I think the argument on the need of NS being served in Singapore
will never end in the near future. As much as we know the
importance of National Security, we will still stop to ponder if NS
is really necessary.
Before going into NS, my peers have already gone through the BMT.
Well I belong to the Poly batch and my Sec Sch friends who chose
the JC route, have already been enlisted. So the weekends when we
meet, I felt lost when the conversation wanders into the days they
spent outfield or range. Amongst the "KPKB" about their officers
and enciks, I could see some kind of bonding among them. They have
a common topic.
Then when its my turn to go into NS, I experienced all the things I
have heard from them. But definitely, when we are going through it,
it was like hell. How I wish I could fast forward the time while I
was in NS.
Then stepping onto the working life, when good friends meet, more
often than not, we start to talk about the days when we were
"Tekan-ed". Most of us, I guess, will have a good laugh. Despite
the difference in years amongst the guys, we often can relate to
the same shit, different day.
I rememebered an uncle telling me, NS will make us more MAN and
more resposible in our undertaking. This is coming from one who
gone through the Mono-Intake. I tend to believe so.
One of my first job in the society was to be posted overseas. And
there I was in my mid twenties, feeling really great about being so
young and able to work overseas. There I met several Singaporeans
who are at least about 32 before they get the chance to be posted
overseas. Truly I feel kinda exclusive.
But soon I began to know some Malaysians who are SPR. Younger than
me but have already been overseas 3 years ago. Upon completion of
their Diploma, they went on to accept posting overseas. They are
from the electronics line and to be frank, when they had graduated,
that was the IN thing.
Meaning that, usually many of us will take a course that will be
very in demand in the market. Then at Diploma level, we chose the
path. Yet upon completion of our diploma studies, we proceed to NS.
Anything can happen within that 2.5 years (for now 2 years), will
we get a job then?
I rememebered my friend who was in IT, and by the time he completed
his NS, all the technology had moved to a distance that was beyond
sight. To get a job, he had to take up several night classes to
keep up.
After 3 years, I am still an engineer whereas the Malaysians/SPR
(who are no liable for NS) are already regional managers or even
technical managers given the fact they have double my
experience!
I do know there are people who are high flyers and can achieve
better. But out of the many Singaporeans, how many have such
determination? I am being frank here as if we do show talent while
we are young, we would be some scholars for some GLC and not
wasting time replying to the forum here.
In summary, my view is that NS should go on but maybe we could
adjust the time we enter NS. For example after O Levels then we go
into NS. Then those who prefer Diploma, can proceed. Those who can
make it for Uni, they can go for the JC. I believe JC can be
compressed into a year. Some universities abroad have 1 year Pre
course before they began their Uni studies. Then we all have an
equal chance. Hopefully.
Lastly, I think NS should be a MUST for SPR too and not optional
for first generation. If not, we will see a dwindling number of
Singaporeans. Then really no one will shed a tear for Singapore
then.
