126 NS ADVOCATES RECOGNISED

Operationally Ready National Servicemen (NSmen) working in Cleaning Express get time off work to train for their annual Individual Physical Proficiency Test (IPPT), and those who do well are given incentives ranging from $100 for a Pass with Incentive or Silver, to $150 for Gold.

On top of these, they are encouraged to attend all their In-Camp Training (ICT). And their contributions to National Service (NS) are recognised by the company.

On why the Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) company is doing so much to support its NSmen employees, Deputy General Manager Mohamed Lukman Bin Yusof said: "Some NSmen may feel that when they attend their ICT, they are not committed to their work, (and) that it will affect their performance.

"At Cleaning Express, we encourage them... so that they can have peace of mind when they go for their training. Our company feels that the NSmen should fulfil their NS training because it is important for the country."

A strong supporter of NS, the company also makes it a point to celebrate National Day and Singapore Armed Forces Day with its staff.

Cleaning Express is one of the 126 recipients of the NS Advocate Award, the national pinnacle awards given to supporters of NS and Total Defence.

A total of 52 SMEs, 34 large companies, 28 organisations, and 12 individuals were recognised at the annual Total Defence Awards dinner held at Pan-Pacific Hotel on 26 Aug.

Vital role

Addressing the winners and guests, Minister of Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen emphasised the importance of the wider community playing an integral role in supporting NS and strengthening Total Defence.

He said: "Businesses, organisations and individuals make a difference too... When you support your NS men in your company or provide civil resources during mobilisation, you are directly contributing to Singapore's security."

Dr Ng also highlighted how Total Defence was becoming even more vital in the light of the growing threat of terrorism.

"This fight against extremism cannot be fought by the Singapore Armed Forces or the Home Team alone. We will need Total Defence to survive and keep Singapore safe, prosperous and harmonious."

It is this belief that everyone has a part to play that spurred Ms Priya Shahane, winner of the NS Advocate Award for Individuals, to contribute to Singapore's defence even though she is not a Singaporean.

When the 47-year-old Indian national was posted to AXA Insurance Singapore three years ago as its Chief Human Resource Officer, she realised there were multiple deferment requests for male employees' NS call-up.

"While I understand work pressure, I also understand that they have a duty towards the nation. It always made me very uncomfortable to say yes," she recalled.

So she put in place a process that enabled the company to better manage its employees' workloads, allowing them to go for their ICT with no worries.

The insurance company also grants time off for its staff to train for their IPPT two weeks before the test. Gold achievers are entitled to an additional half day of annual leave.

"Everyone should be a believer in defence," said Ms Priya. "We live in a world that is (becoming) slightly crazy (with the threats of terrorism). For us, defence and security of the nation have to be top priority. All of us, as individuals and organisations, should do whatever we can."

NS ambassador

For Grand Park City Hall, which won the NS Advocate Award for Large Companies, contributing towards national defence goes beyond supporting NSmen in fulfilling their duties.

The hotel does not request deferment for its NSmen, even when their ICT coincides with the peak season of its business. When their staff come back, they have informal sharing sessions about their experience with colleagues who do not serve NS.

"This allows our staff who do not serve NS to understand the importance of national defence, and why our guys have to be away for training," said Mr Cheong Hai Poh, General Manager of Grand Park City Hall.

"The sharing also allows our part-timers who are young boys to find out more about NS and what to expect from it," he added.

The hotel is now looking into organising weekly runs to help its staff to pass their IPPT, and giving out movie tickets for them to spend time with their families after their ICT.

"We're strong believers of NS, and constantly thinking of better and more NS-friendly policies to help our NSmen and recognise their contributions," said Mr Cheong.

Dr Ng also launched the NS Mark accreditation scheme at the Total Defence Awards dinner. The NS Mark is a national scheme to recognise businesses and employers who have pledged their support for NS. Joining Dr Ng in launching the NS Mark are Dr Maliki Osman and Minister of State for Home Affairs Desmond Lee.