We refer to the letters by Mr Julian Teo Eng Keat “Many other roads to take to bring nation glory”, Mr Boyle Ng Chai Tee “Winning an Olympic medal is a form of national service too” and Mr Tan Yi Shu “NS Exemption: Olympic success no substitute for military service”, published on 13, 15 and 16 August 2024 respectively.

The Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) joins all Singaporeans in congratulating Maximilian Maeder for his stellar performance at the 2024 Olympic Games, and for bringing a hard-earned Olympic medal home to Singapore. His win has brought pride and glory to the nation and is a cause for celebration.

However, rewarding such achievements with exemption from National Service (NS), would not be the appropriate response, as pointed out by Mr Tan Yi Shu. Indeed, it would dilute their achievements and weaken our solidarity towards NS and the defence of Singapore. It sends the wrong signal that the duty of NS could be substituted by other personal achievements. It would sow seeds of inequity in others who put in as much time to train in their sport but do not win medals, and in those who also achieve excellence in other fields like music, the arts and academic pursuits.

Support for NS is strongest when all able-bodied male Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents know that each will be enlisted to perform NS regardless of status or achievements.

Therefore instead of exemptions, MINDEF has provided deferment and disruptions from NS for young Singaporeans who can reach their full potential and win in international events like the Olympics. MINDEF had granted Mr Maeder deferment from NS through the 2028 Olympics before the 2024 Olympic Games were held. After deferments and disruptions, these individuals must still fulfil their NS obligations.

We are proud that all our male national athletes have performed their duty of NS.