MINDEF Recognises and Appreciates Volunteers' Contributions

Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen (second from left), accompanied by Chief of Medical Corps Rear-Admiral Kang Wee Lee (second from right), interacting with volunteers at the MINDEF Volunteers' Dinner.

Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen hosted a dinner this evening to recognise the commitment and contributions of more than 140 volunteers serving on 39 Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) boards and committees. Dr Ng also presented certificates of appointment and re-appointment to 67 volunteers at the dinner.

Speaking at the dinner, Dr Ng emphasised that the volunteers play important roles in Singapore's defence by providing expertise and professional insights that help MINDEF and the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) to enhance work processes and systems and ensure that policies are robust and up-to-date. He also added that the Committee to Strengthen National Service (CSNS) is exploring more avenues for Singaporeans to contribute actively towards national defence. Dr Ng said: "One suggested way to do this is for the SAF to expand its volunteer scheme beyond NSmen to allow more to contribute to Singapore's defence. I think this is a positive step, and in keeping with the spirit which you tonight embody in contributing to our defence and security for many years. The CSNS will seriously consider the suggestions to allow volunteers to play a bigger role in our defence." Thanking the volunteers at the dinner, Dr Ng expressed "his deepest appreciation to our volunteers who have contributed to building up the SAF to what it is today - a modern, capable and decisive force. I thank you for your dedication, commitment and support for defence."

As experts in their fields from private and public sectors, the volunteers enable MINDEF to stay updated on the latest in corporate best practices and enhance its organisational processes. Through their diverse backgrounds and extensive networks, the volunteers also serve as the link between MINDEF and the public by promoting public awareness on defence as well as increasing awareness of public sentiment to MINDEF. Since 1998, the dinner has been held annually to thank volunteers for their invaluable contributions to MINDEF.

Also present at the dinner were Minister of State for Health and Manpower Dr Amy Khor, Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Dr Mohamad Maliki Bin Osman, Permanent Secretary for Defence Mr Chiang Chie Foo, Chief of Defence Force Lieutenant-General Ng Chee Meng, Permanent Secretary for Defence Development Mr Chan Yeng Kit, Service Chiefs, senior officials from MINDEF and the SAF as well as CSNS Steering Committee members.

Dr Ng presenting the Certificate of Appointment to Professor Ong Yong Yue at the MINDEF Volunteers' Dinner.

More Resources

Speech by Minister for Defence, Dr Ng Eng Hen, at the MINDEF Volunteers' Dinner 2013