Response to Lianhe Zaobao Forum Letter on "Give More Affirmation to National Service Personnel"

MINDEF Recognises Contributions of National Servicemen

We thank Mr Chen Xiao Chuan for his forum letter "Give More Affirmation to National Service Personnel" and his feedback on better recognising the contributions of National Servicemen, on 1 Nov 2012.

National Servicemen carry out a duty that is vital to the peace and security enjoyed by Singapore. The Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) has introduced various initiatives over the years to recognise National Servicemen for their dedicated service. Examples include the annual National Serviceman Tax Relief, the National Service Bonus, additional allotments of the GST Offset Credit and Growth Dividends and most recently, the NS45 SAFRA and HomeTeamNS Benefit as we celebrate 45 years of National Service. In 2010, we introduced the National Service Recognition Award, to recognise the contributions of National Servicemen at key milestones in their National Service journey. Earlier in February this year, full-time National Servicemen saw an increase of $60 in their monthly rank allowance. These are gestures to recognise the contributions of our National Servicemen. They are by no means a measure of the value of their contributions the defence of our country.

MINDEF will continue to look for ways to recognise the contributions of our national servicemen.

Mr Tan Kok Yam
Director Manpower
Ministry of Defence

MINDEF's reply was published as "将继续探讨肯定国民服役人员的途径", Lianhe Zaobao, 06 Nov 12