MINDEF VOLUNTEERS THANKED FOR CONTRIBUTIONS IN NATIONAL DEFENCE

Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) volunteers set an example for others to follow and galvanise public support for Singapore's security, said Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen.

"Your service sends a clear message to our potential aggressors - that our people are united and determined to protect our home called Singapore. As volunteers, to me, you are our most powerful advocate of the belief that Singapore is worth protecting, and your presence here today is testimony to our collective commitment."

"Dr Ng added: "You are a source of inspiration to the next generation."

He was speaking to attendees at the MINDEF Volunteers' Dinner, held at Shangri-La Hotel on 17 Aug. About 300 volunteers, who are industry experts in both the private and public sectors, serve on 41 MINDEF boards and committees.They contribute in areas such as medical, safety, financial, legal and National Service management.

At the dinner, which is held annually to honour MINDEF's volunteers, Dr Ng also presented certificates of appointment and re-appointment to 51 volunteers.

One of the volunteers present at the dinner was Chairman of the Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA) Audit Committee and Member of Board of Governors of SAFRA, Mr Bill Chua Teck Huat. Mr Chua, 61, is one of MINDEF's pioneer volunteers and first became a volunteer in 1991.

"I believe that I've benefited from society, so it's always nice to give back. I also believe that it's more blessed to give than to receive," said Mr Chua of his motivation to volunteer. The camaraderie with his fellow volunteers is also a reason he continued volunteering for almost 24 years.

As the former Managing Director and Head of Global Financial Institution, Mr Chua is involved in the areas of governance and compliance in DSTA and SAFRA, contributing through his vast experience in finance.

He said: "It's about making sure that we do things right and continue to do the right things. (It's also about) figuring out how we can do things in a more effective and efficient manner."

As for Ms Claire Chiang, Co-Chairman of the Family and Community Council of the Advisory Council on Community Relations in Defence (ACCORD), Dr Ng's comment about galvanising public support rang true.

On ACCORD's work in engaging the various sectors of society, Ms Chiang, 64, who is also Senior Vice President of Banyan Tree Holdings, said: "I think this system and network of engagement will be the start of building a more robust feel of whose job it is in defending (the nation). They won't be thinking, 'it's only all those men in green'; they'll be thinking, 'it's mine, it's yours, it's all of ours.' That collective ethos and responsibility will be the spirit that I hope we continue to build upon."

Her sentiments were echoed by Dr Mohamad Ibrahim bin Aris, a member of the SAF Fitness Advisory Board, who was involved in the implementation of the new Individual Physical Proficiency Test (IPPT) format.

As Department Head for Physical Education and Co-curricular Activities in Tampines Junior College (JC), the 43-year-old works closely with students, who are also pre-enlistees. This has allowed him to be the bridge between MINDEF and the ground.

"The first-hand info (from interacting with students) helps me in my planning (as a volunteer)," said Dr Mohamad Ibrahim. At the same time, he is also able to ease the students into the new policies involving their upcoming National Service obligations.

Citing the recent change in the IPPT format, Dr Muhamad Ibrahim revealed that his students were initially worried that the new format would be more difficult than its predecessor.

"But I told them that it (the new format) is to give them ownership. There's no excuse to say you don't have the equipment to train. It's to motivate you and give you that sense of ownership. This is part of nation-building, and you must be responsible for being fit before you enter NS. I even do a mock test for my JC1 students," said Dr Muhamad Ibrahim.

On why he continues to volunteer with MINDEF, he said: "I think I have a part to play in nation-building. I urge people who have the knowledge or expertise: this is one way to contribute back to society. I would love to continue to be a volunteer in MINDEF, (because) I'm also learning from fellow experts and MINDEF as well."