On 28 Mar 1967, registration began for the first National Service (NS) batch - comprising about 9,000 men - to be called up. This marked the beginning of the citizen army and also the start of NS as a way of life for the male citizens of Singapore. Today, more than 700,000 have gone through this rite of passage.
Built upon the commitment and dedication of Singaporeans, NS celebrates its 45th birthday this year. Books have been written, films have been made and songs have been sung about NS. But the most memorable stories reside in the hearts and minds of those who have experienced the gruelling training and endured the long nights out in the field, yet found time to make lifelong friends.
PIONEER speaks to a selection of Singaporeans who share their NS stories. Whether they are artistes, sportsmen or businessmen, each of them has a special NS memory that has stayed with them through the years.
Then: Combat Engineer Officer, Singapore Combat Engineers Battalion
Now: Founder and Executive Chairman of Banyan Tree Holdings
"NS taught me many things. As a young man, I faced real-life challenges which no amount of school can prepare you for. It taught me to solve problems through initiative, to take responsibility for my actions, and to respect people not for what they say but for what they do. My most valuable lesson was realising that the most powerful form of leadership is to lead by example. People see through rhetoric and do not take kindly to just taking orders. A leader who walks the talk is the person people find most inspiring and genuine."
Tay Ping Hui
Then: Officer Commanding, Brigade Reconnaissance Company, 54th Singapore Armoured Brigade
Now: MediaCorp artiste
"OCS was probably one of the toughest training I went through. I will always remember carrying the log up the infamous Peng Kang Hill during physical training. Some of us cried on the way up but the brotherhood and esprit de corps was incredible. One of my officers once told me: 'Lead by example.' This has been my motto whenever I am placed in leadership positions. If you want your men to follow you without any reservations, then they must have faith that you will be the one to lead the charge, and not be an armchair general. A leader is not a position that is given; it has to be earned."
Then: Clerk, Headquarters Paya Lebar Air Base
Now: Celebrity chef, entrepreneur and culinary innovator
"I was scared to death when I enlisted but by the time I finished Basic Military Training and started Officer Cadet School (OCS), I had grown up. When I think of NS, I think of the sacrifices that are made to ensure we continue to be an independent country. I also think of the discipline and the importance of teamwork that I learnt. Without either, I wouldn t be where I am today."
Then: Transport supervisor, 35th Battalion, Singapore Combat Engineers
Now: MediaCorp artiste
"What I enjoyed most about NS was the camaraderie and brotherhood with other peers from all walks of life and learning through one another's differences. To those enlisting soon, when the going gets tough, the tough get going. You ll mature and grow up quickly during this time and come out of it with discipline, tolerance and ambition. Fasten your seat belt and learn to go with the ride."
Then: Administrative Support Assistant, Camp Commandant s Office, Pulau Tekong
Now: National Bowler
"When I think of NS, I think of my buddies who went through those times with me. Through NS, I learnt the importance of teamwork, endurance and self-belief. I was also lucky to have very understanding officers who helped me when I needed time off for training and competitions."
Pierre Png
Then: Military Policeman, SAF Provost Unit
Now: MediaCorp artiste
"NS is definitely important! Where else can guys learn how to 'keng' (fake), 'take cover', 'sabo' (sabotage) and endure ? I was in OCS for a short time. My platoon commander made me dig an MG (Machine Gun) trench and later, the Command Post. I must have slept less than five hours throughout the 48 hours we were on stand-by. This and many other exercises taught me to believe in myself and think out of the box. To those enlisting soon, enjoy these two years of training because it's where you learn a lot about yourself and get a chance to do your part for your country."
Then: Rifleman, 1st Battalion Singapore Infantry Regiment
Now: Architect and media personality
"I was trained by a very strict and effective Sergeant Major, Staff Sergeant Chua Wah Yong, who taught me a lot about being organised and efficient, working smart and never cracking under pressure. Even though he was quite a fearsome figure, he was able to gain the respect of everyone. This was because he was a thoughtful leader and always put his men first.
He used to say: "Do it good, do it once." This reminds me to grab the bull by its horns, to never take opportunities for granted and to always strive to give my best."
Then: Administrative Support Assistant, Naval Recruitment Centre and later, Artiste, Singapore Armed Forces Music and Drama Company (MDC)
Now: MediaCorp artiste
"My most defining NS moment was when I got to sing solo for an item in MDC. The other moment, I have to say, would be when I first wore my leotard. It defined many parts, if you know what I mean. One major lesson I learnt is that there is hard work to do before one can shine on stage, television or radio in the entertainment industry. To keep myself fit for NS when I was at the Naval Recruitment Centre, I hit the gym or walked to work to keep fit. But when I was at MDC, there was no need for gym because the dance classes and workshops we had were more than enough."
Then: Platoon Commander, 1st Battalion Singapore Infantry Regiment and later, Drama Director, MDC
Now: Film Director and founder, J Team Productions
"My most enjoyable moment in NS was during my Officer Cadet Course. Training was very hard but it was a lot of fun. I was initially worried that I would not pass the course because I was the youngest OCS cadet, having just graduated with GCE 'O' Levels, and because I came from a Chinese-educated background. But my platoon mates, who were three years older than I was, took good care of me. I also worked very, very hard to prove that I could be a capable officer and have applied this spirit in my life and career. OCS was a turning point in my life. It built my confidence."
