ACCORD MEMBERS VISIT CIVIL DEFENCE ACADEMY

Thirteen members of the Advisory Council on Community Relations in Defence (ACCORD) and 66 employers learnt more about the operational capabilities of the Civil Defence Team during a visit to the Civil Defence Academy (CDA) on 9 Jul.

Co-hosted by Minister of State for Defence Associate Professor Koo Tsai Kee and Senior Minister of State for Law and Home Affairs Associate Professor Ho Peng Kee, the visitors were given a tour of the CDA's advanced simulation facilities.

These include the "Furnace" - a nine-storey training tower that can be programmed to simulate a range of realistic fire scenarios in various indoor environments, as well as a breathing apparatus maze where trainees have to manoeuvre past obstacles such as hatches and sliding panels while fully decked out in heavy gear.

The guests were also shown how the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) carries out urban search and rescue operations in a ruins training area, which simulates a partially collapsed building.

Mr Freddy Lam, group chairman of Solid Gold Group of Companies & Electro-Acoustic Systems Group of Companies, was impressed with what he saw and told cyberpioneer: "It was a very informative session. Not every employer can visit the facilities here to realise how professional the training is, so as ACCORD members, we can help feedback to the community that the Home Team is also doing an excellent job like the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF)."

Echoing his sentiments was Mr Ivan Tan, Vice President of SBS Transit Ltd, which has won the Total Defence Award for two consecutive years since 2009. "After attending this visit, I find it's good for our staff to attend in-camp training because it actually trains them to be physically stronger and mentally tougher, and that will bring them back to the workplace as a better person with a more mature character and the ability to persevere."

This marks the first visit by ACCORD to the CDA since the Ministry of Home Affairs joined the council in 2007. Such visits are part of the MINDEF' efforts to foster closer ties between the community and the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) and Home Team.

Prior to the CDA visit, ACCORD members were hosted to an appreciation lunch at the SAFRA Jurong Clubhouse by Assoc Prof Koo, who thanked them for their contributions in providing valuable feedback and strengthening support for National Service (NS) and defence issues."ACCORD members come from a wide spectrum of society and represent many different professions. The expertise and wealth of experience that each brings has helped MINDEF to sharpen our understanding of public sentiments and better focus our efforts on important public issues," he noted. "At the same time, they play a useful role in helping to build public acceptance and support for Singapore's security and defence needs."Established in 1984, the council draws its members from various walks of life, such as Members of Parliament, employers, Operationally Ready Servicemen (NSmen), grassroots leaders as well as members of educational institutes and media organisations.

For outgoing member, Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) (NS) Lee Tuan See from the 2nd People's Defence Force, it has been an enriching experience serving in ACCORD.

"My time in ACCORD has allowed me to meet many people and see my fellow comrades in arms - from the the navy and the air force to civil defence and police - in action, and I've learnt to have a more rounded view of everyone working together in a Total Defence context," said LTC (NS) Lee, who is the regional programme manager at Hewlett Packard.

This three-year stint in ACCORD has reinforced LTC (NS) Lee's knowledge about the latest military developments, and built up his confidence in the capabilities of Singapore's defence agencies.

Among the newly-appointed volunteers is lawyer Mr Gurcharanjit Singh, a member of the Bukit Timah Citizen Consultative Community, who said he welcomed the opportunity to serve as an ACCORD member.

Said Mr Gurcharanjit: "There have been a lot of changes and advances since I served NS, especially in the third generation transformation of the SAF... People these days are quite knowledgeable about the SAF, but sometimes giving a personal touch and sharing your first-hand experiences with residents and families goes a long way in helping them better appreciate what their children will be going through during NS."