Introduction

Mr Chairman, Defence Minister Dr Ng described our geopolitical environment as being marked by heightened tensions in recent years. Across generations, our national servicemen’s dedication has ensured that Singapore remains ready to face an increasingly complex security environment. We do not take for granted the strong support for National Service (NS) that we have. Today, I will outline ongoing efforts to further strengthen NS and highlight new initiatives to enhance its effectiveness and recognise our national servicemen’s contributions.

Maximising Contributions of National Servicemen

Let me begin by how we seek to optimise the contributions of every soldier.

Mr Chong Kee Hiong and Mr Mohd Fahmi asked how we are ensuring national servicemen are deployed safely to meaningful operational roles. In 2021, I shared that the SAF is redesigning the way we medically classify our servicemen, shifting away from the binary classification of servicemen as either being Combat Fit or Non-Combat Fit. The new system will assess each serviceman on a more granular scale, allowing better characterisation of their medical fitness and functional capacity so that they can be better matched to more operationally effective roles. This is a fundamental change that we are carefully studying and determining how to implement. Over the past two years, we have been conducting functional assessments for pre-enlistees with selected orthopaedic conditions, in addition to the standard medical screening. Since 2022, some 300 pre-enlistees have undergone selected functional assessments, and 230, or about two-thirds of them, were able to contribute more effectively over a wider range of roles. This is heartening because it opens up more deployment options for our servicemen. It also allows the country as a whole to make best use of as many of our servicemen as possible in the defence of this nation.

The SAF has also continued to leverage technology and redesign jobs to expand deployment opportunities. Since 2021, more than 1,000 servicemen have taken on important operational roles such as Combat Medics, Infantry Carrier Vehicle Operators and Military Police, which they would not have been able or been eligible for if the roles were not redesigned.

Mr Fahmi asked for an update on how we are continuously investing in the skills of our servicemen. Since 2018, we have partnered Institutes of Higher Learning on Work-Learn Schemes that allow Full-time National Servicemen (NSFs) to attain diplomas or partial university credits, while serving for a duration of three to four years. This enables NSFs to fulfil their academic aspirations and contribute meaningfully to the SAF. Since its inception, more than 650 NSFs have enrolled in nine Work-Learn Schemes, serving in roles such as Cyber Specialists, Air Force Technicians and Naval Warfare Systems Specialists.

We are also looking upstream to tap on the potential of pre-enlistees. Last year, we introduced new schemes for polytechnic students to enlist and serve in the SAF while fulfilling their final-year internship requirements. We opened it to students in aerospace electronics, cybersecurity, electrical and electronic engineering, and information technology courses. Most recently, we partnered Temasek Polytechnic on the SAF-Polytechnic Sponsorship for Naval Warfare System Experts, where those selected will serve five years, fulfilling their polytechnic internship requirements, while picking up relevant skills. The take-up rate for these schemes have been promising, and this will be expanded to other polytechnics and vocations in due course. 

Mr Shawn Huang asked for an update on how we are tapping on the rich skills and expertise of our Operationally-Ready National Servicemen (NSmen). Under the Enhanced Expertise Deployment Scheme (EEDS), we have redeployed more than 600 NSmen over the past three years by tapping on their civilian expertise and qualifications. 

One example is ME4(A) He Jianyuan who had served in the Air Force during his full-time NS. He was redeployed as an Assistant Engineering Officer in the Navy in view of his civilian expertise, leveraging a decade’s worth of his marine engineering knowledge, to assist the Chief Engineering Officer in mechanical and engineering operations.

 

Enhancing the Effectiveness of National Servicemen as Soldiers

Mr Gan Thiam Poh asked about our efforts to improve the operational effectiveness of our servicemen. We have been attaching SAF medics to the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) under a collaborative programme which allows them to respond to critical incidents, gain hands-on experience, and contribute to saving lives in high-pressure emergency situations.

For example, Lance Corporal (LCP) Chen Anhong was attached to the SCDF’s paramedic team at Alexandra Fire Station for six months. During the attachment, he responded to emergency calls daily, including a traffic accident with multiple casualties. As a first responder, LCP Chen administered life-saving treatment to casualties before they were conveyed to the hospital. Such experiences sharpen our medics’ clinical skills and ensure that they are well-prepared to respond to emergencies.

We will enhance the SAF’s medical responsiveness by acquiring a new fleet of ambulances, which are equipped with mechanical chest compression devices and powered stretchers, similar to the ambulances used by the SCDF. This will alleviate the challenges faced by a lean ambulance crew, consequently resulting in enhanced patient care.

NSFs in the Island Defence Task Force will also be equipped with non-lethal pepper-spray projectile guns. This avails a more calibrated response to manage security incidents for better operational outcomes. 

Maintaining operational effectiveness is crucial, and this does not always come easy. With respect to Mr Jamus Lim’s question on aircraft noise, MINDEF had previously shared with Members how local flight training is critical to our pilots’ continued proficiency and operational readiness, and the measures the RSAF has taken to reduce public inconveniences arising from aircraft noise. For example, where possible, local flying is conducted over waters rather than land, and avoids residential areas during take-off, landing and transit to and from training areas. The RSAF also flies at higher altitudes and lower airspeeds over land to minimise noise to housing estates. The Air Force also adjusts its training tempo during selected periods, such as the national exams, and this is over and above the training that we conduct overseas, which obviously does not result in noise over Singapore. While we are aware of experimental noise-reducing aerospace technology such as fin-lined nozzles, engine insulation and aircraft fuselage shaping, there are, to our knowledge, currently no aircraft manufacturers that have certified or successfully incorporated the use of these technologies in the manufacturing of military aircraft. Our Air Force will continue to monitor the development of such technologies, and whether any can meet operational requirements in a cost-effective way. I want to reassure Professor Lim that we are doing our best in order to ensure that we can defend our skies, protect our country, and at the same time, minimise inconveniences to Singaporeans.

Upholding a Strong Safety Culture

I spoke earlier about the initiatives to strengthen NS. Now, I would like to elaborate on how upholding a strong safety culture in the SAF remains a priority, which is something that Mr Patrick Tay asked about. The Inspector-General’s Office (IGO), established in 2019, conducts 40 to 50 audits and system reviews every year to ensure adherence to safety protocols in SAF Formations. For example, arising from the IGO’s focus on driving safety, we designed “safe-to-fail” driving circuits that allow our transport operators to experience driving transgressions safely. Such circuits, coupled with driver monitoring systems installed in all SAF vehicles, have enabled us to correct improper driving habits and to ensure safer driving. Likewise, NSmen training now incorporates safety sharing and incident reporting in both the planning stages and debriefs, reflecting greater emphasis on safety.

To help the SAF benchmark against best practices and standards in training safety, the fourth External Review Panel on SAF Safety (ERPSS), inaugurated in May 2024, will continue to review selected SAF Formations’ training. We are confident that this ERPSS, like in previous panels, will offer valuable insights to shape improvements in our safety systems.

Mr Zhulkarnain Rahim asked how technology is used to improve training safety. To sustain this strong safety culture, the SAF has leveraged digitalisation to provide insights into safety performance, allowing safety efforts to be more targeted and more effective in accident prevention. We will build on the foundation of the SAF’s Enterprise Safety Information System, which is a platform for servicemen to submit safety reports and access safety operating manuals. The system will be upgraded with Artificial Intelligence (AI)-enabled business processes and personalisation. The Army also leveraged AI to develop a model that recognises and detects safety transgressions in activities such as live-firing in ranges and driving.

Beyond training safety, the psychological well-being of our servicemen is just as important. Ms Joan Pereira and Dr Wan Rizal asked for an update. Between 2020 and 2022, Care Hubs were set up in Basic Military Training (BMT) Centres to support NSFs during their transition to NS. To sustain the delivery of care, we piloted the deployment of Roving Care Teams last year.These teams comprise psychologists and counsellors, to partner unit commanders to enhance the immediacy of care for servicemen after BMT. In 2024, our Mental Health Office’s well-being campaign focused on fostering a positive workplace culture across MINDEF/SAF. A new mental health e-learning module was launched to equip servicemen with the knowledge and skills to build a positive workplace culture and to offer peer support.

The SAF is also applying evidence-based best practices to strengthen psychological resilience. The Army Resilience Centre (AReC), established in March 2024, partners Army training centres and units in implementing structured resilience-training curriculums and redesigning training programmes to bolster servicemen’s mental resilience and adjustment to military life. The AReC has implemented these in BMT, and we have seen higher training participation and servicemen reporting improved ability to cope with challenging tasks during military training.

Enhancing the NS Experience

Apart from enhancing national servicemen’s operational effectiveness and sustaining a strong safety culture, we also want to improve the NS experience. We will do more to facilitate the enlistment process. MINDEF is collaborating with GovTech and the Public Service Division to incorporate pre-enlistment features on LifeSG app to complement existing MINDEF touchpoints. Since May 2024, information guides on preparation for NS have been made available to pre-enlistees and their parents on the LifeSG app and website. This year, we will progressively roll out personalised features on the app to pre-enlistees commencing NS registration, when they turn 16 and a half years old. This includes push notifications to provide timely reminders on key tasks, and a milestone tracker which tracks their progress from NS registration to enlistment, providing information such as their Physical Employment Standard (PES) status, as well as enlistment dates. 

Members who are NSmen would also be familiar with the OneNS app and web portal released last April. Mr Lim Biow Chuan asked about the enhancements. Servicemen can now access NS digital services with fewer disruptions. NSmen can submit applications for deferment of In-Camp Trainings (ICT) on the platform. The OneNS Portal is constantly enhanced to address feedback from servicemen through surveys submitted after their NS activities in order to improve the user experience. In March 2024, the Smart Mobilisation system, which digitises mobilisation status in real-time, was onboarded to the OneNS app for selected SAF units. This will be extended to all SAF units by the end of the year. We will continue to enhance OneNS so that servicemen can access their ICT records on-the-go and utilise their NS credits more conveniently.  

Ms Jean See asked for updates about the new Central Manpower Base (CMPB). Last year, I shared with Members that the new CPMB was under construction. This new CMPB, located opposite Cashew MRT Station, will be an integrated one-stop service centre consolidating servicemen’s various NS administrative needs. This includes completing medical screenings, attending NS fitness activities at the all-weather Fitness Conditioning Centre (FCC), as well as purchasing NS necessities.

The new CMPB will also house the second Regional Health Hub (RHH), which will span two levels. The Health Hub will consolidate key healthcare facilities into one location. Today, a pre-enlistee with pre-existing medical conditions will have to visit multiple locations on different days for his medical classification test and specialist reviews. At the RHH which will come up at the new CMPB, this pre-enlistee will be able to complete his medical assessments in a single visit, with specialist appointments scheduled on the same day. An improved queue management system will also reduce waiting times. By streamlining these medical processes, the hub is expected to serve around 200 servicemen daily, ensuring prompt and comprehensive healthcare support throughout their NS journey.

Beyond consolidating NS-related administrative needs, the new CMPB also functions as a community space. The public can access exercise facilities such as an outdoor running path, fitness zone and even a soccer field. Residents who live nearby will have access to amenities such as a childcare centre, a café and a food court that will operate even in the evenings and on weekends. The new CMPB will open progressively from the middle of 2025. 

Recognising and Supporting Our National Servicemen

I have covered how MINDEF/SAF will continue to enhance the NS experience and would like to wrap up my speech by underlining our efforts to recognise servicemen’s contributions to the defence and security of Singapore, which Ms Denise Phua asked about. 

Members will recall that in November last year, MINDEF and the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) disbursed $200 worth of NS LifeSG credits to 1.2 million past and present national servicemen. These credits can be used for a variety of essential goods and services. Over 77% of eligible national servicemen have made at least one transaction using their NS LifeSG credits. I am glad that our servicemen have found these credits helpful. 

Mr Gerald Giam shared his views on how NS should be value-accretive and suggested some ways to do so. As I shared with Members last year, we fully recognise and value our NSF’s contributions to the defence of this country, and for which, there is an NS allowance which recognises those contributions. Beyond recognition packages, each NSF receives a monthly allowance that supports his personal upkeep and recognises his service. We regularly review the NS allowances so that they remain adequate. The last adjustment was made in July 2023. Following our latest review, we will raise NSF monthly allowances by between $35 to $75 from 1 July this year. This is an increase of about 4% to 5% for most NSFs. With the change, NSFs will receive a monthly allowance of between $790 and $1,955, depending on their rank and vocation.

Another key effort in supporting our NSFs is to facilitate their transition to work and studies after completing NS. This includes helping NSFs develop skills that can apply in their civilian life after NS. A study conducted by the Institute of Policy Studies in 2022 found that 7 in 10 Singaporeans agreed that NS was beneficial for learning skills useful for civilian employment. Beyond practical skills, about 9 in 10 agreed that NS was important for personal character development, such as instilling discipline and values, and transforming our NSFs from “boys to men”.

Mr Alex Yam asked about how we have enhanced NSFs’ employability and supported their transition into the workforce and further education. Apart from the Certificate of Service package that documents the skills and competencies they gained during NS, the SAF also works with SkillsFuture Singapore to accredit certifiable skills under the national Workforce Skills Qualification (WSQ) system. For example, NSFs can receive accreditation for the skills they acquire through BMT and specialist courses, such as in leadership, medical and logistics. 

In addition, since 2022, MINDEF and MHA have partnered the NTUC Learning Hub and the NTUC Employment and Employability Institute to enhance the SkillsFuture@NS programmes. NSFs attend the SkillsFuture@NS Fairs which, aside from providing job opportunities in growing industries, also feature workshops that provide them with resources and tools for skills planning. For NSFs who prefer self-directed learning, the Learning eXperience Platform, or LXP, offers a range of courses from data analytics to self-management and interpersonal communication. These are transferrable skills that NSFs can apply in their transition to work and studies. Since Nov 2022, about half of our NSFs have signed up for accounts, and we continue to encourage more of them to sign up to benefit from this resource. 

Conclusion

Mr Chairman, as we look forward, MINDEF/SAF’s commitment to NS and our national servicemen remains steadfast. We will continue to enhance the NS experience, maximise the contributions of our national servicemen, and strengthen recognition for their service. Most importantly, we will uphold the safety and well-being of every soldier, ensuring that they return home safely to their loved ones.

I thank all national servicemen for your sacrifices and service. Together, we will keep Singapore safe and secure for generations to come.

Thank you, Mr Chairman.