THANKING VOLUNTEERS FOR CONTRIBUTING TO SINGAPORE'S DEFENCE

To some Operationally Ready National Servicemen (NSmen), SAFRA is just a recreational centre for them to enjoy the facilities. However, to Mr Johnny Tan Cheng Hye, SAFRA holds a special place in his heart.

"SAFRA provides a platform for NSmen to bond and build cohesion outside of their In-Camp Training (ICT) so that it provides them a closer network when they come back for National Service," said the Managing Partner of LT & T Architects.

Currently the chairman of SAFRA Toa Payoh and an advisor to the development committee of SAFRA Punggol, which will be ready by 2015, Mr Tan has been a volunteer with the SAFRA Executive Committee since 2001.

In 2005, Mr Tan "was privileged" to be a member of the SAFRA Review Change Management Committee. He was also a member of the 4^th committee to Recognise the Contribution of Operationally Ready NSmen to Total Defence or RECORD IV, which came up with the recommendation to build a clubhouse in Jurong, for NSmen living in the West.

When asked why he chose to volunteer in SAFRA, the 59-year-old said: "I find SAFRA meaningful. Having been an NSman myself, to be able to contribute to the recognition of NSmen, by providing recreational facilities for them and their families is very rewarding and satisfying."

At The Regent Singapore on 15 Aug, Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen hosted a dinner to thank Mr Tan and more than 140 other volunteers for their invaluable contributions, serving on 39 MINDEF boards and committees. Dr Ng also presented 67 volunteers with certificates of appointment and re-appointment for their services.

Speaking at the dinner, Dr Ng said the volunteers played important roles in Singapore's defence by providing expertise and professional insights that helped MINDEF and the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) to enhance work processes and systems, and ensure that policies are robust and up-to-date. He added that the Committee to Strengthen National Service (CSNS) was exploring more avenues for Singaporeans to contribute actively towards national defence.

Dr Ng said: "One suggested way to do this is for the SAF to expand its volunteer scheme beyond NSmen to allow more to contribute to Singapore's defence. I think this is a positive step, and in keeping with the spirit which you tonight embody in contributing to our defence and security for many years. The CSNS will seriously consider the suggestions to allow volunteers to play a bigger role in defence"

He also expressed his "deepest appreciation to our volunteers who have contributed to building up the SAF to what it is today - a modern, capable and decisive force. We thank you for your dedication, commitment and support for defence."

Among the volunteers present was Professor Ong Yong Yau who has been volunteering his services for almost 20 years and has helped build up the SAF's medical capabilities. The 70-year-old was the visiting medical consultant to the SAF from 1995 to 2004 as well as a mentor to SAF medical officers from 2005 to 2010. As a member of the SAF Medical Advisory Board and the SAF Respiratory Medicine Specialist Advisory Board, he helped review the SAF medical system in 2012.

"I see this (volunteering) as an extension of my medical work at the hospital, and I felt that I have something to contribute, and this is a worthy cause," said the physician with the Singapore General Hospital.

For fellow volunteer, Mr Tan, his greatest takeaway from volunteering is "seeing the satisfaction and hearing the comments from members and non-members who have used SAFRA's facilities".

While he will continue serving, he feels that there is a need to build up the next core of volunteers to continue the work that his generation has started. But his heart still stays with SAFRA: "I will serve as long as SAFRA feels that there is a place for me."