URL: www.StrengthenNS.sg
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National Servicemen can expect new measures to better
motivate, support, and recognise them, as well to help them balance
their NS commitments with their family and career
commitments.
These aims were revealed by the Committee to Strengthen National
Service on Wednesday, after it held its first meeting at the Basic
Military Training Centre on Pulau Tekong. Over the next six months,
the committee will gather ideas from servicemen and the public
through focus group discussions and town hall sessions.
The public may also air their views on a new website www.strengthenNS.sg or through e-mail at [email protected].
The 20-member committee is chaired by Defence Minister Ng Eng
Hen, and includes Members of Parliament, senior military personnel,
employers, and NSmen. It was set up during this year's Committee of
Supply Debate in March, which saw robust debate over how to better
recognise National Servicemen in light of continued immigration and
the need to preserve a Singapore core. In recent months, members of
the public have responded to the news by calling for greater
monetary incentives, including subsidies for transport, education
and health, and time-off to rest after reservist in-camp
training.
Over the next six months, Singaporeans will be asked for
feedback on how to beef up National Service.
The Committee to Strengthen National Service, announced in
March, will lead focus group discussions and town hall sessions
while also conducting online consultation sessions via a new
website, www.strengthenNS.sg
The Committee meeting for the first time today, expects its work
to be done within a year.
Made up of 20 members, including Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen,
Members of Parliament,military top brass and private sector
employers, the committee will use the feedback gathered to
recommend measures to enhance National Service as a critical
institution for Singapore's continued survival and success.
The measures are meant to motivate servicemen to give their best
in serving, help them balance their duties with family and work
commitments, enhance support from families, companies, new citizens
and the broader community, and promote recognition of servicemen's
efforts.
Focus Group Discussions on Strengthening National
Service (Phase 2)
In the last few months, we held a first phase of Focus Group
Discussions (FGDs) where different people came together to share
their experiences with NS, the strengths of NS and areas to be
strengthened, as well as their aspirations for NS. We thank our
participants for taking the time to share their ideas and
experiences.
For Phase 2 of the FGDs, we will go into more specific
discussions on these following topics.
The contributions of our National Servicemen ensure the peace
and stability which Singapore has enjoyed. We have heard calls for
greater recognition, and more importantly, appreciation and respect
for our National Servicemen from the community. What else can we do
for our NSFs and NSmen? In this topic, let’s come together to
discuss what are the ways different segments of the broader
community, such as our family members, employers, the government,
and members of the public can better recognise and show their
appreciation for the contributions of our NSmen.
We have heard many of you highlight the challenges faced in
juggling NS duties with other commitments. Juggling In-Camp
Training and IPPT can be challenging. Some have also shared their
worries about falling behind in terms of education and when they
eventually enter the workforce. In this topic, share with us what
you think are the ways in which we can help address these
challenges and competing demands that our National Servicemen
face.
NS is a national institution based on critical need, and our
National Servicemen play an important part in national defence by
serving NS. Beyond our National Servicemen, can the broader
community, such as women, play their part in contributing to
defence? How can they offer their expertise, knowledge and skills?
Should volunteering in the SAF be an option?
Every National Serviceman has an important role to play in
Singapore’s defence and wants to have a meaningful NS experience.
Some servicemen want to do more and increase their contributions to
NS. How can we better meet our servicemen’s personal aspirations
through their deployment, while ensuring operational needs are
met? In this topic, we will come together to discuss ways we
can strike this balance.
To gain a deeper sharing on these topics, FGDs will be held for
different groups of stakeholders. For each session, participants
will be divided into small groups of 6-8 participants for the small
group discussions before everyone gathers for a large group
sharing. The estimated duration of each session is between 2.5 to
3.5 hours.
How to Participate
Keen to participate in an FGD? Simply register below and we will
get in touch with you shortly. Do note that session slots will be
filled on a first-come-first-served basis. Confirmed participants
should receive an email within 3 working days.
If you are unable to join any of the sessions, we welcome you to
share your views at our online feedback form.
We look forward to your participation!
