MINDEF THANKS ACCORD MEMBERS

One of the many voluntary groups of people who contribute to defence in their own special ways is the Advisory Council on Community Relations in Defence (ACCORD), which provides crucial feedback to the Ministry of Defence and the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) from a community perspective.

On 12 Aug, ACCORD members were hosted to an appreciation lunch by Minister of State for Defence, Associate Professor Koo Tsai Kee.

The occasion saw new members being welcomed and outgoing members being thanked for their services.

Looking back on her two years of service, Ms Yeo Hong Mui, an outgoing ACCORD member, said the experience was "a true privilege".

"Through the work of the committee, I got to know first-hand what's going on in the SAF."

As Principal of Innova Junior College, Ms Yeo plays a crucial role in sharing her knowledge of the SAF with her students and helping male students prepare for national service.

"ACCORD gives me the context with which to speak to colleagues as well as students about national service and defence," said Ms Yeo, who described her time in ACCORD as a "learning journey".

On a more personal level, Ms Yeo felt "enriched" by her two years spent on the council, gaining insight into the rationale behind Singapore's defence policies.

Her exposure to strategic directions taken by the armed forces made her feel "more secure and confident about national security".

And what about her most exciting moment in ACCORD?

"Definitely the ride in the Chinook!" she said.