Written Reply by Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen to Parliamentary Question on NS Deferment by Artists

Ms Janice Koh: To ask the Minister for Defence between 2003 and 2013 (a) how many applications for NS deferment are made by male artists each year; (b) of these, how many have been successful each year; (c) what is the process and criteria for granting NS deferment to gifted artists; and (d) whether the Ministry will consider settingup a formal appeals committee, which may include respected arts leaders, to assess applications and recommend exceptional artistic talent for NS deferment.

Dr Ng Eng Hen: To maintain the collective commitment by all Singaporeans and PRs to national service, enlistment to NS must be applied uniformly and equitably to all enlistees. Therefore deferments are considered very selectively and only for the few individuals with exceptional talents, in the sports, arts and other areas. Even then the deferment is not for individuals to achieve personal accomplishments for themselves but only allowed when they indicate the ability to achieve national pride for Singapore and why performing their NS duties like everyone else would prevent them from doing so.

The deferment requests for artists will be carefully assessed based on these criteria by MINDEF, in consultation with the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth.

Based on these criteria, only a small number have been deferred in the past. Between 2003 and 2013, we received five applications for NS deferment to pursue the arts, of which two were granted deferment. Artists who are granted deferment are enlisted for NS at the earliest opportunity after their deferment period.