SUPPORT FOR DEFENCE

When it comes to In-Camp Training (ICT), an understanding employer can make a big difference to a serviceman's peace of mind. For their efforts in supporting National Service (NS), these supervisors were among the first to receive the new NS Advocate Awards in 2015.

MAJ (NS) Goh's (right) support has encouraged SSG (Vol) Giam to commit to her duties at 160 SQN.

"Why should a servicewoman be treated any differently if she wants to volunteer?" It was this mindset that drove Major (MAJ) (NS) Jayson Goh to push for a more inclusive NS policy at Changi Airport Group (CAG).

As Senior Vice-President of Airport Operations Management, MAJ (NS) Goh is the supervisor of Staff Sergeant (SSG) (Vol) Amanda Giam.

SSG (Vol) Giam, a former flight warrant officer in 160 Squadron (SQN), left the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) in 2009 but was keen to continue serving her old unit.

160 SQN is like a family which motivated SSG (Vol) Giam to volunteer as an "NSwoman".

Supporting NSmen & women

In 2013, she became the RSAF's first female volunteer. But while her company had many policies to facilitate their employees' ICT sessions, there were none for its first "NSwoman". Back then, the airport operations manager had to apply for personal leave in order to join her unit for annual ICT sessions.

When her supervisor learnt about her situation, he set about working with their Human Resources (HR) department to make the company's policies more NS-friendly for women.

"Being a female volunteer was almost unheard of, explained SSG (Vol) Giam. "But Jayson believes that we are all serving for the same purpose He worked with HR and pushed hard for new policies to be adopted."

Thanks to MAJ (NS) Goh's support, SSG (Vol) Giam now gets the same benefits that all Operationally Ready National Servicemen (NSmen) receive.

"At CAG, we develop our people to the best of our abilities and fulfil their aspirations. Amanda is determined to contribute to the RSAF and as an organisation, we should support her," said MAJ (NS) Goh, who is president of the 160 Anti-Aircraft Alumni.

He believes that going for ICT also brings about benefits to the workplace. If employees feel that ICT sessions are meaningful and do not conflict with work, they will take their training more seriously and be able to apply the skills that they've learnt when they come back to the workplace. Hence, I want to help them make the best use of their time at ICT."

3SG (NS) Ng (left) is thankful to Mr Koh for taking the time to help him get fit and ready for his IPPT.

Train hard & stay fit

Like MAJ (NS) Goh, Mr Elson Koh also went the extra mile to make his staff's NS journey a smoother one. A section head in the mechatronics department at the Institute of Technical Education College West, Mr Koh always takes the lead to make arrangements and redistribute the work among his team of lecturers if someone is called up for ICT.

He also took an active interest when he learnt that one of them was having problems passing his Individual Physical Proficiency Test (IPPT). In a show of support, he made it a point to accompany 3rd Sergeant (3SG) (NS) Nelson Ng to the gym after office hours to exercise.

"I felt it was a good opportunity for me to share my experiences and help Nelson clear his IPPT," explained Mr Koh, who served with the Infantry and had consistently achieved IPPT Gold. "I offered to coach him in the stations that he had difficulties with, such as chin-ups and the 2.4km run."

Their fitness journey began in 2010, and since then, the two have become firm friends. For them, training has been less of a chore and more of two buddies just exercising together. "We usually start training three months before my IPPT... Aside from passing my IPPT, I feel that my lifestyle has gotten healthier and I've gotten fitter," noted 3SG (NS) Ng, a section commander from 661st Battalion, Singapore Guards.

From struggling to keep fit and pass his IPPT, 3SG (NS) Ng went on to eventually clinch a Silver award in 2013. He achieved a Pass with Incentive in his latest IPPT.

For all they've done

MAJ (NS) Goh and Mr Koh were among 10 individuals who received the new NS Advocate Award last year. This was the first time the Total Defence Award (TDA) was given to individuals. The awards were expanded to recognise not only large companies, but also small and medium-sized enterprises, organisations and individuals.

The revamp came about as a result of proposals by the Committee to Strengthen NS and the Advisory Council for Community Relations in Defence.

Both MAJ (NS) Goh and Mr Koh were quick to note that there were many others who had also gone the extra mile in helping servicemen and women do their best. Said MAJ (NS) Goh: "For us, who believe so much in NS, it was never about receiving any awards (but) the TDA is a great channel to encourage others to also come forward to show more support and build up this strong culture of NS."

>>The TDA recognises individuals, businesses and organisations that advocate NS and support NSmen. To find out more and participate in TDA 2016, visit www.accord.gov.sg.