1. Rules & Regulations. The competition is open to all SAF Officers, Warrant Officers, Military Experts, Defence Executive Officers and DSTA personnel (Regulars, Officer Cadets and Full-Time and Operationally-Ready National Servicemen).
2. Entries may be submitted as an individual or group effort--however the entries must be unpublished work. For entries of group effort, only a maximum of 3 writers are allowed.
3 The essays should be between 2,000 to 4,000 words, typewritten with double-spacing on A4-size paper with all pages numbered.
4. The official entry form, properly filled in, must accompany each entry. Entries unaccompanied by the entry form will be disqualified. The writer's/writers' name(s) should not appear in the main essay. The essay title should be indicated on the first page of the essay.
5. All entries must include a 100-150 word abstract, detailed footnotes/endnotes and a bibliography.
6. Essays must be submitted in soft copy (Microsoft Word format ONLY) either via OA through the Assistant Editor, POINTER or POINTER Clerk or internet via defence mail at pointer@defence.gov.sg.
7. The closing date of the competition is 28 Feb 2018. Entries which do not comply with any of the competition rules will be disqualified.
8. The essays will be assessed in confidence by an independent panel of judges. No appeals will be entertained. Results of the competition will be announced in Aug 2018.
9. The editorial board reserves the right to edit essays selected for publication.
10. Checklist. Please refer to the writing checklist for some tips on how to present a good essay.
11. Plagiarism. POINTER has a strict policy regarding plagiarism. Plagiarism includes using text, information or ideas from other works with proper citation. Any cases of alleged plagiarism will be promptly investigated. It is the responsibility of the writer to ensure that all his sources are properly cited using the correct format. Contributors are encouraged to consult the NUS guidelines on plagiarism, available at http://www.fas.nus.edu.sg/undergrad/toknow/policies/plagiarism.html.
12. Prizes. The winning essays will be awarded the following prizes:
- First prize - $1,000
- Second prize - $750
- Third prize - $500
- 7 Merit Awards - $300 each
- 10 Commendation Awards - $200 each
The prizes will be accompanied by a plaque and a certificate.
13. Theme/Topics. Your essay should fall within the following areas:
14. Enquiries. For further information, please call the Assistant Editor at 6799 7417. You can also contact us through OA or via defence mail at pointer@defence.gov.sg
