Honouring MINDEF Volunteers

Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen interacting with volunteers at the MINDEF Volunteers' Dinner.

Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen hosted a dinner this evening to recognise the contributions and commitment of 381 volunteers serving on 38 Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) boards and committees. Dr Ng also presented certificates of appointment and re-appointment to 45 volunteers at the dinner.

Speaking at the dinner, Dr Ng acknowledged the important role played by the volunteers in providing professional expertise and insights to enhance the work of MINDEF and the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF). He said, "It is your expertise and frank advice that helps us improve and benchmark against the best of class organisations.

I had a word with Justice Choo Han Teck. I told him that we were advising on Military justice aspects. But without their expertise we would have no confidence to do it. Also, strategic communications. I was just talking to you before we entered. How to explain difficult things through simple ways. You help us stay connected to Singaporeans, you keep us close to the ground, and at times, you are an advocate for policy. The fact that you are not part of the military, adds to the robustness, the objectivity and independence of our assessments." Dr Ng also noted that the contributions of the volunteers extended beyond improving and enhancing MINDEF/SAF processes and practices. He said, "Together our volunteers provide confidence in National Service and the SAF. Because together we demonstrate the conviction that Singapore is worth defending and that without the efforts of all, we cannot be safe or strong."

The volunteers serving in MINDEF boards and committees are experts in their fields in the private and public sectors. The array of expertise they bring on board -- in areas such as healthcare, human resource, law, finance, science and technology and strategic communications -- allows MINDEF to stay updated on industry best practices and organisational processes. Through their extensive networks, the volunteers also serve as the link between MINDEF and the public by promoting public awareness on defence and inspiring support for NS. Held annually since 1998, the MINDEF Volunteers' Dinner serves to thank volunteers for their invaluable contributions to MINDEF.

Also present at the dinner were Senior Minister of State for Defence Dr Mohamad Maliki Bin Osman, President of the Military Court of Appeal Justice Choo Han Teck, Permanent Secretary (Defence) Mr Chan Yeng Kit, Chief of Defence Force Lieutenant-General Perry Lim, Permanent Secretary (Defence Development) Mr Ng Chee Khern, Chief of Army Major-General Melvyn Ong, as well as senior officials from MINDEF and the SAF.

Dr Ng (Right) presenting a Certificate of Appointment to Mr Venka Purushothaman, Member, SAF Music & Drama Company Artistic Advisory Board, at the MINDEF Volunteers' Dinner.

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Speech by Minister for Defence, Dr Ng Eng Hen, at the MINDEF Volunteers' Dinner