EXPANDING NS AWARDS AND REVAMPING DEFENCE ADVISORY COUNCIL TO RECOGNISE NSMEN BETTER

National Servicemen (NSmen) could be getting greater recognition for their contributions to the nation, in the form of measures that support them through the different stages of a serviceman's life. They could also be looking forward to healthcare benefits through the existing National Service Recognition Awards (NSRA).

These were some of the suggestions from public consultation efforts by the Committee to Strengthen National Service (CSNS), discussed at the fifth meeting of the CSNS Recognition and Benefits for NS Working Group. Chaired by Minister of State for Defence Dr Mohamad Maliki Bin Osman, the meeting was held at the National Service Resort and Country Club on 27 Nov.

The NSRA is a monetary award of between $9,000 and $10,500 given to each citizen NSman by the time he completes his Operationally Ready National Service (ORNS) training cycle. Currently, NSmen can choose to use the money for further education or housing.

Speaking to cyberpioneer after the meeting, Dr Maliki said: "NSmen have articulated that we could also look at the possibility of supporting and recognising them through healthcare... We are looking at how we can support NSmen in terms of healthcare. There were also suggestions on how we can support families of NSmen."

He added: "MINDEF and the Ministry of Home Affairs are looking at some of these suggestions seriously."

The meeting also touched on how support and recognition for NSmen should be broad-based. "Apart from looking at recognition and benefits, we also need stakeholders to come together. Recognition should not just come from the Government alone. It should come from all sectors of society," said Dr Maliki.

Other suggestions such as giving NSmen priority for their children's Primary One registration and for housing were also discussed. However, Dr Maliki explained that, as many of those applying for Primary One places and public housing were already NSmen, implementing these suggestions would not result in significant changes for most.

Commenting on what the Working Group had done thus far, Mr Tan Tze Hian, a member of the group, said: "The group has looked into many broad-ranging topics over the past few months. We have taken in feedback and suggestions from the public, and attended focus group discussions." Mr Tan is serving his NS as a Commanding Officer in the Army.

He added: "We also looked into suggestions which were on top of NSmen's minds. Going forward, we hope to have something tangible come out (from these suggestions)."

Also on the table was the restructuring of the Advisory Council on Community Relations in Defence (ACCORD), which was formed in 1984 as a platform for the public to share their feedback on defence matters.

Announced by Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen last month, ACCORD could be reorganised into various outreach groups. These groups could look into deepening engagement with employers, families and members of the broader community, said Dr Maliki.

Commenting on the proposed restructuring, Mrs Laura Hwang said: "Outreach and information are always good because the more informed the nation and its citizens are, the better relationships (will be) all round." She is an ACCORD member and President of the Singapore Council of Women's Organisations.

Also discussed was the possibility of having a physical space dedicated to the work of ACCORD where members of the public can visit and leave their feedback. This community space could serve as a hub for ACCORD. The suggestion will be discussed in detail with ACCORD members in the next few months.

Since the start of the CSNS efforts, some 20,000 people have participated in the ongoing conversation on strengthening NS, through online channels and focus group discussions. It is now in its third and final phase of public consultation sessions before making specific policy recommendations.

To participate, visit www.strengthenNS.sg