Committee to Strengthen National Service Finalises Recommendations

The Committee to Strengthen National Service (CSNS) holding its 7th Steering Committee Meeting this morning.

The Committee to Strengthen National Service (CSNS), chaired by Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen, held its 7th Steering Committee Meeting at the SAFRA Mount Faber earlier this morning.

During the meeting, the "Support for NS" and "Recognition and Benefits for National Service" Working Groups submitted their final reports to the Steering Committee. Members discussed the recommendations following the latest round of public feedback, including suggestions to improve the management of the Individual Physical Proficiency Test, expanding the roles of the Advisory Council on Community Relations in Defence (ACCORD) and the SAF Veterans' League to deepen engagement with key stakeholders, and enhancing measures to support National Servicemen in the areas of housing, healthcare and education. The Committee also discussed some of the suggestions which would not be taken up.

CSNS member Mr Gerald Singham shared after the meeting, "I am happy with the process and outcome of the CSNS. We met with a wide range of stakeholders so a lot of the recommendations are a reflection of what our NSmen would like to see. In terms of the actual recommendations, I think that they are meaningful and at the same time, it does not make NS into something that is too transactional. I personally feel that defence of our country is a sacred duty and it should not be reduced into something that is transactional."More than 40,000 people from all walks of life have participated in the CSNS public consultation effort. The CSNS has reviewed the feedback and suggestions and will announce its recommendations by June. Members of the public who are interested in the CSNS journey may visit www.strengthenNS.sg to find out more.