Reply to Media Queries on National Swimmers' Enlistment Status

Deferment from full-time National Service (NS) was granted to national swimmers Mr Joseph Schooling from 2014 to 2021 for a total of seven years, and Mr Quah Zheng Wen from 2015 to 2021 for a total of six years. As previously explained in Parliament, such deferment from full-time NS is granted very selectively for exceptional sportsmen assessed to be potential medal winners at international competitions like the Olympic Games and who are able to bring national pride to Singapore. Each appeal for deferment is assessed based on stringent criteria in consultation with the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth.

During their deferment, both swimmers qualified and represented Singapore for various swimming events at the 2016 and 2020 Olympic Games. Mr Schooling won the gold medal for the 100-metre butterfly event and set a new Olympic record at the 2016 Olympic Games. Mr Quah reached the semi-finals for the 100-metre and 200-metre butterfly events at the 2016 Olympic Games.

As their deferment until 31 August 2021 has ended, both Mr Schooling and Mr Quah will proceed to fulfil their NS obligations, as agreed to when they applied for deferment. They will be enlisted once the necessary pre-enlistment procedures have been completed.