NSMEN, EMPLOYERS REAFFIRM COMMITMENT TO DEFENCE

One hundred and five Operationally-Ready National Servicemen (NSmen) from 128 companies renewed their commitment to the defence of Singapore at the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) Day 2017 Combined Rededication Ceremony for the North/Northeast zone at Temasek Polytechnic on 30 Jun.

For the first time, an NS50 Pledge Ceremony was incorporated, and this zone saw 126 employers pledge their support for National Service (NS) by signing the NS Mark Declaration of Support. The NS Mark is a national-level accreditation scheme that recognises businesses that have policies in place to support the NSmen.

Witnessing the NS50 Pledge Ceremony, Guest of Honour Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen said: "I would like to thank all the companies which signed... It shows your strong support for NS to bring peace and security to Singapore.

"I am also glad to see more and more retailers coming on board for the NS50 Recognition Package. When we first started asking companies to take part in this initiative, we only have 21 retailers, but this year, we have over 300 retailers."

Mr Danny Lien, Managing Director of AMOS International (S) Pte Ltd, agreed with Dr Ng and said: "It is important for NSmen to focus solely on their military training when they go for their In-Camp Training (ICT) because they are defending the nation. And I (as an employer) will do everything to make sure they do their best at it because I would indirectly be ensuring the safety of my family and the stability of my business.

"To give them the peace of mind when they go for ICT, we will have people to cover their work so that they wouldn't have to worry about having a huge backlog when they return. Moreover, we also have a 'No Deferment' policy to make sure that they go for their ICT," said the 54-year-old.

With Mr Lien at the ceremony, was his NSmen employee, Lieutenant (LTA) (NS) Chang Jie Rui, a Deputy Logistic Officer at 486th Battalion, Singapore Armoured Regiment, who said that the company also has policies to keep their NSmen and staff in tip-top fitness condition.

"The company will regularly organise sports events, such as futsal, to make sure that their staff stay active. Also, on top of the Individual Physical Proficiency Test incentive given by the Ministry of Defence, our company has its own incentive system as well. This makes sure that the NSmen in the company do fitness conditioning regularly to keep themselves fit," said the 29-year-old.

Speaking about the importance of rededication ceremonies, LTA (NS) Chang said: "AMOS International (S) Pte Ltd has participated in such ceremonies for over 10 years and we have always believed that such ceremonies reinforce our belief in NS as an important tool in keeping our country safe and prosperous."

Other locations of the ceremony include Singapore Institute of Technology @ Dover, Procter & Gamble's Singapore Innovation Centre, and The JTC Summit. In total, 372 companies signed the NS Mark Declaration of Support.