Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen gave his annual SAF Day media interview, during which he spoke on geopolitical developments and highlighted the need for Singapore to build a strong and credible defence force as well as to enhance regional militaries' cooperation. Dr Ng also touched on the recommendations by the Committee to Strengthen National Service, including the new MINDEF Notification Centre reporting requirements, Expertise Conversion Scheme, the National Service Housing, Medical and Education (NS HOME) Awards, the restructuring of the Advisory Council on Community Relations in Defence and changes to the Individual Physical Proficiency Test. Dr Ng also spoke about looking forward to 2015, as it marks both 50 years of Singapore's independence as well as the formation of the SAF.