Senior Minister of State for Defence Underscores Importance of National Service

Senior Minister of State for Defence Mr Ong Ye Kung, accompanied by Chief of Army Brigadier-General Melvyn Ong (Right) and Commander Basic Military Training Centre (BMTC) Colonel Desmond Yeo (Second from left), interacting with a recruit during his visit.

Senior Minister of State for Defence Mr Ong Ye Kung visited the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) Basic Military Training Centre (BMTC) in Pulau Tekong today. During his visit, Mr Ong was given an introductory brief by Commander BMTC, Colonel (COL) Desmond Yeo on the BMTC organisation structure, as well as its learning, training and safety frameworks. He also visited recruits undergoing training and interacted with commanders and servicemen.

Speaking after his visit, Mr Ong highlighted the transformation of the SAF's training and learning frameworks over the years. He said, "A lot has changed - this entire building, the whole facility, the advancement in military training and NSF (full-time National Servicemen) training over the years, the trainer-to-trainee ratio, the methods and the curriculum. We see them use IT (Information Technology) now for NSFs to self-learn all the theories before they practice." Mr Ong also emphasised the importance of National Service as a key milestone towards nation-building and Singapore's defence.

He said, "What I think did not change is that they come from different backgrounds, different ethnicities, they come together and they train, sweat, cry and laugh side by side. That is the beauty of NS, and this is where the pride of defending our nation begins. Ultimately, NS remains the cornerstone of our defence."

Mr Ong was accompanied by Chief of Army Brigadier-General (BG) Melvyn Ong, Commander 9th Singapore Division and Chief Infantry Officer BG Chiang Hock Woon, and other senior officers from the Singapore Army.

During his visit, he also toured the BMTC Journey Room where he was briefed on BMTC's learning and training systems.

SMS Ong during an engagement session with recruits as part of his visit to BMTC this morning.