Following its restructuring in August 2014, the Advisory Council on Community Relations in Defence (ACCORD) has submitted 18 proposals to the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF), aimed at boosting support and recognition for National Service (NS). The Council is chaired by Second Minister for Defence Mr Chan Chun Sing and supported by Deputy Chairman Minister of State for Defence Dr Mohamad Maliki Bin Osman.

The 18 proposals include initiatives to (a) help ease the transition for servicemen returning to school after full-time National Service, (b) encourage community organisations and small businesses to show appreciation for men and women in uniform, (c) strengthen MINDEF's engagement with women's organisations, and (d) provide employers and businesses with advance notice of their employees' In-Camp Training call-ups, so that they can plan ahead more effectively. ACCORD also proposed for MINDEF to enhance the way it recognises and commends employers, businesses and organisations that go the extra mile to support NS.

Mr Chan highlighted that he was encouraged by the significant progress made by ACCORD in engaging key stakeholders such as educational institutions, employers and businesses, as well as families to explore ways to boost support for NS, since its restructuring last year. Mr Chan added, "I am heartened by the strong societal support for national defence and NS, and look forward to more of ACCORD's good work in strengthening collaboration between the community, MINDEF and the SAF. The committee members have done a good job in engaging their respective communities, and the proposals reflect the effort and commitment of the ACCORD members."

ACCORD was established by MINDEF in January 1984 as a channel for the community to provide feedback on issues concerning Singapore's defence. Following recommendations from the Committee to Strengthen National Service (CSNS) in 2014, ACCORD was restructured in August last year into three Councils formed under its main ambit - an Employer and Business Council (E&B), an Educational Institutions Council (EI), and a Family and Community Council (F&C) - to tap on members' networks for greater participation and feedback on our NS system, and for proactive engagement of their respective stakeholders in strengthening Commitment to Defence (C2D) and NS.