The Committee to Strengthen National Service (CSNS), chaired by
Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen, held its 7th Steering Committee
Meeting at the SAFRA Mount Faber earlier this morning.
During the meeting, the "Support for NS" and "Recognition and
Benefits for National Service" Working Groups submitted their final
reports to the Steering Committee. Members discussed the
recommendations following the latest round of public feedback,
including suggestions to improve the management of the Individual
Physical Proficiency Test, expanding the roles of the Advisory
Council on Community Relations in Defence (ACCORD) and the SAF
Veterans' League to deepen engagement with key stakeholders, and
enhancing measures to support National Servicemen in the areas of
housing, healthcare and education. The Committee also discussed
some of the suggestions which would not be taken up.
CSNS member Mr Gerald Singham shared after the meeting, "I am
happy with the process and outcome of the CSNS. We met with a wide
range of stakeholders so a lot of the recommendations are a
reflection of what our NSmen would like to see. In terms of the
actual recommendations, I think that they are meaningful and at the
same time, it does not make NS into something that is too
transactional. I personally feel that defence of our country is a
sacred duty and it should not be reduced into something that is
transactional."
More than 40,000 people from all walks of life have participated
in the CSNS public consultation effort. The CSNS has reviewed the
feedback and suggestions and will announce its recommendations by
June. Members of the public who are interested in the CSNS journey
may visit www.strengthenNS.sg to find out more.