Fact Sheet: List of ACCORD Proposals Mentioned at Committee of Supply Debate 2015

1. Revamped Total Defence Awards

The Total Defence Awards (TDA) were first awarded in 1986 to recognise employers and companies who are supportive of National Service. In line with the restructured ACCORD and the three Councils under its ambit to better represent the stakeholders, the awards have been revamped to also recognise individuals such as direct superiors, colleagues of NSmen, and family members. In addition, schools and community organisations will also be eligible to be nominated under the new framework. The Ministry of Home Affairs will also align their awards with the revamped TDA.

2. In-Camp Training (ICT) performance feedback (Leadership Training) to employers

NSmen who undergo leadership courses during their ICT are selected for their strong leadership abilities in demanding environments. As such, it would be useful for employers to be informed of their employees' performance during these courses, as it would allow employers to put their employees' leadership skills to optimal use at work. The proposal aims to keep employers informed so that such leadership skills and personal attributes of their employees would be put to good use and are valuable to business operations. MINDEF/SAF will consider implementing a pilot trial for this initiative, for NSmen attending the NS Command and Staff Course.

3. In-Camp Training (ICT) notice and information to employers

The proposal aims to encourage more companies to register on the NS portal to receive information on their employees' ICT call-ups. This allows employers and businesses to better plan ahead, especially for new businesses that may not be familiar with their employees' NS commitments.

4. Review programmes currently available for Returning NSmen to better support their transition back to Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs) after NS

The proposal aims to support Returning NSmen (RNS)'s transition back to IHLs after their full-time NS. Currently, there are existing programmes at some universities to help RNS transit back to school through special enrichment and refresher modules which they can enrol in before the start of their university studies. This initiative involves looking into how these programmes can be strengthened and reviewed to better meet the learning needs of the RNS, while exploring other efforts to further support our NSmen.  

5. Partner women organisations to engage women and raise their awareness, understanding and support for Total Defence and NS

This proposal involves reaching out to women in the community by helping them to better understand national defence, leading to greater support and appreciation for the SAF, and the work of our servicemen and women. It entails MINDEF/SAF partnering the Singapore Council of Women's Organisation and People's Association's Women Integration Network in conducting sessions for mothers to share their experiences of supporting their children through NS. The proposal also includes conducting engagement sessions with wives of NSmen and young women.

6. Partner community/ grassroots organisations and small businesses to offer privileges and benefits to servicemen

This proposal aims to encourage more visible and sustained ground-up support for our servicemen and women with community-led initiatives. It entails collaboration with People's Association and SAFRA to garner community and local businesses' support. Some examples include offering privileges for use of facilities at Community Centres to servicemen and women, and enhancing SAFRA's existing membership privileges to possibly include more retailers.

More Resources

• Committee of Supply Debate 2015