COMMITTEE MEETS TO RECOGNISE NSMEN'S CONTRIBUTIONS

As National Service forms the backbone of Singapore's defence, servicemen play a crucial role in ensuring Singapore's security.

In appreciation of their efforts towards the defence of Singapore, the 5th Committee to Recognise the Contribution of NSmen to Total Defence (RECORD) conducted its first meeting on 19 Mar, at SAFRA Mount Faber.

The committee, formed by members who represent different sectors of society, convenes every few years to recommend ways to appreciate the contributions of Operationally Ready National Servicemen (NSmen), and to enhance their contribution - and that of their families and employers - to the defence of Singapore.

This year's RECORD, known as RECORD V, is chaired by Minister of State for Defence, Associate Professor Koo Tsai Kee, and has 20 committee members comprising Members of Parliament, NSmen from the Singapore Armed Forces, Singapore Police Force and Singapore Civil Defence Force, as well as spouses and employers of NSmen.

Associate Professor Koo shared that in an ever-changing security environment, "there are a lot of commitments at the workplace and at home and we want to meet the aspirations of the NSmen. So we'll find more ways to recognise NSmen's contributions".

Other than discussing ways of recognising the contribution of NSmen through various incentives, RECORD V also focused on encouraging greater commitment to National Service from NSmen holding leadership positions.

In addition, the committee deliberated on the importance of helping soldiers fight cohesively by preserving the bonds built during their full-time National Service days.

As the duty to defend the country does not fall entirely on the shoulders of the servicemen, members of RECORD V shared about how societal and family support for NSmen is vital.

Ms Indranee Rajah, Chairman of the Government Parliamentary Council for Defence and Foreign Affairs, and Member of Parliament for Tanjong Pagar GRC, emphasised the need for the public to show appreciation for NSmen.

"Every NSmen potentially puts his life on the line for Singapore, and Singaporeans. And if they are doing that for Singaporeans, it is quite important that Singaporeans actually appreciate it," she commented.

One of the members of the committee included Ms Corinne Foo, the wife of an NSman, Lieutenant Colonel (NS) Laurence Goh Eng Ya, a brigade commander in HQ 30th Singapore Infantry Brigade.

Seeing herself as a "quiet support" for her husband, Ms Foo shared about how she tries to keep the house in order while he is away at ICT. She also accompanies him on social events organised by the Army in order to understand his role as an NSman better.

Mr Gan Chin Yean, Managing Director of Interplex (S) Pte Ltd also spoke on how employers can show support for their NSmen by discouraging deferments, and taking into account employees' performance at their ICT for their work appraisals.

"With employer support, they will be less worried about work and wholeheartedly put everything they have into their training," he added.

Since the previous RECORD in 2006, many recommendations made by the 4th committee have been implemented by the Ministry of Defence. The recommendations included financial incentives to recognise the contributions of servicemen, such as a bonus given to both NSmen and Full-time National Servicemen during the 40th Anniversary of NS in 2007.

NS Key Appointment Holders also enjoyed a permanent additional tax relief of $2,000 from Year of Assessment 2007 onwards, an increase from the tax relief of $1,500 all NSmen are eligible for.

Another RECORD IV recommendation was the building of a new SAFRA clubhouse in Jurong to cater to the needs of NSmen and their families living in the west. The clubhouse will be opened later this year.

These initiatives from RECORD IV were lauded by NSmen and their families who have benefited greatly from them.

One NSman who enjoyed the benefits of RECORD IV recommendations is Captain (NS) Ganesh s/o Peramaiyan, a Customs Officer with Singapore Customs. He will also soon enjoy the facilities at the new SAFRA clubhouse, as he lives in the west.

He said: "As an NSman, my contribution is also to get feedback from the ground and improve on the initiatives which are already in place in RECORD IV."

19 Mar 09 - Panel Looks at Ways to Recognise NSmen's Efforts
19 Mar 09 - News Video: Panel Looks at Ways to Recognise NSmen's Efforts