Appreciating Our MINDEF Volunteers

Head Psychological Care Centre Senior Lieutenant-Colonel (Dr) SLTC(Dr) Adrian Loh (right) presenting a certificate of appointment to Chairman of the SAF Psychiatry Specialist Advisory Board Adjunct Associate Professor Lee Cheng (left).

Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen penned letters of appreciation to thank 331 volunteers serving on 42 Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) boards and committees for their invaluable contributions and support for MINDEF and the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF). This week, a total of 212 appointment and reappointment certificates and letters will be delivered to the MINDEF volunteers. The annual MINDEF Volunteers' Dinner, hosted to recognise the contributions and dedication of the volunteers, will not take place this year due to COVID-19 restrictions.

In the appreciation letter, Dr Ng reminded the volunteers on how their expertise and contributions support MINDEF and the SAF to protect Singapore's interests and keep Singaporeans safe. He wrote, "Volunteers are an important part of the MINDEF family and play crucial roles to strengthen our national defence. Through your expertise and experience in diverse areas including law, medicine, science, finance and public communications, you fill gaps in our capabilities. The peace and security that Singaporeans enjoy are a result of your efforts to strengthen the SAF."

These 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, these volunteers also serve as the link between MINDEF and the public by promoting public awareness on defence and inspiring support for National Service.