Speech by Senior Minister of State for Defence, Mr Zaqy Mohamad, at the Committee of Supply Debate 2026 on 27 February 2026

Introduction

Mr Chairman, as Defence Minister Mr Chan has outlined, we face an increasingly complex world. Peace is not guaranteed – Singapore has reaped the peace dividend as a result of constant vigilance, diplomacy and active risk management. Our defence must continue to stand strong, on lasting foundations. National Service (NS) remains the cornerstone of Singapore's defence. 

As our world changes, we will continue to enhance the SAF – and we must keep strengthening NS to stay effective. 

Optimising Contributions of our People 

Enabling Contribution Across the NS Journey 

Let me begin with our goal in mind – we want to enable our national servicemen to contribute meaningfully at every stage of their NS journey. From enlistment, through full-time service, through to as Operationally-Ready Servicemen and even beyond their active years.  

We want to optimise how people can contribute to Singapore’s security throughout their entire NS journey. Mr Henry Kwek asked about how we are going to do so. 

(i) Tapping Potential Early  

Firstly, we provide opportunities for our National Servicemen to develop their potential, and even their careers early. Since 2023, we have created early enlistment schemes that let selected polytechnic students enlist a year early. They complete their final-year internship whilst serving in the SAF. This means they can pursue their studies whilst putting their learning into practice in NS. We now have five such schemes, including our newest partnership with Ngee Ann Polytechnic launched last year. This latest tie-up trains students as Army Engineers. 

Other servicemen can also take up Work-Learn Schemes after they enlist. 

These programmes, run with our Institutes of Higher Learning, let servicemen serve full-time NS while earning diplomas or university credits. They focus on areas vital to SAF capabilities – artificial intelligence, engineering, and others. We have introduced 10 Work-Learn Schemes to date. Our most recent tie-up was launched last year with the Singapore Maritime Academy, where it trains Naval Warfare System Specialists in marine systems. 

As we create more opportunities for servicemen to gain skills during NS, these skills must be recognised beyond their service. Mr Melvin Yong asked how this is being done. MINDEF and SAF are partnering SkillsFuture Singapore to include NS certificates in the Careers & Skills Passport. We will start a trial with selected SAF Training Institutes from the second half of this year. Industry-relevant skills will be mapped in each serviceman’s passport. This provides government-verified records of the skills they have attained in NS and this will help boost their employability. 

Mr Kenneth Tiong asked whether NS allowances can be pegged to labour market standards such as the Local Qualifying Salary (LQS). Let me first assure Members that we deeply value our National Servicemen’s commitment and contributions in defending Singapore. MINDEF regularly reviews allowances and incentives for our National Servicemen, and we will continue to do so. 

Over the past decade, we have conducted four reviews of NS allowances, in 2015, 2020, 2023 and most recently in July 2025. As an example, the allowance for a Recruit in Basic Military Training increased by 65% in the last 10 years. But NS allowances are just one part of many initiatives to recognise National Servicemen, which are not available to Regulars. For example, NS HOME, whereby HOME stands for HOusing, Medical, Education, which is designed to support housing, healthcare and education needs of our National Servicemen through top-ups to their CPF, PSEA (Post-Secondary Education) Accounts, and LifeSG credits. Servicemen receive up to $6,500 upon completion of full-time NS. Of that amount, CPF comes to about $5,500 and up to $18,500 in total after completing their Operationally-Ready NS training. 

NSmen and their families also enjoy annual tax relief. Now, on the comparison to Local Qualifying Salary – we must also understand what the LQS is and what the LQS is not. As MOM has explained, the LQS determines the number of local employees counted towards a firm’s Work Permit and S Pass quota entitlement. The LQS is an administrative tool that ensures local workers are employed and paid meaningfully in the employment context. It is not the minimum wage or general salary benchmark for all forms of service in Singapore. 

We should not draw equivalence between salaries and NS allowances because there is a fundamental difference between the two. A salary is a transaction for labour services rendered by a worker to compensate for work done and meet living expenses and commitments. NS is a unique civic duty and contribution by all able-bodied Singaporean men, and is not a transaction. While we acknowledge that serving NS involves opportunity cost, we should not erode our social compact and the ethos of service by casting it as an employer-employee relationship. 

For NSFs, the state takes care of the vast majority of their basic needs like accommodation, food and equipping. The NS allowances, which we regularly review, are designed to support the NSFs’ personal upkeep and other incidentals. NSFs who require further financial assistance due to personal circumstances are supported through the financial assistance schemes in the SAF. These are layered upon what they can also get outside through the MSF ComCare schemes. So, I encourage any NSF facing difficulties to speak with their commanders, and I can assure them that the SAF will do its utmost to assist. 

We deeply value the contributions that our National Servicemen play in defending Singapore, and we remain committed in ensuring that our allowances and support measures remain relevant and meaningful. 

(ii) Harnessing the Expertise of NSmen  

Moving on to our NSmen. While servicemen transition to their ten-year Operationally-Ready NS journey, they are building expertise in their civilian careers in a variety of sectors and exposures.  

Today, they can serve in NS roles that draw on the skills they have gained in their jobs. We do this through the Enhanced Expertise Deployment Scheme, or EEDS. About 850 NSmen have been redeployed into roles better aligned with their professional expertise. This covers more than twenty areas – such as legal, cyber, strategic communications, and more. Take ME4A(NS) Aslam Bin Mohamed Johan for example. Aslam is a Software Engineer with the Government Technology Agency, who specialises in system design and the development of digital solutions. 

Aslam previously served as a driver in the 1st SAF Transport Battalion. He was redeployed to the SAF C4 and Digitalisation Command in 2024, where he now applies his technical expertise to strengthen SAF’s digital systems and enhance operational effectiveness. This is what we mean by optimising our servicemen’s contributions. Instead of a one-size-fits-all deployment, we are matching individuals’ professional expertise with roles where the skills can best serve Singapore’s defence needs.  

Another area where we are harnessing niche skills is cyber defence. Many of our NSmen today are skilled cybersecurity professionals who bring valuable real-world experience and industry expertise. We are all aware of how critical cyberwarfare is to a country’s national security and we have seen how Singapore’s critical infrastructure comes under threat from time to time. We are not immune to these attacks – and we need to draw on the best talents that Singapore can provide among our NSmen. I am pleased to say that many have come forward to offer their skills to defend Singapore. Their expertise matters and can make a real difference – not just to the SAF, but to Singapore’s broader cyber defence. 

From June this year, the SAF will deploy NSmen with cyber expertise into Sectoral Cyber Defence Teams, or SCDT for short. These teams will strengthen our capabilities, bring new ideas and approaches, and complement our existing forces. We will deploy them to support the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore in defending Singapore's Critical Information Infrastructure and these cover vital sectors such as telecommunications, power and transport. 

One such example is ME4(NS) Lye Han Wei, who is a manager in Cyber Threat Intelligence and Response from the Infocomm Media Development Authority. He will be part of the Telecommunications SCDT, bringing expertise and experience in niche areas such as operational technology, cybersecurity governance and threat detection. NSmen like Han Wei will contribute meaningfully to our national efforts to strengthen our cyber defence, offering specialised knowledge that would be difficult to replicate through traditional military training alone. This represents a more coordinated, proactive approach against increasingly sophisticated cyber threats. 

Chairman, we are enabling better skills-matched deployment of our NSmen. These pathways enable NSmen to contribute more meaningfully to national defence by applying the expertise that they have. 

Involving the Wider Society  

Mr Lee Hong Chuang and Ms Rachel Ong asked about how we are involving the community and wider society. The defence of our nation is a shared endeavour that goes beyond those who serve NS. Our deterrence, and mission success, if ever called upon, relies on the understanding and support of the wider Singapore society. Whether at the National Day Parade or the recent Singapore Airshow – you can see Singaporeans from all walks of life show their sense of pride – embodying the spirit of Total Defence.  

Many Singaporeans and residents want to contribute to our defence in different ways. They want to play a meaningful role in keeping Singapore safe. So, beyond NS, we will be expanding avenues for women, Permanent Residents, new citizens, and foreigners to step forward and play their part. Just as NS has served Singapore well to foster cohesion and a sense of national identity through their service to defence, we want to expand the opportunity and potential to do the same through this initiative.  

MINDEF and SAF will establish the SG Defence Volunteer Network this year. This brings all volunteers in MINDEF, SAF, and our related organisations under one common identity. It strengthens our volunteer ecosystem and the SG Defence Volunteer Network will focus on two key areas initially.  

First, we will expand civilian volunteer pathways by creating new opportunities across MINDEF, SAFRA, Defence Collective Singapore, and our other agencies. Volunteers can contribute in ways that better match their skills, interests, and life stages. Today, we already have volunteers contributing specialist skills in military law, defence science, strategic communications, and even museum guiding. 

This year, we started the National Education (NE) Ambassadors scheme that lets individuals with a passion for Total Defence speak to students, youths, and the public – covering all six pillars of Total Defence. MINDEF now has more than 100 NE Ambassadors from various professional backgrounds. We also started the Total Defence Champions initiative this year to engage communities on how to respond during crises and disruptions.  

Second, we will enhance military volunteer pathways through the SAF Volunteer Corps, or the SAFVC. The SAFVC lets Singaporean women and PRs deepen their understanding of national defence. They contribute directly to Singapore’s security, strengthening our collective sense of ownership and responsibility. 

Mr Sanjeev Kumar asked for an update on the SAFVC, and whether MINDEF and SAF intend to expand opportunities for volunteerism. The SAFVC marked its tenth anniversary last year. Since its formation, more than 1,500 SAFVC Volunteers have trained and served Singapore.  

Moving ahead, we will enhance the SAFVC to enable more people to serve in a wider range of roles. We will integrate the SAFVC more closely into SAF units to fulfil operational tasks alongside SAF personnel, beyond peacetime support functions. I am glad that Mr Sanjeev had also noted how our SAFVC were deployed alongside our SAF troops in Exercise Wallaby last year. This shows how more of our volunteer schemes can be put in place to support the core of the SAF.  

We will also introduce a new non-uniformed military volunteer scheme with new roles. This gives volunteers a better understanding of how the SAF operates and lets them contribute practically. As we expand these opportunities, we welcome Singaporean women, new citizens, and PRs aged 18 to 45 who wish to serve. They can find inspiration from the many SVs today who serve with deep commitment.  

One example is SV2 Delhaye Geoffrey Jean-Raphael Georges, an Auxiliary Security Trooper, and his wife, SV1 Felicia Ang, who serves as a Bridge Watchkeeper. Both of them joined the SAFVC to do their part for Singapore and serve as positive role models for their three children. For Delhaye, volunteering was also a way for him to deepen his roots in Singapore.  Since 2023, Delhaye has been based in Dubai for work. He relocated there with Felicia and their children. Despite being overseas, both continue to serve whenever they are back in Singapore and contributed significant service days over the years. Their commitment reflects strong dedication to Singapore, regardless of where life or work takes them. 

Another example is SV2 Diana Lau, a nurse with Alexandra Hospital’s Urgent Care Centre. She volunteers as a medical trainer with the SAF. During a training session, she noticed a trainee showing signs of heat stress. She drew on her nursing background to help the medical team provide timely care. Her swift actions helped to ensure training could continue safely and effectively. Diana continues to serve passionately with the SAF. She volunteers significant time each year while balancing a demanding nursing career. 

Our volunteers play an important role in strengthening Singapore's defence and resilience. But safeguarding Singapore ultimately requires a whole-of-society effort, especially during crises. 

Exercise SG Ready 

Beyond operational roles in the SAFVC and specialist roles in MINDEF, we are expanding community-level volunteer participation through Total Defence initiatives. Ms Hazlina and Ms Rachel Ong asked about these efforts.  

One key example is Exercise SG Ready, our annual Total Defence exercise. It strengthens the preparedness of Singaporeans and communities to respond to crises and disruptions. Members in this House and your residents, can also participate to prepare our communities and households for such situations. This year’s Exercise SG Ready was held over two weeks earlier this month, with more than 1,000 agencies, businesses and community organisations taking part. It focused on readiness for degraded digital connectivity and prolonged power outages, things that we often take for granted.  

But in an actual hybrid conflict, communications and power are exactly the first two things any aggressor would want to take out. Why? Because society can go into panic. But the question is – is Singapore ready? This exercise provided a timely platform for whole-of-government agencies as well as some businesses to test their plans and pilot new capabilities. It encouraged everyone – individuals, community groups, businesses, and students – to plan for disruptions, prepare to respond, and play a part to keep Singapore strong. 

As part of the launch, the Public Warning System “Important Message” signal was broadcast nationwide. Vehicles islandwide received broadcast alerts on their ERP2.0 On-Board Units – the first public testing of this capability.

A pilot community mobilisation activity was conducted at two Housing Development Board (HDB) blocks in Tampines. Total Defence Champions and People’s Association (PA) Community Emergency Response Team Volunteers engaged residents and shared what to do during disruptions and prolonged outages. 

More than 250 schools simulated disruptions to get students to think about their roles in Total Defence. 

Many businesses used the exercise scenario to conduct table-top exercises or simulate disruptions at their premises. Over 500 organisations revised their business continuity plans (BCP), and close to 140 companies participated in a phishing exercise which saw more than 8,500 phishing emails sent to employees. 

These efforts let employees – and sometimes members of the public – better appreciate how such disruptions affect life. To Ms Hazlina’s point about people not being born here but choosing to be here, I assure her that many of these participations in Exercise SG Ready also include PRs and foreigners who work alongside Singaporeans, especially during our business table-top exercises to develop BCPs. So, this is one way in which we involve the wider community, whether they are Singaporean, PR or foreigner, to be prepared for a disruption that may come. Through these experiences, we strengthened our resilience against unexpected situations. These examples reflect the growing ways Singaporeans and residents can contribute to defence. 

Conclusion 

Mr Chairman, in 1967, when we introduced National Service, we proved that a small nation's defence could rest on the commitment of all its people. Today, as cyber threats and hybrid warfare challenge us in new ways, we must again call on the whole of society – and use all skills available – to defend Singapore. 

Our pioneers built our nation and our defence over the years. Today, we are transforming defence from the duty of our National Servicemen and our Regulars, into the responsibility of everyone. To our National Servicemen and Regulars – your service remains our foundation. To every woman, PR, and new citizen ready to serve – your commitment to volunteer contributes to our Total Defence efforts.  

Together, we do not just defend our sovereignty. We defend the Singapore promise – that everyone who calls this home has a part in keeping it safe. Chairman, the Minister of State will next speak about how we continue to support the NS community and strengthen community support for defence. 

Thank you.

More Resources

Fact Sheet: Cyber Defence Test and Experimentation Centre (CyTEC) and Sectoral Cyber Defence Teams (SCDTs)

Updates to Initiatives for NSFs and NSmen