I dunno you are naive or what ?
Int'l relation are based on power either militarily or economically
!!!
But disputes are usually counter balance by military might
otherwise you will be bullied even today.
For example, the Spratly Islands issue, where PRC actually sent
forces to occupy some of them even with the disgust of the
Fillipinos, since they have no mean to stop the Chinese!
Another example with Brunei offshore oilfield where they send a
French survey team which was chased off the by Malaysian gunboats,
till now the issue is still not resolved becos the Brunei's is too
weak to go against the Malaysian.
As for Sg example, w/o the strong SAF, the Malaysian could easily
cut off our water supply so to force us to bend to their wishes
whenever there is dispute between two countries. LKY has warned MY
that unilateral cutting off our water means war!!!! 
They have threaten but they never dare to do so.
Another example is the Pedra Branca issue, which after the
Couragous incident, the Malaysian kept on intruded into the water
of Pedra Branca and proclaimimg joint patrol. With warning from Dr.
Tan , the intrusion ceased.
If RSN is as weak as Brunei's navy , I dun think it will
stop.
Our stability which are greatly due to our military power mean a
good location for FDI, otherwise how could we continue to enjoy
economical growth for so long!!!
Therefore dun say that that NS is a total waste of time becos NS
ensure our safety , stability and finally financially as
well.
For ppl who dislike NS are those who dislike the discipline imposed
on them which is universal in any uniform group . Without it,
nothing will be achieved, otherwise how could you motivate a large
group of unruly ppl to continue fight on for more than
48hrs!!!!
Therefore dun say NS is a waste of time, you dislike it becos you
dun like to be shout at or told what to do all the time, you dun
like the restrictive disciplined organisation like the SAF,
period.
For those who think that way most probably will "keng" and mark by
all his superior as well as peers, which mean a very miserable life
during NS , but with a postive attitude toward NS, you might even
enjoy it.
