Response to The Straits Times Forum Letter on "NS pioneer's plea: Don't forget to remember me" and Online Letter on "Have an all-encompassing NS Day"

Recognition of NSmen's contributions to National Service

We thank Mr Francis Cheng for his forum letter, "NS pioneer's plea: Don't forget to remember me" on 28 May 2012 and Mr Chiang Ming Yu for his online letter, "Have an all-encompassing NS Day" on 1 Jun 2012.

MINDEF appreciates both Mr Cheng's and Mr Chiang's support for National Service. All National Servicemen past and present have contributed towards the peace and stability that Singapore enjoys. MINDEF constantly seeks to find ways to recognise these sacrifices made by our NSmen and their families. These initiatives include the NS Recognition Awards (NSRA), NS medals and commemorative watches to recognise our NSmen throughout their NS training cycle. Annually, the "SAF NSmen of the Year" awards are also presented to outstanding NSmen. NS unit achievements like the Best NS Unit awards are given out on the Singapore Armed Forces Day.

In addition, we provide past and present NSmen and their families with quality recreational facilities through the five [1] SAFRA clubhouses across the island for a nominal membership fee. SAFRA members also enjoy discounts at numerous shopping, F&B and lifestyle outlets.

This year marks the 45th anniversary of NS. The "NS: From Fathers to Sons" theme pays tribute to successive generations of NSmen who have contributed to the defence of our nation.

The NS45 celebrations comprise a series of activities. The exhibition, recently launched at the Army Open House@Our City and presently touring the heartlands, highlights the contributions of our NSmen. Online, "My NS Story", encourages both past and present NSmen to share their NS experiences. The stories will subsequently be shared with other Singaporeans as part of the irememberSg collection. On 2 July 2012, a Total Defence Symposium, jointly organised by MINDEF and employers, will also be held at the Raffles City Convention Centre to publicly recognize and acknowledge the commitment and support of all Singaporeans towards Total Defence, particularly NS.

Brigadier-General Perry Lim
Director National Service Affairs / VP SAFRA

MINDEF's reply was published as "Recognising NSmen: Mindef replies", The Straits Times, 06 Jun 12

1. Corrected factual error - changed "six SAFRA clubhouses" to "five SAFRA clubhouses" on 12 Oct 12