SAFVC turns 10, promotes senior volunteers to SV4

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.

Ten years ago, the pioneer batch of 68 volunteers passed through the gates of Maju Camp to enlist in the SAFVC.

These men and women from all walks of life had stepped up for a common purpose: to contribute in defending Singapore and to learn more about National Service (NS).

Among them was ex-SAFVC Volunteer (SV) 3 Ong Kok Keng. Now, a decade on, he handed over the SAFVC flag to the latest batch of new SVs in a milestone parade on 14 Jun.

At the parade, 44 SVs, who had completed their Basic Training, were welcomed into the family as they received their formation patches.

Sixty-five SVs also received their promotion – including the first to become SV4, the highest rank in the corps.

Milestones & memories

For these volunteers, especially the pioneering batch, the journey has been a rewarding and fruitful one.

"The SAFVC has become like a second home, (where) we are sisters and brothers in arms,” said ex-SV3 Ong Kok Keng, who completed 10 years of SAFVC service as an Auxiliary Security Trooper.

A new citizen who was from Malaysia, the 56-year-old is a manager of a local firm dealing with security systems.

He is heartened that the SAFVC has grown with more opportunities – from 15 roles to over 30 today – for new SVs to contribute their skillsets towards Singapore’s national defence.

“To the next batch of new SVs, I think the corps will become stronger and closer if we work together as a team. We are definitely looking forward to more ways that we can contribute to the SAF.”

Similarly, SV4 Samantha Kang Xiuqing was among the first to join the SAFVC back in 2015.

A medical trainer and lifeguard in the SAFVC, the 37-year-old has supported NS units in ATEC (Army Training Evaluation Centre) evaluations, helped oversee river crossings in training, and ensured safe passage for the M3G raft for the Presidential Gun Salute during the National Day Parade.

“No matter how small our role may seem, we’re making a meaningful impact, and this is what motivates me to continue volunteering,” said SV4 Kang.

Leading by example

For some SVs, serving is also about setting an example.

SV(T) Nur Sakinah Binte Rahmat, for instance, was inspired by her husband doing his best in NS, and joined the SAFVC this year to give back to Singapore’s national defence.

She hopes, in turn, to inculcate the same positive attitude in her 6-year-old son when his time comes to serve NS.

“What better way to do it than to set a good example for him, right?” quipped the 33-year-old auxiliary counsellor in the SAFVC.

SV(T) Sakinah, a civil servant working in the social services sector, also saw volunteering in the SAFVC as the perfect opportunity to contribute through her training and expertise.

As for SV4 Clairy Chow Sing Mun, who was born in Malaysia and is a permanent resident in Singapore, the 49-year-old father of two joined the SAFVC back in 2015 to understand NS better.

“(Over the years) my boys have grown accustomed to me wearing green!” said SV4 Chow, who serves as an Auxilliary Security Trooper. His sons are now 20 and 17 – the elder will be enlisting this August.

“I’m glad to say both of them are positive about NS and why every youth of enlistment age needs to serve.”

The next chapter

As they continue to hone their skills and deepen their knowledge of the SAF, both the newly graduated and promoted SVs are expected to take on more challenging deployments.

Minister of State for Defence Desmond Choo, who was the guest of honour at the parade, noted that there have been about 1,500 volunteers who stepped up over the years.

“All of them come from very diverse backgrounds, contributing in a variety of vocations. Each of these is important in contributing to Singapore defense and security, especially in a time whereby security geopolitically is more complex than ever.”