Quah Zheng Wen's NS Deferment till the 2020 Olympics

MINDEF will grant an extension of deferment of National Service to Mr Quah Zheng Wen to train and compete in the 2020 Olympic Games. The Armed Forces Council (AFC) deliberated and approved Mr Quah's application of extended deferment received this month. The AFC noted that Mr Quah had been granted deferment in 2015 to compete for the 2016 Olympics as he had fulfilled standing criteria. Deferment may be granted to exceptional cases of individual sportsmen who are assessed to be potential medal winners at international competitions like the Olympic Games. Applicants will have to show why deferment is necessary for them to train full-time and compete successfully at international competitions and bring national pride for the country. Each case will be assessed individually in consultation with MCCY.

The AFC noted that Mr Quah qualified for the semi-finals in the 100m and 200m butterfly events in the Rio Olympics. MCCY supports his application to continue training and compete in the next Olympics. The AFC has therefore approved Mr Quah's request for extension of his deferment and for him to be enlisted for National Service after the 2020 Olympic Games.

MINDEF wishes Mr Quah good progress in his training to win a medal in the next Olympic Games.