WORKING GROUP ON NS RECOGNITION, BENEFITS HOLDS FIRST MEETING

One of the two working groups under the Committee to Strengthen National Service (CSNS) has kicked off its efforts barely two weeks after the committee held its first meeting.

Headed by Senior Parliamentary Secretary Dr Mohamad Maliki Bin Osman, the Recognition and Benefits for National Service (NS) working group met for the first time on 21 May at the SAFRA Mount Faber clubhouse.

And the way ahead was clear: Listen to as many voices as possible.

Said one of the members, Mr Adrian Pereira: "Times have changed and people have different expectations. The younger generation are better travelled and they have more knowledge of other countries.

"So, we really need to know what is on their minds rather than jump to our own pre-conceived ideas and say 'yes this is what we need to do' when we haven't heard from the public."

The 48-year-old served NS at 28 after migrating to Singapore. He works as a manager at a biomedical firm. "NS helped me to see this country as home and as a place that I want to be in, it gave also a sense of pride."

Over the next few months, the working group will hold discussions with the public to find out what they want to see being done to better recognise the contributions of NS.

When asked what was discussed at the meeting, Mr Subash Lazar said: "We talked about both tangible and intangible benefits for NSmen."

"My own take is that while tangible benefits are good, I feel that intangible benefits is something we must continue to look into because they involve changing mindsets and they are also more sustainable in the long run." He is the Vice-Principal of Crest Secondary School, and serves as a Regimental Sergeant Major in his NS role.

Other members spoke about how to continue making NS a positive experience for future generations. Said Mr Tan Heng Huat: "I think it's beyond just pure recognition and benefits. What's important is the inner motivation: why we serve.

"At the end of the day, the NSman must feel good. That positive experience (from serving) is very important." The 42-year-old serves as a Commanding Officer in the Army and is a general manager at a financial services firm.

"We are going to get real and go deep into the issues we are facing, and see what we can do in terms of benefits."

To take part in the CSNS effort, visit the Strengthen NS website at www.strengthenNS.sg.