THANK YOU, MINDEF VOLUNTEERS!

You would probably recognise Mr Billy Koh from television, as one of the judges on Channel U's Project Superstar and SuperBand competition.

But Mr Koh, the Regional A&R Director of Ocean Butterflies, is also a volunteer serving on the SAF Music & Drama Company (MDC) Supervisory Board.

As a board member, he attends meetings with the MDC management and offers suggestions and comments to help MDC artistes better their performances.

"Culture is a form of psychological defence, and also an identity for our nation," he said.

"Through entertainment and performing arts, MDC can also provide Singaporeans with the correct values and instil national pride."

So what made him volunteer his services to MINDEF?

"I've only been on the board for a year after MDC approached me and asked if I could spare some time and offer my expertise," Mr Koh explained. "But it's just a way of giving back to society."

Agreeing with Mr Koh was Dr T Chandroo, CEO of Modern Montessori International, who has served as a volunteer on the Board of Visitors to SAF Detention Barracks (SAFDB) for a year.

"I also believe that once we have achieved some success, we should return it to society," said Dr Chandroo.

The Board of Visitors to SAFDB visit the inmates annually to find out more about their health and well being. They also speak to the inmates and try to counsel them.

Dr Chandroo and Mr Koh joined some 150 volunteers in a dinner at the Regent on 14 Jul, hosted by Minister for Defence Teo Chee Hean, in appreciation of their commitment and contributions to MINDEF.

Minister Teo also presented certificates of appointment and re-appointment to 113 volunteers.

These volunteers come from diverse backgrounds and provide valuable input to MINDEF in various areas.

In his speech, Mr Teo thanked them and said: "Your contributions as MINDEF volunteers also send an important signal - that the defence of our nation is not just the responsibility of MINDEF and the SAF, but is a collective responsibility of all of us who have a stake in the future of our country."

"Your commitment and dedication is also a source of strength and inspiration to all those who serve in the SAF as they show that the nation supports our servicemen and is behind them."