WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE NEW CMPB

The new Central Manpower Base (CMPB) at Bukit Gombak officially opened its doors on 14 Oct, welcoming pre-enlistees, servicemen and the public alike to a state-of-the-art, one-stop hub for all things National Service (NS).

With innovative designs like a Lifestylemart with self-checkout kiosks, a Medical Classification Centre (MCC) with an digital registration and queue system, and an all-weather Fitness Conditioning Centre (FCC), pre-enlistees and National Servicemen (NSmen) will find the care and support they need to make their NS journeys more efficient and welcoming.

“The SAF (Singapore Armed Forces) is committed to making sure that this is the most efficient, effective touch point that you can have in the journey. This commitment to keep improving our processes is something priceless that money cannot buy,” said Minister of Defence Mr Chan Chun Sing in his speech at the opening ceremony.

Seamless pre-enlistment process

Pre-enlistees can look forward to a smooth registration experience when they come to the MCC for their pre-enlistment medical check-up. The Integrated Queue and Registration System will provide a mobile-friendly registration and queue system that includes a personal itinerary to help them track and find their next station. Dedicated staff will be on site to render assistance.

Junior College student Azriel Sim, 17, was at the MCC on 14 Oct to complete his medical consultation in preparation for his enlistment in 2027. He found the process smooth and straightforward.

“The staff are friendly, and they use generated messages to inform us which station to go to. It makes me feel comfortable and welcome.”

Health & fitness hub for soldiers

With the new FCC, active servicemen now have one more venue where they can attend NS FIT sessions or take their Individual Physical Proficiency Test (IPPT).

Featuring a sheltered running track that is located among greenery and more score-checking kiosks, NSmen will be able to train and complete their IPPT without worrying about the weather. The design also takes into account climate change trends, allowing servicemen to continue their training undisrupted even as weather patterns become more erratic.

The SAF’s second Regional Health Hub will also be housed within CMPB. It will consolidate key healthcare services such as the Specialist Medical and Dental Centre, Health Screening Programme Centre and MINDEF Medical Centre, streamlining the medical service journey of servicemen. 

First cashier-less Lifestylemart

Ever seen a Lifestylemart with no staff or cashiers inside? The new CMPB is home to the first Lifestylemart outlet with self-checkout kiosks! The Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) self-checkout kiosks automatically detect and scan items through radio frequency identification technology, allowing customers to complete purchases without manually scanning each product.

The Lifestylemart is integrated with the e-Mart e-Service through the OneNS app, allowing servicemen and pre-enlistees to order gear online and choose the home delivery or pick-up option via CMPB’s smart lockers.

This service is open to both servicemen and the public, making the purchase and collection of NS essentials a hassle-free, modern retail experience.

Closer to the community

Beyond providing services to pre-enlistees and soldiers, the new CMPB also invites the community to enjoy its facilities.

The public can visit the 700-seater food court with over 20 stalls and family-friendly café. The childcare centre, as well as outdoor fitness area – equipped with a running trail, fitness station and football field – are also open to the public.

“The new CMPB is designed to be a one-stop integrated service. Because we are located in the heartlands, (it was designed) to be a hybrid set-up which helps us get closer to the community,” said Commanding Officer of CMPB, Colonel (COL) Iain Hoo.

He highlighted that importance of giving visitors a pleasant and seamless experience: “A key challenge during the transition (from CMPB’s former location at Depot Road) was ensuring a smooth and seamless experience for all our visitors. We focused heavily on clear communication, especially in updating digital navigation tools like ride-hailing apps and map services, to ensure everyone could locate the new base easily from day one.”