Committee to Strengthen National Service Holds Fifth Meeting

Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen chairing the meeting.

The Committee to Strengthen National Service (CSNS) held its 5th Steering Committee Meeting at SAFRA Toa Payoh earlier this morning. The meeting was chaired by Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen.

During the meeting, the members reviewed feedback and suggestions gathered from the CSNS' public consultation efforts from August to December 2013. More than 22,000 participants have contributed feedback and ideas to strengthen National Service (NS) thus far.

Affirming that NS continues to be necessary and critical to Singapore's security, the meeting discussed improving the full-time NS training system through the development of a professional training cadre. The meeting also discussed the possibility of reducing transition periods to and from full-time NS, so as to optimise the time commitment required of our national servicemen. Members agreed that any changes to the NS training system must not compromise the operational readiness of the Singapore Armed Forces, the Singapore Police Force and the Singapore Civil Defence Force.

The meeting deliberated on proposals to strengthen support for NS from various stakeholders. Members agreed that we should encourage greater stakeholder ownership in providing community support for NS through the restructuring of the Advisory Council on Community Relations in Defence (ACCORD). The meeting discussed how ACCORD could be expanded from a feedback and advisory platform to councils with linkages to constituencies like employers, families and the community. Members also looked at suggestions on providing more support for national servicemen in the area of healthcare, through the National Service Recognition Award.

In addition, the members discussed measures to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of NS administration, such as improving the MINDEF notification centre process, upgrading the NS portal and facilitating make-up training for NSmen who miss their in-camp training. The members agreed that it was important to make NS administration processes more convenient for our NSmen, so that they can perform their NS duties effectively.

Members of the public who are interested in the findings of the CSNS' public consultation efforts may visit www.strengthenNS.sg for more information.

The Committee to Strengthen National Service (CSNS) holding its 5th Steering Committee Meeting this morning.