunteers' Dinner this evening to recognise the contributions, support and commitment of 315 volunteers serving on 38 MINDEF boards and committees. Dr Ng also presented certificates of appointment and re-appointment to 86 volunteers during the dinner. Held annually since 1998, this year marks the resumption of MINDEF Volunteers' Dinner which was put on hold for 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Speaking at the dinner, Dr Ng highlighted the invaluable contributions of the MINDEF volunteers during COVID-19 and the importance of MINDEF volunteers in an increasingly polarised world. He said "We were in the thick of action whether packing and providing critical items, contact tracing, devising better diagnostic kits, or taking charge of various operations, including the Community Care Facilities…We could have only achieved all of these because of the commitment of our people, including yourselves - volunteers tonight, who went beyond the call of duty."

Dr Ng also emphasised the need to build and sustain trust in National Service and Total Defence. He said "MINDEF, the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF), and Singapore must gird itself for uncertainties ahead and prepare ourselves as best as we can. In contrast to the loss of trust among key powers cited, the reservoir of goodwill and trust among Singaporeans remains a key asset.… Volunteers have contributed directly and strongly in building that trust through your individual efforts and commitment... if conflict is forced upon us to defend our home, solidarity among our own people will ultimately decide if we can survive. The exemplary commitment and dedication of National Service men, our MINDEF and SAF Volunteers and the support and efforts of Singaporeans give me hope that we have more than a fighting chance."

The volunteers serving on MINDEF boards and committees are industry experts in both the private and public sectors. Their contributions in diverse sectors such as law, medicine, counselling, engineering, science and strategic communications 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 National Service.

Also present at the dinner were Senior Ministers of State for Defence Mr Heng Chee How and Mr Zaqy Mohamad, Chief of Defence Force Lieutenant-General Melvyn Ong, as well as senior officials from MINDEF and the SAF.