MILESTONES
NATIONAL SERVICEMEN LAUDED FOR COMMITMENT TO DEFENCE
26 Dec 2007
National Service (NS) key appointment holders (KAH), reservists on voluntary extended reserve scheme (ROVERS) and volunteers were recognised for their commitment and contribution to national defence at an appreciation dinner on 27 Nov.
One of these was Lieutenant-Colonel (LTC) (NS) Loh Yue Thong. He said: "When a country is doing well, everybody benefits. It's a small contribution on my men's part and mine, but they see the whole picture: how they can contribute to national defence."
A lecturer in Temasek Polytechnic, LTC (NS) Loh feels that his NS experiences has provided him with invaluable lessons that can only enrich his relationship with his students.
"I tell [my students] about national defence, why we need a strong SAF. Leadership is not about shouting; it s about relationships today. In the polytechnic you communicate with your students; in NS you communicate with your men."
Master Sergeant (MSG) (VOL) Dasuki bin Kiemien has also derived life-changing lessons from a fruitful NS experience.
A support supervisor in his NS unit and recipient of the NSman of the Year 2005 award, the 43-year-old is thankful for the friendships that NS has fostered in his life, and attributes his award to his men s dedication.
"I appreciate my men and their hard work during training locally and overseas. They deserve it more than me actually."
Speaking at the appreciation dinner at SAFRA Mount Faber, Chief of Army Major-General (MG) Neo Kian Hong expressed his gratitude to the KAHs, ROVERS and volunteers for their "strong commitment to the SAF and our nation's defence".
He said: "You have been outstanding role models for our younger servicemen and your exemplary leadership, unwavering commitment and strong professionalism have set the standard and become a benchmark for the next generation of NS leaders to emulate and achieve."
One of these was Lieutenant-Colonel (LTC) (NS) Loh Yue Thong. He said: "When a country is doing well, everybody benefits. It's a small contribution on my men's part and mine, but they see the whole picture: how they can contribute to national defence."
A lecturer in Temasek Polytechnic, LTC (NS) Loh feels that his NS experiences has provided him with invaluable lessons that can only enrich his relationship with his students.
"I tell [my students] about national defence, why we need a strong SAF. Leadership is not about shouting; it s about relationships today. In the polytechnic you communicate with your students; in NS you communicate with your men."
Master Sergeant (MSG) (VOL) Dasuki bin Kiemien has also derived life-changing lessons from a fruitful NS experience.
A support supervisor in his NS unit and recipient of the NSman of the Year 2005 award, the 43-year-old is thankful for the friendships that NS has fostered in his life, and attributes his award to his men s dedication.
"I appreciate my men and their hard work during training locally and overseas. They deserve it more than me actually."
Speaking at the appreciation dinner at SAFRA Mount Faber, Chief of Army Major-General (MG) Neo Kian Hong expressed his gratitude to the KAHs, ROVERS and volunteers for their "strong commitment to the SAF and our nation's defence".
He said: "You have been outstanding role models for our younger servicemen and your exemplary leadership, unwavering commitment and strong professionalism have set the standard and become a benchmark for the next generation of NS leaders to emulate and achieve."
ALSO READ IN MILESTONES
Being the very best in the SAF
28 Jun 2026
These units prove they have what it takes to be crowned champions in this year’s Best Unit Competition.
MINDEF/SAF launches first solar farm in air base, projected to deliver $1.9mil cost savings a year
30 Jan 2026
The solar farm is located in Sembawang Air Base, which also features other green initiatives such as an automated helicopter wash shed and the use of eco-asphalt for runway repair training.
Answering the call to defend Singapore
21 Jan 2026
The Weapon Presentation Ceremony represents a powerful moment when recruits are entrusted with their rifle and begin carrying the weight of the nation’s defence.



