RECOGNITION FOR MANAGER WHO SUPPORTS NS

25nov20-photo1 https://www.defencepioneer.sg/images/default-source/articles/people/2020/25-nov-2020/25nov20-photo1.jpg?sfvrsn=55b9b8b1_3 https://www.defencepioneer.sg/pioneer-articles/recognition-for-manager-who-supports-ns
https://www.defencepioneer.sg/pioneer-articles/recognition-for-manager-who-supports-ns
RECOGNITION FOR MANAGER WHO SUPPORTS NS
25 Nov 2020 | PEOPLE

RECOGNITION FOR MANAGER WHO SUPPORTS NS

//Story Koh Eng Beng

//Photos Courtesy of MINDEF, Mr Gabat & CPT (NS) Muhammed Saufi

Mr Gabat (right) and CPT (NS) Saufi with the NS Advocate Award for Individuals trophy.

He was scheduled to attend a two-month training in Switzerland earlier this February. But there was a problem: the dates clashed with his In-Camp Training (ICT).

It was an important work trip – Captain (CPT) (NS) Muhammed Saufi Bin Abdul Rashid had been tasked to learn about a new manufacturing equipment in Switzerland and to transfer the technology to Singapore.

He was the only specialist technician in the company to be assigned for the project.

Nevertheless, his manager Mr Armando Gabat made arrangements for CPT (NS) Saufi to postpone the trip so that he could attend his ICT.

"Initially, I was worried as we're already planning the training schedule together with our counterpart in Switzerland," said Mr Gabat, a technical manager at Medtronic Singapore Operations.

"But every country has its own National Service policy. We have to support and embrace it. We all know that it's a contribution to the country," said the 45-year-old Filipino. He has been working in Singapore for the last 13 years.

For his strong support for NS, Mr Gabat received the National Service (NS) Advocate Award for Individuals this year.

Dr Ng (top left) with recipients of the NS Advocates Awards at the Total Defence Awards ceremony, held virtually on 25 Nov.

A total of 148 NS Advocates Awards were presented to 91 Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), 34 Large Companies, 15 Organisations and 8 Individuals.

The award is the highest accolade conferred on businesses, organisations and individuals in recognition of their exemplary support towards Total Defence and NS.

Minister for Defence, Dr Ng Eng Hen, who was the Guest of Honour at the virtual event, thanked the recipients of the NS Advocate Awards, national servicemen and employers for their continued support of Total Defence and NS.

He also said: "We do not know the precise course global and regional events will take in the years and decades to come. But we know changes will come. All we can do is to ensure we remain intact and emerge stronger amid these changes.

"We keep vigilant, continue strengthening our defence capabilities, build partnerships with other friendly countries and stand together solidly as one people for Total Defence."

Mr Gabat (top row, third from left) with fellow recipients of the NS Advocates Awards.

Mr Gabat was nominated by CPT (NS) Saufi for the award.

"Lots of consideration was needed as I was the only Specialist Tech assigned for the project. I'm grateful that Mr Gabat understood the importance of my ICT," said the 32-year-old.

With his manager's support, CPT(NS) Saufi was able to attend his ICT without worrying about his work.

CPT (NS) Saufi is a company commander in 31st Rescue Battalion, Singapore Civil Defence Force.

It's not surprising that Mr Gabat is a strong supporter of NS. Having attended the Reserve Officers Training Corps during his college days in the Philippines, he has a deep understanding of defence and security.

He also grew up in a military family – his father and elder brother are retired Army officers in the Philippines.

Asked why he feels that Total Defence is critical for businesses, Mr Gabat said: "A strong defence is not only important for businesses; NS training also helps to nurture our personnel's discipline, sense of responsibility and teamwork."

Suggested Reading
From hospital ward to hyperbaric chamber
PEOPLE
25 Nov 2020

ME1 Kaitlynn Arumugam shares why she made the switch from nursing to joining the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN), in the latest of PIONEER’s From Desk to Field series.

Feature
NDP 2025 BRINGS THE PARTY TO THE HEARTLANDS
PEOPLE
25 Nov 2020

The National Day festivities don’t end at the Padang! Continue the fun at five heartland locations on 10 Aug.

Cover story
COORDINATED JUMP BY RED LIONS & NAVAL DIVERS AT NDP
PEOPLE
25 Nov 2020

It’s the first time the Red Lions and Naval Divers are jumping into two different locations – the Padang and Marina Bay respectively – as part of a coordinated display!

Feature
60 YEARS ON, THEIR COMMITMENT REMAINS STRONG
PEOPLE
25 Nov 2020

The SAF celebrated its 60th anniversary on 1 Jul with a special SAF Day Parade and Combined Rededication Ceremonies across Singapore. 

Cover story
BRINGING THEIR A-GAME IN SAF BEST UNIT COMPETITION
PEOPLE
25 Nov 2020

These units were recognised for their outstanding achievements in this year’s SAF Best Unit Competition. Find out what makes them champions!

Feature
RECOGNISING THEIR CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE SAF
PEOPLE
25 Nov 2020

These servicemen were among over 1,200 MINDEF and SAF personnel who are being promoted for their good performance and potential – meet COL Fairoz, SWO Zulkarnaen, MAJ Muhammad Iskandar and 1SG Muhd Hidhir.

NDP 2025 SHOW EXPANDS FROM PADANG TO MARINA BAY
PEOPLE
25 Nov 2020

This year’s NDP show will be a musical extravaganza with over 3,000 performers, eight land and water floats, and the largest mobile stage ever used in NDP history!

Feature
PREPARING THE PARADE FOR SAF’S DIAMOND JUBILEE
PEOPLE
25 Nov 2020

SAF Day Parade Commander LTC Shew Narian and Parade Regimental Sergeant Major (RSM) ME4 Lee Han Seng share how they and the parade participants have been hard at work to put up the perfect parade come 1 Jul.

Cover story
First air-land-sea display at NDP 2025 Mobile Column
PEOPLE
25 Nov 2020

The NDP Mobile Column makes its highly anticipated return this year not just on land, but also in the air and in the waters of Marina Bay!

SAFVC turns 10, promotes senior volunteers to SV4
PEOPLE
25 Nov 2020

Marking a decade of duty, the SAF Volunteer Corps (SAFVC) celebrates its 10th anniversary this year with a special parade featuring some of its first as well as latest batch of volunteers.