Written Reply by Minister for Defence Chan Chun Sing on Allowing NSmen to Utilise SkillsFuture Credit to Attend Approved Upgrading Courses

Mr Lee Hong Chuang asked the Coordinating Minister for Public Services and Minister for Defence whether the Ministry will consider allowing NSmen to utilise their SkillsFuture credit to attend approved upgrading courses during low activity periods of their In-Camp Training (ICT) so as to support their professional development or acquiring new skills for the service while continuing to fulfill their national duties.

 Minister for Defence, Mr Chan Chun Sing:

NSmen are a key pillar of our national defence. NSmen are called up for In-Camp Training (ICT) for periods necessary to meet operational and training needs. To remain operationally ready, NSmen focus on refreshing their military skills and fulfilling their training requirements each ICT. During their ICT, NSmen’s military training and operational duties should take precedence over other personal or professional commitments. Allowing NSmen to attend non-military training, such as courses funded by SkillsFuture credits, during ICT, would dilute military training outcomes and compromise the SAF’s operational readiness.

Nonetheless, the Ministry of Defence supports national efforts towards skills upgrading and lifelong learning, and encourages NSmen to pursue their non-military learning needs outside of their ICT. NSmen are typically notified of their call-ups up to six months in advance, so that they have adequate time to plan suitable work coverage arrangements and other professional and personal pursuits.