BUSINESS LEADERS PLEDGE SUPPORT FOR NATIONAL SERVICE

"For the past 52 years, a capable SAF (Singapore Armed Forces) has safeguarded Singapore's security and enabled Singapore to thrive... The backbone of the SAF is the National Service system established in 1967."

Senior Minister of State for Defence Dr Mohamad Maliki Bin Osman said this at the Singapore International Chamber of Commerce (SICC) Distinguished Speaker Series held at the Sands Expo & Convention Centre on 5 Jul.

He went on to cite several examples of how enterprises can support their employees who are also Operationally Ready National Servicemen (NSmen), such as arranging for other staff to take over their duties when they report for NS training.

"Just as they (NSmen) strive to do their best at work our NSmen also hope to do their duty as Singaporeans to protect and defend our nation."

"However, they can only do so with your support and assurance that their careers will not be impeded because they were away from the office to serve the country."

His words were not lost on the business leaders, as representatives from 29 companies pledged their support for National Service (NS) by signing the NS Mark Declaration of Support at the SICC-organised event. In his speech, Dr Maliki also commended the business community's outstanding efforts in commemorating 50 years of NS.

He said: "Every bit of contribution counts, and every employer's decision which shows understanding and support to our servicemen, through big or small ways, goes a long way towards showing that we play our part for Singapore's defence."

To date, over 100 merchants, such as Singapore Airlines and Resorts World Sentosa, are offering special deals to show their appreciation for NSmen. These deals will run from 30 Jun to 10 Aug.

In addition, public transport operators offered free rides to NSmen on 30 Jun, to mark SAF Day on 1 Jul.

During his speech, Dr Maliki also spoke about the security challenges facing Singapore, like terrorism, cybercrime and geopolitical tensions further afield.

To overcome these challenges, Singaporeans need to stay united and resilient, said Dr Maliki. To that end, the business community have a part to play in ensuring that business continues and the economy keeps running.

The NS mark accreditation scheme was one of the ideas that rose from the Committee to Strengthen NS (CSNS) extensive public engagement sessions that lasted for a year.

Following the acceptance of the CSNS recommendations by the Government in 2014, the Advisory Council on Community Relations in Defence (ACCORD) further developed the NS mark accreditation scheme. For more on the scheme, visit the official website www.mindef.gov.sg/nsmark/.