REAFFIRMING THEIR COMMITMENT TO DEFENDING SINGAPORE
// Report by Chia Chong Jin
// Photos by Chua Soon Lye, Chai Sian Liang & Tan Yong Quan
On 2 Jul, 430 Operationally Ready National Servicemen (NSmen) and employers from 133 companies reaffirmed their commitment to the defence of Singapore at the Trade Association Hub, as part of the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) Day Combined Rededication Ceremonies held across four locations in Singapore.
Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen officiated the West Zone rededication ceremony organised by Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, where he delivered the SAF Day message.
"This SAF Day, I ask all Singaporeans to continue in this unwavering resolve to support and build a strong defence for Singapore," said Dr Ng. "We are here today because the past generations built the SAF… Our jobs as leaders of our generations is to make sure that we build up SAF that can protect the next generation.
"I also want to remind all SAF commanders that care for their soldiers' well-being must be their paramount concern during peacetime. Train your men well, but do it safely. Never abuse your authority, and earn their respect with integrity and professionalism."
Among the NSmen who attended the ceremony was Lieutenant (LTA) (NS) Daryl Pek Cherng Zheng, a Forward Observer from 769th Battalion, Singapore Infantry Regiment (769 SIR). The 28-year-old Business Development Associate from Tai Hua Food Industries said: "In line with what Dr Ng has mentioned. we cannot take our nation's stability for granted because we took a long time to build the SAF to where it is now. And it is very important that we continue to do so.
"The rededication ceremony was a really good experience as it allowed us to remember that the SAF is there for us, no matter the circumstances."
As an infantry soldier, LTA (NS) Pek has to go through Army Training Evaluation Centre (ATEC) evaluation during the eighth and tenth year of his In-Camp Training (ICT). Thanks to the support from his employees and his company, LTA (NS) Pek was able to train for his ATEC evaluations.
"My employers are always very understanding, and they ensure that we are able to make it for our ICTs without having to worry about anything work-related."
Another NSman that attended the ceremony was Staff Sergeant (SSG) (NS) Amali Afiq Bin Nor Anuar from 799 SIR. The 28-year-old Company Sergeant Major said: "NS shapes us to be soldiers and be ready in times of emergency. It also allows us to familiarise ourselves with the weaponry and terrain, and this ensures that we are ready at any given moment.
"It is heart-warming to see so many different companies attending this rededication ceremony in support of the SAF."
SSG (NS) Amali works at Bok Seng Logistics as a Safety Coordinator, and as a commander in the SAF, he is required to be physically fit. "My company encourages us to be fit and prepared for our Individual Physical Proficiency Test (IPPT) and ICT. Besides our own training, our company organises health activities like taking part in the recent National Step Challenge (Corporate)."
Also in attendance was Captain (CPT) (NS) Benjamin Ow, a Logistics Officer from 706 Squadron, Republic of Singapore Air Force. "(NS) brings us together for the common purpose of serving the nation, and with that we are able to forge a cohesive unit in times of need."
The Deputy Chief Executive Officer of steel distributor AnnAik also pointed out that when NSmen from his company have to leave work for ICT, they need not worry. "We have a buddy system, where whenever one of us is not at work, the other co-worker will cover for that person's absence," said the 39-year-old.
"We also have a gym area to allow NSmen like myself to work on our fitness…during our free time."
The three other ceremonies were held at Suntec Singapore Convention and Exhibition Centre, Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT)@Dover and Temasek Polytechnic.
At the SAFTI Military Institute yesterday (1 Jul) evening, President Halimah Yacob officiated the SAF Day Parade that was attended by more than 3,000 NSmen, Full-time National Servicemen and Regulars.
At the parade, Madam Halimah presented the State Colours to this year's Best Combat Unit, 1st Commando Battalion (1 Cdo Bn), as well as the new Regimental Colours to Headquarters Army Intelligence, 8 SIR and 9 SIR.
Dr Ng presented the Best Unit and Best National Service Awards to 29 SAF units. Also present at the parade were Senior Ministers of State for Defence Dr Mohamad Maliki Bin Osman and Heng Chee How.
