RECOGNISING ACCORD CONTRIBUTIONS

Singapore's defence rests not just on the strong shoulders of dedicated servicemen and women from the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF). Volunteer groups like the Advisory Council on Community Relations in Defence (ACCORD) also play an important part in helping the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) engage the public and strengthen support for National Service.

In appreciation of their service, Minister of State for Defence, Associate Professor Koo Tsai Kee, hosted a lunch for them at the newly unveiled SAFRA Jurong clubhouse on 20 Aug.

In his speech, Assoc Prof Koo thanked the ACCORD members for their "fresh perspectives, useful suggestions and feedback on National Service matters that... have been invaluable in helping MINDEF better understand public sentiments and concerns."

"And because ACCORD members come from a wide spectrum of society and represent many different professions, MINDEF is able to draw on a vast expanse of expertise and experience that is crucial when devising policies or dealing with important public issues," he added.

Formed in 1984, the council currently comprises 16 members who come from various walks of life, such as Members of Parliament, employers, Operationally Ready Servicemen (NSmen), grassroots leaders as well as members of educational institutes and media organisations.

One of three outgoing ACCORD members, Mr Gan Chin Yean, summed up his four-year tenure as an interesting and beneficial experience. As the Managing Director of Interplex (S) Pte Ltd, he has provided valuable input from an employer's perspective, about ways in which businesses can help "to make National Service more recognised and accepted".

Commenting on the key takeaway of his time in ACCORD, Mr Gan remarked that it had given him greater assurance and confidence that the Government was "very focused on engaging and staying connected to people on the ground".

Having visited many different units and gained a deeper understanding of the SAF's operations and advanced capabilities, Mr Gan noted that he was "fortunate" that the SAF was undergoing the 3rd Generation transformation during his stint.

"It's been a very fun experience, because you get to see things that the lay man would not see. Visiting the frigates, seeing the Leopard tanks and all the latest technology; it gives me a real appreciation of how the defence budget is being well-spent", he added.