IDEAS FOR NS50

What if Singapore set aside a day each year to recognise the contributions of National Servicemen? Are there more ways to increase NS (National Service) outreach efforts to keep families informed? How about expanding accreditation to cover more skills picked up during NS?

These were some of the ideas that the participants at the SGfuture engagement session "Celebrating 50 years of NS" came up with. Held on 6 Mar at the Future of Us exhibition, it is the latest in a series of citizen dialogue sessions meant to give Singaporeans a voice in shaping the country's future.

Singapore will mark 50 years of NS in 2017 and it remains important to the country's security, said Senior Minister of State for Defence Ong Ye Kung at the dialogue session.

"For those who have national servicemen among your loved ones, your support for NS is vital. You are one of the reasons why they serve NS -- to protect their family, their children and their loved ones.

"Looking around us, there are genuine and dangerous threats. They (terrorists) are out to take lives to serve their own purposes."

He also said that it was up to every Singaporean to keep the country safe. "Terrorism cannot defeat us if the society is healthy. The real test (if a terror attack were to happen here) is our psychological response. Singaporeans must stay united as one."

During the session, participants sat in small groups of five to talk about the evolving face of NS, meaningful ways to mark NS50 and ways to further show appreciation for servicemen.

Participant Morgan Rasan, 51, noted that "many members of the public don't see what our servicemen do during training. What they see are the nice uniforms and the specialised equipment on television."

Citing past incidents where netizens posted pictures online of soldiers sitting down in public trains, he added: "They've got to realise that we (national servicemen) are fellow Singaporeans I think we should treat our soldiers and servicemen like we would those who have pulled a long shift at work. Give them the rest (and the respect) they deserve."

Recognition can be as simple as that. His idea? Hold sessions for members of the public and employers of national servicemen to experience what members of the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) and Home Team go through.

Mr Rasan served NS with the Singapore Police Force; he holds the rank of Deputy Superintendent (NS) and is Deputy Commanding Officer of a unit that protects key installations.

For fellow participant 2nd Lieutenant (2LT) (NS) Ong Chu Xian, he appreciated the opportunity to hear thoughts on NS from other Singaporeans.

"The most important thing about these engagement sessions was that our views were heard, our views were scribed down and there were important people listening to us," said the 25-year-old who served as an Officer in the SAF Combat Engineers Formation.

In his group, there were those who had served all of their NS liabilities, as well as pre-enlistees. "It was diverse group and, personally, I learnt a lot today; it helped me to understand different views."

Another participant, Ms Priscilla Loo, observed that many of the national servicemen present were not expecting tangible forms of recognition. "Many of them were very pro-NS. After listening to their views, I think I understand why NS is so important to keep Singapore safe.

"As a mother to a 13-year-old boy who will eventually serve NS, I hope the experience will toughen him up!"

The session also proved to be an eye-opener for pre-enlistees such as Mr Zeus Chiang. "On one hand, I feel that NS will prepare me for the workforce. On the other, it's also about service to the nation I'm just looking forward to giving my all during NS."

To take part in the conversation, visit www.sg/SGfuture.