Honouring MINDEF Volunteers

Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen (second from left) interacting with volunteers at the MINDEF Volunteers' Dinner 2018.

Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen hosted a dinner this evening to recognise the contributions and commitment of 286 volunteers serving on 39 Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) boards and committees. Dr Ng also presented certificates of appointment and re-appointment to 82 volunteers at the dinner. Held annually since 1998, the MINDEF Volunteers' Dinner serves to thank volunteers for their invaluable contributions to MINDEF.

Speaking at the dinner, Dr Ng spoke about how the invaluable role played by the volunteers underpins the strong support for national defence. He said, "I believe that your examples as volunteers are a strong factor that keeps this support for national defence strong... I think your personal examples speak louder than your words. The fact that we have conscription, mandatory military service, National Service, for males, has neither diminished the need for, nor detracted from, the contributions of volunteers. In fact, I think it is synergistic." On the note that every citizen contributes to Singapore's vision, Dr Ng highlighted that the volunteers exemplified their commitment to defence. He said, "The strength of our nation is ultimately as strong as each citizen's dedication to the vision and idea of our Singapore. As volunteers, you both embody and express those values of nationhood that make our nation strong."

The volunteers serving in MINDEF boards and committees are industry experts in the private and public sectors. Their contributions in diverse areas such as law, medicine, counselling, engineering, science, and the arts allow 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 National Service.

Also present at the dinner were Senior Ministers of State for Defence Mr Heng Chee How and Dr Mohamad Maliki Bin Osman, Chief of Defence Force Lieutenant General Melvyn Ong as well as senior officials from MINDEF and the Singapore Armed Forces.

Dr Ng presenting a certificate of re-appointment to Ms Joanna Portilla, member of the Advisory Council on Community Relations in Defence (ACCORD) Family and Community Council.

Dr Ng giving a speech at the MINDEF Volunteers' Dinner 2018.

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