MINDEF RECOGNISES CONTRIBUTIONS OF VOLUNTEERS

To raise a child, it takes an entire village.

Likewise, to defend a country, it takes the collective efforts of the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) Regular soldiers, National Servicemen (NSmen) and Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) volunteers.

Just as the SAF cannot build a strong defence without the commitment of NSmen who form the backbone of the SAF, it also cannot do it without the commitment of the general public towards National Defence.

Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen said this at the MINDEF Volunteers' Dinner, held at Marina Mandarin Singapore on 14 Aug. The annual dinner recognises the contributions of some 300 volunteers serving on 41 MINDEF boards and committees. During the dinner, Dr Ng also presented certificates of appointment and re-appointment to the volunteers.

Recognising that fair and equal treatment towards all servicemen is crucial in garnering the public's support for and trust in national service, Dr Ng thanked the volunteers for lending their expertise to develop and improve on the SAF's systems and processes, saying that "we co-opt expertise which we do not have, because these are critical roles that (volunteers) need to play."

The volunteers, who come from both the public and private sectors, are experts in fields such as medical, safety, financial, legal and NS management.

One expert who has been a longstanding and active MINDEF volunteer is Professor Ponnampalam Gopalakrishnakone, Emeritus Professor from the Department of Anatomy, Venom and Toxin Research Programme in the National University Health System.

As an Adjunct Principal Research Fellow at DSO's Defence Medical and Environmental Research Institute, Prof Gopalakrishnakone was part of the team that had helped to establish DSO Laboratories in the late 1980s.

Now into his 15th year as a volunteer, his research into venom and toxins has helped protect soldiers from the effects of attacks by venomous creatures during outdoor exercises - a common and potentially dangerous situation. "I was very keen because this is my speciality, and it is a good place to contribute," said Prof Gopalakrishnakone of his decision to volunteer with MINDEF.

As for Chairman of Medical Board and Head and Senior Consultant from the Department of General Surgery at Khoo Teck Puat Hospital, Associate Professor (A/P) Kenneth Mak Seck Wai, who is a member of the SAF Emergency Medical Specialist Advisory Board and course director and instructor of Headquarters Medical Corps' (HQMC's) Advanced Trauma Life Support Course and had served as a Medical Officer during his NS days, witnessing the developments in HQMC's training facilities and programmes through the years has assured him of the SAF's desire to improve itself.

"When I look at the resources and equipment that they have (now), they are equivalent to any emergency department in any hospital; the training they have in place, such as simulator training, also makes it a lot more realistic. It's a demonstration of the commitment the SAF has to making sure that its doctors, medics and healthcare staff are trained," he said.

This let him know that his efforts were in good hands, and that the systems developed by his Board would be administered appropriately. He said: "We are very confident that, if ever we need (to utilise these medical processes), the systems will work and deliver, and that s the satisfaction I get."

A/P Mak and his team have successfully implemented several changes to the SAF's medical procedures, including allowing civilian ambulances to enter camps so that soldiers may be sent swiftly to hospitals for treatment.

With the volunteers generously giving of their time and expertise to the SAF, it is important to let them know that their opinions are valued and taken seriously. And for Mr Mulyadi Ahmad, Senior Manager, Department of Public Cleanliness, National Environment Agency, this assurance is found in his Committee to Strengthen National Service (CSNS) "Recognition and Benefits for National Service" Working Group.

He said of his experience: "I definitely think so (that the Committee is open to members' recommendations). Minister of State Dr Mohamad Maliki bin Osman (who chairs the Committee) was very open to our suggestions and debate. Even though the debates could get heated at times, I found it very positive because everybody was trying to give the best recognition to our NSmen. We had a small part to play in the recommendations, and that is very rewarding."

During his speech, Dr Ng also announced the implementation of the SAF Volunteer Corps (SAFVC), which would commence its first intake next March. The SAFVC would see women, first-generation Permanent Residents and new citizens serving in the SAF.

Mrs Laura Hwang, Board Member (Immediate Past President) of the Singapore Council of Women's Organisation, was highly supportive of the new Volunteer Corps. When asked if she would encourage other women to volunteer - like she has, as a member of the Advisory Council on Community Relations in Defence - she gave a resounding "Absolutely!"

"As far as the work in the Army is concerned, there are so many jobs that can be done by both men and women," she explained. Suggesting that the SAF "list out the various roles, open them up and encourage participation," she believed that "you'll see the results, and probably be very happily surprised!"