預算辯論 · 2022-03-03 · 屆國會 14
國防部醫療分類系統最佳化
議員質詢國防部關於更新醫療分類系統的進展，關注如何實現更全面的服役能力評估及崗位匹配。政府回應該系統旨在提升人力資源運用效率，結合服役者技能與職業背景。核心爭議在於如何確保評估的全面性及實際部署中技能的合理匹配。
關鍵要點
- • 醫療分類系統更新
- • 服役能力全面評估
- • 技能與崗位匹配
最佳化國防人力資源配置，提升服役效率
關注評估全面性及技能匹配合理性
推動服役人員能力精準匹配
“The review will focus on the operational effectiveness of each individual instead of a binary classification.”
參與人員 (14)
- Chong Kee Hiong
- Denise Phua Lay Peng
- Don Wee
- Kwek Hian Chuan Henry
- Lim Biow Chuan
- Minister for Defence
- Rachel Ong
- Mohd Fahmi Aliman
- Seah Kian Peng
- Senior Minister of State for Defence
- Vikram Nair
- Wan Rizal
- Yeo Wan Ling
- Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim
完整譯文（中文）
Hansard 原始記錄 · 2026-05-02
[(程式文本) J項（續）–（程式文本)]
[(程式文本) 繼續辯論問題[2022年3月2日]，（程式文本)]
[(程式文本) “將預算中J項的總撥款減少100元。”–[維克拉姆·奈爾議員]。（程式文本)]
[(程式文本) 再次提出問題。（程式文本)]
主席：亞歷克斯·嚴議員。不在。莫哈末·法米·賓·阿里曼議員。
醫療分類系統
莫哈末·法米·賓·阿里曼議員（海軍陣地）：主席，去年供應委員會辯論中，國防部長提到新加坡武裝部隊（SAF）將使用、更新和重新整理醫療分類系統，以更好地匹配國民服役者的職業和部署。根據2020年3月1日釋出的事實說明，國防部聲稱此次審查將側重於每個人的作戰效能，而非簡單地將其歸類為戰鬥適合或非戰鬥適合。
此外，國防部長提到新系統還將考慮平民的工作和技能組合。醫療分類系統的審查是朝著正確方向邁出的一步，因為國防部旨在在人口出生率下降的背景下最佳化人力資源。這項審查將有助於武裝部隊全面評估個人能力，以匹配合適的職業。
國防部能否提供關於這一新醫療分類系統的最新情況？具體來說，國防部能否詳細說明如何評估個人，以及如何確保評估保持全面以匹配職業？最後，國防部能否概述在實施更新重新整理後的醫療分類系統過程中遇到的主要挑戰及採取的相應措施？
部署功能評估
林標泉議員（蒙巴頓）：先生，我服役時受訓為步兵軍官，後來被派往維修營，轉為軍械軍官。這是個奇怪的調動，因為我當時是文科預科生，主修歷史、地理和經濟學，沒有技術背景。但在服役期間，我必須學習液壓如何驅動坦克炮塔，如何維護坦克上的75毫米炮，如何大修汽車發動機以及更換離合器片。
另一方面，我的一些機械工程理工學院畢業的朋友被派去做倉庫管理員。這些職業本身沒錯，先生，但似乎技能不匹配。我和理工學院朋友的技能在服役期間未被充分利用。因此，我很高興聽到國防部計劃最佳化國民服役者的部署。在上次供應委員會會議上，高階國務部長恆志豪分享了審查使用功能評估來確定服役人員在特定職業中的部署能力。我認為這是朝正確方向邁進。
科技改變了士兵的部署方式。恆志豪部長提到試點功能評估以指導運輸操作員的選拔。請問這次試點的結果如何？是否有計劃將功能評估擴充套件到其他職業，以便更好地部署國民服役者，讓他們覺得服役時間有意義且有用？
工作學習計劃（WLS）
莊基雄議員（碧山-大巴窯）：主席，疫情擾亂了我們的經濟和生活方式，尤其嚴重影響了青年的教育、培訓和學習機會。過去兩年，許多課程和專案不得不轉為線上。雖然這是必要的安排，但我們的青年錯失了寶貴的面對面交流和實踐經驗。
在這些擾動中，經濟發展不均，勞動力市場充滿不確定性。我們的首要責任是訓練和培養國民服役兵完成任務，但同樣重要的是幫助他們儘可能做好進入職場的準備。
兩年前，國防部宣佈並啟動了與工藝教育學院合作的工作學習文憑課程。去年宣佈首批陸軍和空軍的國民服役技術員正在該計劃下接受培訓和認證。
請問國防部能否提供工作學習計劃的最新情況？自啟動以來，有多少服役人員受益？未來是否有擴充套件計劃？
專家部署
謝健鵬議員（海軍陣地）：主席，議會中許多人曾穿上制服，持槍服役。我的服役期是兩年全職，當時是兩年半，之後多年繼續為國家武裝部隊服務。
我們都有朋友擁有不同的專業技能和專長，但在多周的預備役召集期間，他們會離開本職工作和專業知識去服役。
2019年3月，國防部宣佈將利用專業的平民專長部署到新崗位，並設立專門的部署中心監督專家部署的擴充套件。網路安全、法律、醫學、工程和心理學等專業人士已被部署。
在一個小國面對複雜威脅和風險的情況下，這種部署方式有助於最大化服務國家的男女力量。
部長能否告訴我們國防部/武裝部隊如何探索更好地利用國民服役者的平民專長以滿足武裝部隊的作戰需求？
總體而言，部長能否介紹專家部署計劃？有多少專家報名，涉及哪些領域？他們的部署與常規部署有何不同？他們是否產生了影響？
鑑於該計劃較新，我們學到了哪些經驗？與其他國家的公民武裝力量相比如何？
主席：顏添寶議員。不在。莊基雄議員。
利用科技提升國服服務
莊基雄議員：主席，數字科技在過去十年呈指數級發展，改變了人們和組織的互動、資訊交換和交易方式。疫情加速了這一趨勢，人們和組織尋求減少實體接觸的方式。
數字支付在新加坡已被廣泛採用。從小商店到大型企業及個人間交易，數字支付已成常態，且趨勢將繼續加快。
國防部和武裝部隊應更多利用科技和數字化，改善服役人員的交易和互動方式。數字服務可簡化許多行政流程，減少服役人員和預備役人員的等待時間。大部分服役人員是數字原住民，習慣線上完成任務。
去年，國防部宣佈已制定國服數字轉型計劃，包括將國服旅程的數字服務整合到單一平臺。請國防部提供該計劃的最新情況，並說明如何改善或提升服役人員的國服體驗？
國服認可
王瑞秋小姐（西海岸）：主席，國民服役是國家防衛不可替代的組成部分。新加坡所有男性都承諾用兩年青春作為全職國服兵或國服兵衛，守護國家。他們在服役期間放下工作和家庭責任，有時甚至犧牲人生重要時刻。確保國服兵及其家庭獲得支援並被認可其犧牲非常重要。
以2020年國服倡導獎得主努爾·卡米拉·賓特·阿卜杜勒·拉赫曼女士為例，我們看到一位妻子和母親的犧牲，她選擇尋找替代方案照顧病重的孩子，同時照顧另一個孩子，儘管丈夫堅持提前回家，她仍堅持照顧家庭。她的故事只是國服兵及其家庭所做犧牲的縮影。
我們也認可並感激多年來為表彰國服兵所做的努力。隨著社會環境變化，適時審視國服兵的認可方式，不僅是國防部，也包括整個社會及僱主如何更好支援國服兵，十分必要。
國防部在2020年宣佈成立國服審查委員會時，重點之一是“國服認可與參與”。我很欣慰這被列為優先領域，想請問政府如何更好地認可和支援不僅是國服兵衛，還包括已完成全職國服的武裝部隊和內務部隊國服兵？我們如何鼓勵僱主更好地支援國服兵？
國服體系審查
郭顯川亨利議員（格文巴魯）：主席，過去55年，國服兵一直是新加坡防衛的支柱，甚至是關鍵支柱。我們不能理所當然地看待國服兵對國家安全的貢獻，而應努力認可他們的貢獻，不斷完善國服體系，使每位國服兵都擁有充實且有意義的服役經歷。
前面議員歡迎2020年成立的國服審查委員會，旨在探討豐富國服體驗和最大化每位國服兵潛力的方法。我也支援，並期待聽到國防部關於正在進行的變革的最新情況。除此之外，國防部能否更新委員會關於未來國服體系審查領域的建議？
國服訓練安全
林標泉議員：先生，我堅信士兵必須在真實條件下訓練。只有士兵具備能力，才能有效作戰，實現威懾敵軍的使命。
烏克蘭戰爭提醒我們真實訓練和國服的重要性。但即使在艱苦條件下訓練，安全訓練也至關重要。對訓練安全的堅定承諾能讓士兵專注於技能提升，也讓家屬安心。沒有這些，公眾對國防和國服的支援將難以維繫。
儘管訓練安全持續被強調，軍事活動本質上總有受傷風險。我們如何確保服役人員在執行國服任務時得到充分保護？最近有哪些加強武裝部隊安全管理的舉措？如何確保指揮官重視訓練安全，優先保障其指揮下的國服兵不受重傷？
武裝部隊安全外部審查小組
溫立扎爾博士（惹蘭勿剎）：主席，安全不應僅在事故發生時才被重視。我們必須始終將安全放在首位。武裝部隊必須確保服役男女安全歸家，身體和心理健康均應得到保障。
去年供應委員會辯論中，高階國務部長恆志豪表示已委託第三個武裝部隊安全外部審查小組。該小組成員多元，具備為武裝部隊提供新視角的能力。
國防部能否提供該小組迄今的調查結果更新？這些努力如何轉化為積極成果，強化武裝部隊的安全文化？
總監察長審計結果
黃東議員（蔡厝港）：先生，我今天的服裝顏色強調武裝部隊真實訓練及其安全記錄的重要性。對送子女服國服的家庭來說，必須確保訓練安全。武裝部隊的安全記錄也反映了部隊和資源管理的水平。
武裝部隊總監察長辦公室（IGO）在強化安全和安全文化方面發揮重要作用。我瞭解到IGO在武裝部隊內部進行獨立安全審計和檢查。我支援對武裝部隊各服務部門和編制單位執行安全政策及安全文化強度和普及程度的嚴格審查。
國防部能否更新武裝部隊IGO的審計結果及根據審計結果採取的訓練安全措施？
科技與訓練安全
溫立扎爾博士：先生，在數字時代，我們見證了各行業技術驅動解決方案的激增。國防行業亦不例外。全球軍隊利用科技實現轉型，可能性涵蓋系統效率提升到基於增強現實的沉浸式訓練體驗。
我今天關注的是更貼近我們心的——服役人員的安全。利用資料的工具激增，有助於開發更有效、更高效且最重要的是更安全的訓練方案。
國防部能否更新利用資料和科技加強武裝部隊訓練安全的努力？
主席：鄭麗慧小姐。不在。潘淑儀女士。
全民防衛與未來挑戰
潘淑儀女士（惹蘭勿剎）：全民防衛自1984年在新加坡首次提出以來，概念已發生變化。那時，全民防衛是一個國家防衛理念，號召所有新加坡人支援武裝部隊應對軍事威脅。
多年來，全民防衛已發展，涵蓋非軍事挑戰，如疫情、經濟衰退和自然災害。
新冠疫情嚴峻考驗了新加坡的韌性和團結。新加坡人不僅要建立強大的心理防線，應對心理健康和安全管理的變化，經濟上供應鏈中斷影響了許多人的基本物資獲取和負擔能力。民防方面也發揮作用，如引入接觸者追蹤和安全管理措施。
同時，全民防衛的其他方面也發揮作用，如數字防衛，隨著新加坡高度聯網，網路安全風險增加。軍事防衛的重要性也需持續強調，尤其是在俄烏戰爭等近期事態背景下。
雖然許多新加坡人對全民防衛的六大支柱——軍事、民防、經濟、社會、數字和心理——較為熟悉，但不太瞭解每個支柱的重要性和相關性，以及它們如何體現在新加坡人的生活中。
國防部將如何進一步明確全民防衛，使其更被新加坡人民接受和支援？結合2022年預算，相關資源將如何有所不同地應用？
主席：王瑞秋小姐。請一併發言。
吸引青年
王瑞秋小姐：謝謝主席，國防和安全議題的一個關鍵受眾是我們年輕一代新加坡人。與先驅和獨立世代不同，今天的青年甚至他們的父母，未曾直接經歷過新加坡曾經面臨的安全威脅和外部脅迫的日常現實。
作為新加坡未來的領導者，年輕人需要被吸引並理解國防和安全問題，以認識潛在威脅及其對他們和家庭生活的影響。威脅現今更為模糊、不易捉摸，難以理解。
這可能使國防議題與年輕人的日常關切脫節，尤其他們在繁榮的新加坡成長。我們的青年比早期世代更具社會意識，這是值得慶賀的。但同時，這也意味著他們接觸到的世界觀可能加劇社會分裂，因這些世界觀可能未深入理解社會歷史背景及其對新加坡社會的深遠影響。
國防部如何與青年人就國防和安全事務互動？有哪些舉措確保下一代持續關心新加坡的國防？
瞭解國防議題
新加坡的國防不僅需要國防部和武裝部隊的努力，也需要每位新加坡男女的支援和參與。對一些人來說，國防和安全議題可能顯得抽象，但現實是，如果新加坡的主權和安全受到破壞，我們所有人的生活都會受到影響。烏克蘭戰爭也提醒我們必須時刻準備捍衛主權，不能掉以輕心。
因此，至關重要的是，新加坡各年齡層都能認識國防議題的重要性，理解每個人在國家防衛中的角色。
鑑於此，我認為國防部和新加坡武裝部隊必須有意識地努力與各個年齡層、各行各業的新加坡人互動，鼓勵他們學習並關心國防問題，尤其是在和平時期。
去年，國防部高階國務部長扎基·穆罕默德談到了國防部開發創新方式與新加坡人互動國防事務的努力。一個例子是重新改造的新加坡發現中心。他還分享說，國防部將採納公眾建議，賦能更多新加坡人瞭解國防問題。
這些舉措有哪些？這些外展工作進展如何？我們如何鼓勵各行各業的新加坡人學習並關心國防問題，同時使這些問題更易於理解，更貼近普通民眾？
新加坡發現中心
鍾基雄先生：主席，新加坡發現中心（SDC）是政府建設的場所之一，旨在以有趣且引人入勝的方式呈現國民教育。在這裡，訪客以有趣且沉浸式的方式學習和體驗新加坡的歷史，並展望其未來。
該中心的主要目標之一是幫助新加坡訪客建立強烈的歸屬感和身份認同。作為一個年輕的國家，新加坡人理解我們的歷史、是什麼將我們凝聚在一起以及我們作為一個民族的身份至關重要。在這方面，我們的國民教育使新加坡人能夠吸收、理解並連線成為新加坡人的意義。
上午11時30分
作為新加坡人的重要部分，是我們捍衛土地和生活方式的承諾與能力。新加坡人，無論老少，都必須理解國民服役和全面防衛的重要性。國民服役和全面防衛要求所有新加坡人挺身而出，保衛和保護我們的家園，團結支援我們計程車兵。
去年，國防部高階國務部長扎基·穆罕默德宣佈將重新改造新加坡發現中心，使其成為了解新加坡過去和想象未來的一站式目的地。國防部能否向議會更新如何加強國民教育，以及新加坡發現中心將如何通過其專案和計劃繼續支援這一目標？
主席：卡莉·陳女士。不在場。姚婉玲女士。
ACCORD倡議
姚婉玲女士（巴西立-榜鵝）：國防的核心是新加坡家庭與軍隊之間的和諧社群關係。在疫情最嚴重時期，軍隊單位繼續為即將退伍的服役人員舉行里程碑式的閱兵儀式，並確保安排遠端觀看渠道，使新加坡家庭能夠共享自豪與喜悅。此外，國防部和武裝部隊在我們最嚴峻的考驗時期展現了全面承諾，動員服役人員協助進行接觸者追蹤措施，這對我們作為一個國家應對新冠疫情至關重要。
在享有這種關係的同時，國防部持續定期諮詢並與基層組織及機構合作，瞭解新加坡人對國防問題的看法，並促進對各項倡議的支援。自1984年成立以來，國防社群關係諮詢委員會（ACCORD）在搭建與社群的橋樑、提供關於新加坡國防的反饋方面發揮了重要作用。
鑑於新加坡國防是全民所有的努力，ACCORD繼續接觸社會關鍵群體和個人——包括商業界、教育機構和家庭相關團體——以動員支援並促進對國防問題（包括國民服役）的更好理解。這些渠道對國防部來說非常寶貴，有助於更好地傾聽社群的需求和興趣，從而塑造資訊並定製專案，以吸引社群內不同部門和群體。
ACCORD於2021年迎來了新成員，他們憑藉豐富多樣的背景，無疑將為國防和社群關係問題帶來新視角。國防部能否向議會更新ACCORD的新舉措和未來計劃，以加強與社群的互動？ACCORD能否提供更多關於與基層就新加坡國防問題進行諮詢的細節，以及新加坡人希望如何參與？
ACCORD與支援國民服役
朱卡奈因·阿卜杜勒·拉希姆先生（蔡厝港）：主席，我是ACCORD成員。能與其他成員一起促進家庭和僱主對國民服役的支援，我感到榮幸。我們的角色非常重要，因為國民服役是全面防衛概念的關鍵，不僅涵蓋軍事防禦準備，還促進國民服役年輕男性之間更強的身份認同和社會凝聚力，他們來自各個種族、宗教和背景。
最近烏克蘭衝突凸顯了像新加坡這樣的國家永遠不能失去自我防衛和自我照顧能力的重要性。堅決的防禦包括兩方面：第一，可信且強大的新加坡武裝部隊；第二，是人民堅定不移的決心。國民服役為新加坡人提供了鍛造深厚歸屬感和保衛我們擁有的事物及生活方式決心的機會。強大的武裝部隊，輔以國民服役，構成強有力的威懾力，這與外交工作相輔相成。
到3月17日，國民服役在新加坡已實施55年。國民服役為我們服務良好，願其長存。國防部能否提供ACCORD加強支援國民服役的最新進展？我們如何做得更多，讓所有新加坡人參與國防，包括僱主、新公民的父母或那些希望從事體育或繼續教育、因此尋求推遲國民服役的人？
主席：王志豪先生。
國防部高階國務部長（王志豪先生）：主席，國防部長黃永宏博士昨天談到了武裝部隊必須應對的複雜環境。我們的國民服役人員構成了國防和安全力量的主體，國民服役是我們國家防禦的基石，為新加坡的生存、安全和成功提供堅實基礎。
過去55年，幾代新加坡男性通過國民服役為國家服務，履行職責。今年我們紀念國民服役55週年，正是重申我們承諾，確保國民服役體系符合武裝部隊保護國家的需求，並對我們的國民服役人員保持相關性的好時機。
黃永宏部長概述了國民服役審查委員會（NSRC）工作的主要變革。現在請允許我提供更多細節。NSRC的工作及其提出的變革可分為三大重點：第一，最大化國民服役人員的貢獻；第二，改善國民服役體驗；第三，加強支援和認可。
讓我先談第一重點——最大化貢獻。眾所周知，我們的出生率低，這意味著18年後國民服役隊伍規模將縮小。在這種情況下，武裝部隊必須尋找不同方式，繼續最佳化每一資源和每一國民服役人員的部署，以保持國防的強健。
莫哈末·法米·賓·阿里曼先生和林標泉先生詢問了醫療分類系統審查和功能評估的最新情況。黃永宏部長昨天已給出總體看法，我將在此詳細說明。
武裝部隊已為全職國民服役人員（NSF）實施功能評估，以補充現有的醫療篩查流程。功能評估使我們能夠評估NSF執行工作所需體力任務的能力，從而更精準地匹配其職業，使其能夠良好且安全地履行職責。這些評估是在與外部物理治療專家及武裝部隊士兵表現卓越中心的物理治療師協商後開發的。
這些評估在實施前也進行了試驗，以確保結果能有效完成職責，達到武裝部隊從保護角度所期望的效果，同時保障服役人員的安全。2021年針對運輸操作員職業的功能評估試驗改善了部署流程，使更多NSF能夠安全地被部署為運輸操作員。
藉助這一成功，我們已為有骨科疾病的預徵兵者實施功能評估。這些測試由經過培訓的武裝部隊物理治療師在預徵兵者進行醫療篩查時，根據既定協議進行。隨後，這些預徵兵者將根據其能力被部署到相關職業。
同時，為進一步擴大部署機會，武裝部隊持續重新設計現有NSF崗位。例如，醫療兵角色的重新設計。利用醫療技術進步和對每個具體角色所需體力要求的定義，具備不同體能的服役人員現在都能被部署為醫療兵。這種方法使武裝部隊最大化服役人員對作戰需求的貢獻潛力。
主席，我剛才談的是從體能和崗位要求角度最佳化部署。但還有另一個同樣重要的角度，即服役人員的技能、知識和專長。我們人口雖小，但受教育程度和技能水平日益提高。未來衝突不僅僅由兵力數量決定，雖然這仍然重要，但技術和專業知識的影響將日益加深。武裝部隊應不斷發展並利用國民服役人員的專業知識。
鍾基雄先生詢問國防部關於工作學習計劃的計劃。我們已為若干關鍵技能型武裝部隊職業建立了工作學習計劃。符合條件的NSF可加入這些計劃，在履行國民服役職責的同時，接受高等院校的認證培訓和教育。服役人員從這些資格和工作經驗中受益，武裝部隊也能持續利用這些服役人員的專業知識。
首個工作學習計劃於2018年推出。四年後，每年約有130名服役人員報名參加工作學習計劃，擔任網路專家以及空軍和陸軍技術員。未來幾年，我們預計將根據武裝部隊的作戰需求，擴大工作學習計劃涵蓋更多角色和職業。到2025年穩定狀態時，預計每年將有500名服役人員報名參加工作學習計劃。今年，武裝部隊將推出另外兩個工作學習計劃：一個是數字工作學習計劃，供符合條件的服役人員攻讀計算機工程和資料科學等本科專業；另一個是供應主管的工作學習文憑。
我們最佳化基於專業知識的部署的努力也涵蓋了預備役國民服役人員（ORNS）。許多國民服役人員通過其平民職業獲得相關專業知識。武裝部隊的重點是識別這些預備役人員，並將他們重新部署到能最大限度發揮其專長的崗位。
去年，我談到了武裝部隊內設立的專業知識部署中心。該中心專門負責識別和重新部署具備相關專長的國民服役人員，專業知識部署數量顯著增加。我們的重新部署人員之一是ME4A葉傑瑞。葉傑瑞是一名專注於爭議解決的律師，他希望利用律師的技能和經驗進一步貢獻。葉傑瑞曾任空軍工程師，2021年被重新部署，現在為指揮官提供專業法律建議，支援武裝部隊作戰。
謝健平先生詢問如何擴大基於專業知識的重新部署。我想強調NSRC建議帶來的關鍵變化。2014年推出專業知識轉換計劃（ECS）時，專家角色多為軍官級別。八年後，我們已將專業知識部署擴充套件到所有級別，包括准尉、專職軍士和列兵擔任的崗位。因此，我們將把ECS更名為增強專業知識部署計劃。
雖然我們投入大量努力最佳化部署，但強大武裝部隊依賴於戰鬥部隊的承諾和士氣。這引出NSRC工作的第二重點，即改善國民服役體驗。
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多位議員對此提出了詢問。國民服役體驗的核心是國民服役人員，因此我們圍繞他們設計流程，使服役人員能夠專注訓練，知道組織在背後支援他們，關心他們，竭盡全力確保他們的貢獻最大化以保護國家，並照顧他們的安全和福祉。
昨天，黃永宏部長提到我們計劃自動化補發工資申領系統。目前，國民服役人員及其僱主需手動提交申領。國防部今年晚些時候將推出自動化系統，利用中央公積金局和稅務局的收入相關資訊計算補發工資金額。國民服役人員及其僱主將有機會稽核計算金額，如無異議，金額將自動支付。對大多數國民服役人員及其僱主而言，這大大簡化流程，節省時間。若認為計算金額不準確，可提交額外資訊重新計算，確保支付正確金額。
目前，一些國民服役人員，主要是低收入群體，可能從非正式工作、零工經濟或其他補貼和獎勵中獲得收入，這些收入可能未被中央公積金局或稅務局資料庫捕捉。正如黃永宏部長所述，除了自動化補發工資計算，我們還將實施基礎國民服役津貼。今年晚些時候起，所有國民服役人員每月參加營內訓練將至少獲得1600新元津貼。短期營內訓練津貼將按比例發放。
除了自動化補發工資申領和基礎國民服役津貼外，我還想談談另外兩項將改善服役人員國民服役體驗的舉措。
鍾基雄先生詢問國防部如何利用科技改善國民服役流程。我高興地宣佈，OneNS平臺第一階段將於今年晚些時候推出，取代現有的國民服役入口網站，為服役人員提供更流暢的體驗。國民服役人員在服役過程中需與國防部/武裝部隊進行多項事務處理。我們的目標是將這些事務和核心國民服役服務集中到OneNS平臺，並通過單一移動應用或改版的網頁門戶更便捷訪問。初期，服役人員可期待增強的召集和推遲電子服務，方便準備營內訓練。其他電子服務將陸續推出。
國防部還與智慧國數字政府集團合作，數字化向國民服役人員發放國民服役認可福利。自去年11月起，國防部以電子積分形式通過LifeSG發放國民服役卓越獎和慶祝禮品。過去，受益者獲得實體代金券。此舉使他們能通過移動裝置方便地接收和兌換積分。積分可用於接受PayNow二維碼支付的線上和實體店鋪。調查顯示，97%的使用者對此改進表示滿意。今年4月起，服役人員還可在接受NETS二維碼的商戶使用積分。此舉將惠及更多商戶，包括社群店鋪和小販攤位，極大豐富服役人員的選擇。
國防部將把其他現金和代金券認可計劃，如國民服役家庭獎勵金（NS HOME）現金支付，也遷移至LifeSG。到2022年中，國防部和內政部將每年通過LifeSG向10萬名國民服役人員發放認可福利。除了便利服役人員外，這也大力推動國家推廣電子支付和綠色無紙化。
通過LifeSG移動應用獲得國民服役認可福利的國民服役人員將收到簡訊通知積分已入賬。我們非常注意確保這些簡訊不會被誤認為詐騙簡訊，簡訊中不會包含可點選連結。
這讓我談到國家服役評審委員會（NSRC）工作的第三個重點，即加強對我們的國民服役人員的認可和支援。我們的國民服役人員在兩年的國民服役期間以及每次後續的營內訓練中為國防作出貢獻。這其中有犧牲，不僅是他們本人，還有我們從議員們那裡聽到的他們家庭的支援。我們對此深表感謝。Rachel Ong小姐詢問了我們對國民服役人員的認可舉措。
正如國防部長所提，我們將加強“國服之家”（NS HOME）獎項，以更好地表達我們對國民服役人員及其親人的感激之情。我們將在現有的三個NS HOME里程碑階段累計向每位國民服役人員額外發放2,000新元現金，其中第一階段發放1,000新元現金，第二和第三階段各發放500新元現金。我們的國民服役人員在完成全職國民服役時將至少獲得6,000新元，在服役中點和完成後備役國民服役時將至少獲得5,500新元。
這額外的2,000新元現金將以積分形式存入國民服役人員的LifeSG手機應用中。這是對現有NS HOME支付的補充，現有支付的大部分資金是存入國民服役人員的公積金賬戶，用於長期財務需求。如我之前所述，這些積分可用於從電子商務平臺到實體店鋪的各種商戶。
這一變動每年將惠及54,000名武裝部隊和內務部隊服役人員。
除了認可之外，我們還希望為服役人員及其家庭在參與國民服役活動時提供安心保障。自2016年以來，國防部和內務部一直為所有國防部和內務部服役人員購買團體定期壽險和團體意外險核心保險，保額為每人150,000新元。我們已對此進行審查，2023年起將把保額提高到每人300,000新元。這將有助於確保我們給予國民服役人員的財務支援和保障保持相關性和充足性。
主席先生，NSRC已完成其審查工作，這些審查在加強國民服役體系和武裝部隊作戰效能方面意義重大。我們感謝委員會的聯合主席和成員們的辛勤工作。除了國防部長和我所述的變動外，NSRC還提出了另外三項廣泛建議，我們將繼續跟進。Henry Kwek議員對此有所詢問。
我們將繼續努力，首先是加強國民服役人員的訓練和領導力發展計劃；其次，更好地裝備我們的國民服役兵，使其具備可轉移技能，併為其向學業或工作過渡做好準備；第三，更好地支援預備役入伍者在平衡國民服役相關義務與個人追求方面的需求。
我現在轉向另一個關鍵話題——訓練安全。隨著我們不斷完善國民服役體系，地面上的安全實踐也必須持續穩健。因此，武裝部隊非常重視通過定期審計和檢查、利用技術手段，並不斷提醒指揮官和士兵內化安全文化——照顧好自己，照顧好彼此，來加強我們的安全文化。
Wan Rizal博士詢問了國防部/武裝部隊去年啟動的第三次武裝部隊安全外部評審小組（ERPSS）。該小組成立的目的是審查武裝部隊的安全管理體系，並提出改進安全的建議。小組積極評價了我們基礎軍事訓練中心（BMTC）安全管理體系的持續改進，該中心實施了一系列安全和心理健康支援措施，以更好地幫助新兵從平民生活過渡到軍旅生活。
小組還注意到在各級領導學校中搭建安全訓練框架的努力，確保我們的指揮官理解並能安全地進行訓練。ERPSS將繼續在持續訪問我們的基層單位時，突出行業的最佳實踐。
除了ERPSS，我們內部還有武裝部隊監察長辦公室。武裝部隊監察長辦公室已開始對所有武裝部隊編制單位進行第二個為期兩年的審計週期。Don Wee議員對此有所詢問。與第一次審計週期相比，觀察到指揮官和服役人員在維護安全實踐方面表現出更強的責任感，並對潛在安全隱患有更高的意識。
未來，武裝部隊將繼續保持對安全政策和流程的重視，確保安全經驗得以傳承，即使服役人員更替，因為國民服役體系的性質決定了有一批批人員進來訓練後可能離開。但我們必須確保安全文化根深蒂固，並得到實踐和改進，我們將繼續這樣做。
Wan Rizal博士還詢問國防部如何利用技術和數字化進一步加強訓練安全。我們正在開發一個企業安全資訊系統，供指揮官傳播安全趨勢和經驗教訓資訊，覆蓋整個武裝部隊。這將提高對安全狀況的認識，使安全推廣更具針對性，從而減少類似事故在武裝部隊其他地方再次發生的風險和可能性。
然而，正如我所說，安全不僅是指揮官的責任，每個士兵也必須發揮作用。我在2020年供應委員會（COS）上提到的SafeGuardian手機應用，在使我們的服役人員及時報告安全隱患和險情方面發揮了重要作用。自去年6月向現役服役人員推廣以來，公開報告的數量增加了20%。
SafeGuardian應用使我們的服役人員更積極地承擔自身及周圍人的安全責任。除了公開報告，我們還欣喜地看到迄今已有超過37,000名使用者瀏覽了SafeGuardian應用內的安全資訊。
Lim Biow Chuan議員詢問了其他近期加強訓練安全的努力。國防部/武裝部隊將與DSO和新加坡國立大學合作，於今年年中成立耐熱與表現中心。我們認識到，由於氣候變化導致的環境溫度上升，將越來越影響服役人員的健康和訓練及作戰的效能。
因此，我們著眼未來，研究如何持續安全有效地訓練並保持作戰準備。該中心將開展前瞻性研究，探索熱量緩解策略，開發更根本的方法以預防武裝部隊中的熱傷害。
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主席先生，值此國民服役55週年之際，我們都認識到國民服役仍是國家防衛和安全的基石。我們必須繼續建立在前輩們為保護國家和加強國民服役體系所付出的努力和奉獻之上。這是一項永無止境的工作，NSRC的建議將為此貢獻力量，併為我們繼續這段確保新加坡永遠安全自由的旅程奠定良好基礎。
主席：高階國務部長Zaqy Mohamad。
國防部高階國務部長（Zaqy Mohamad先生）：主席先生，國防部長Ng博士談到了全球地緣政治變化、跨國威脅及其對新加坡的影響。越來越多地，考驗我們的安全挑戰將超出傳統戰場——有人稱之為“灰色地帶”競爭。現在，比以往任何時候，我們對武裝部隊和全面防衛的投資仍然是新加坡抵禦危機、挑戰和潛在侵略的堅固防線。
1984年，我們在傳統威脅背景下推出了全面防衛。無論當時還是現在，我們的全面防衛支柱都強化了我們的信念：強大的防衛基礎不僅限於軍事領域，還需要全社會的響應。
多年來，我們面對了諸多挑戰，從疫情到經濟衰退，再到恐怖主義。六大防衛支柱——軍事、經濟、社會、民事、數字和心理——協同工作，使我們能夠應對威脅新加坡未來的挑戰。
過去兩年，我們與新冠疫情抗爭，它顛覆了我們的生活，考驗了我們的國家。它給醫療系統帶來壓力，供應鏈緊張。許多人失業，不得不轉向新的行業或崗位。就在我們以為疫苗帶來轉機時，出現了Delta和Omicron等新變種。
雖然這不是傳統戰爭，但它是一場影響我們所有人的危機。我們面對的是未知威脅——新冠病毒，即使到今天，仍然難以捉摸且不斷演變。
為了應對這一威脅並保護彼此免受病毒侵害，我們需要通過全面防衛實現全社會響應。我們瞭解到議員Cheng Li Hui對這一話題感興趣。
以我們的疫苗接種計劃為例。如今，我們總人口中91%已完成全程接種，68%已接種加強針。我很欣慰許多人積極支援國家疫苗工作。例如，國民服役軍官、家庭疫苗接種隊醫療官Shane Abucewicz-Tan上尉，支援新冠疫情行動。他參與家庭疫苗接種計劃，走訪行動不便和免疫力低下的新加坡人，確保他們能接種疫苗。另一個例子是新加坡中華總會館聯合會，製作了客家話、粵語和潮州話等方言影片，鼓勵長者接種疫苗。
確實，我們彼此關照和支援。2020年，當疫情開始在宿舍傳播時，外籍勞工群體受到不成比例的影響。國防部與其他相關機構及20多個合作伙伴，於當年5月在克蘭芝設立社群設施——一個臨時外籍勞工宿舍，同時也是疫苗接種護理中心和社群關懷設施。20個月內服務了超過70,000名外籍勞工。
我感謝所有合作伙伴的支援。學術機構如新加坡太陽能研究院也幫助提升該場所的可持續性。例如，他們測試了輕質太陽能電池板並試點能源儲存解決方案，這些技術可推廣到其他類似臨時場所，併為我們的長期可持續發展貢獻力量。
除了這些，還有許多貢獻者和英雄，今天無法一一列舉。感謝大家的努力，因為你們展示了全面防衛的生命力，它存在於我們每個人之中。
我們生活方式的威脅——我們的穩定感和安全感——以多種形式出現。Check Point Research的一項研究發現，2020年至2021年間，新加坡網路攻擊增長了145%。醫療行業是最主要的攻擊目標。在疫情期間，散佈關於變種病毒和疫苗副作用的謠言者威脅了公共健康，甚至削弱了信任。由於新加坡90%的食品依賴進口，我們高度依賴持續獲得優質食品供應。供應鏈威脅、自然災害和氣候變化影響了我們的供應和食品價格。
Ng部長昨天在講話中提及烏克蘭局勢。我們目睹事件發展，這對新加坡人來說是即時教訓，顯示一個國家的穩定如何在多個方面受到威脅，包括網路攻擊、資訊戰和邊境威脅，這些都發生在軍事侵略之前。
烏克蘭事件的發展令人悲痛和遺憾。對我而言，也希望對許多新加坡人而言，明確的是我們必須時刻準備好，並且只能依靠自己保衛國家。全面防衛——能夠在經濟、社會甚至心理上自我防衛——必須成為每個新加坡人的責任。
隨著威脅變得更復雜、多維和多面，我們如何確保隨時準備應對？Denise Phua議員對此有所詢問。全面防衛如何繼續激勵每個新加坡人為我們的生存、安全和成功而努力？帶著這些問題，我們啟動了全面防衛的審查。
過去16個月，我們聽取了來自各行各業的2,000多名新加坡人的意見。我們詢問他們如何讓全面防衛在危機時刻更好地團結新加坡人，這甚至發生在烏克蘭局勢之前。通過這些對話，我們瞭解到全面防衛還有提升空間，使其更具共鳴和相關性，儘管六大支柱內的行動仍然重要。一些人覺得它過於抽象、規定性強，關注當前威脅而忽視新興挑戰；另一些人不想被告知全面防衛是什麼，而是希望主動參與，擁有空間貢獻想法和努力，共同塑造他們期望的新加坡。
我感謝這些反饋，它們將指導我們持續的審查工作。我們已開始採納部分建議。例如，我們將努力使全面防衛更少規定性、更具包容性，鼓勵更多自下而上和社群主導的努力。我說“更多”，因為許多新加坡人已經積極支援他們關心的事業。例如，越來越多的人選擇購買本地農產品，參與社群園藝，以加強食品安全。
Rachel Ong議員詢問國防部如何與青年互動。今年，我們啟動了一項為期兩年的活動，首先是全面防衛沙盒計劃。沙盒是一個安全環境，供測試想法和專案。我們希望它成為一個將想法與資源連線起來的空間，將想法轉化為原型，再將原型轉化為解決方案。
我們期待支援針對當今最突出挑戰的專案，例如網路威脅、食品安全等。迄今聽到的一些想法包括提高網路安全意識的工作坊和推廣環保習慣的活動。可能性廣泛，我們期待議員們的貢獻。
我們還將繼續與新加坡人對話，拓展和重新構想我們為全面防衛可採取的行動——無論是在當前安全環境下，還是面對未來即將到來的挑戰。
隨著安全環境持續演變，新加坡人必須意識到對我們主權和穩定的威脅及脆弱性。只有這樣，我們才能理解自己可能扮演的角色，以及這些角色如何影響我們的行動。
現在讓我談談國防部將如何與合作伙伴攜手，將這些挑戰和新加坡人可採取的行動付諸實踐，Rachel Ong議員也對此有所詢問。
例如，新加坡發現中心（SDC）將進行改造，更好地講述新加坡的故事。Chong Kee Hiong議員對此有所詢問。SDC在增強現實（AR）、虛擬現實（VR）和環境可持續性方面取得了進展，最近幾個月更新了展館。在上層展館，一款AR第一人稱射擊遊戲帶領訪客回到1942年2月14日的武吉占杜戰役。那一天，儘管Adnan Saidi中尉和馬來團士兵人數處於劣勢，最終彈藥耗盡，他們仍英勇抵抗日軍，拒絕投降。玩家躲在沙袋後，將體驗該團如何抵禦一波波敵人，並理解Adnan中尉及其部下在逆境中展現的堅韌和決心。
SDC的下層展館“沙盒”於去年11月開放。在這個互動空間中，模擬數字環境讓訪客體驗新加坡的歷史及我們面臨的威脅。初創企業和學生，包括AR/VR領域的，可以利用新的孵化空間合作專案、試驗技術並實現創意。
SDC還投資於創新能源解決方案和可再生能源，實施多項節能措施以減少能源需求和排放。目前，其能源使用中超過60%來自可再生能源，SDC正努力成為淨碳中和設施。如果您近期未曾訪問SDC，我鼓勵您前往，也許我可以邀請並組織本院議員參觀。
未來幾年，新加坡人將在我們的博物館中有更多期待。我們正在發展能力並投資技術，使我們的三座軍事博物館、SDC及即將開幕的濱海灣國民服役展館的訪客體驗更加有趣和互動。博物館和展館是瞭解國防的絕佳渠道，因為歷史提供重要教訓，同時幫助我們展望不確定且充滿變數的未來。我們希望訪客能理解作為一個國家，我們所做的各種需求、目標和權衡，以及未來可能做出的選擇。
主席先生，每一位新加坡人都必須瞭解新加坡的安全環境、獨特的脆弱性以及我們可以發揮的作用。只有這樣，我們才能認識到貢獻的機會，並在需要時挺身而出。
我感謝我們的ACCORD合作伙伴，他們在這項工作中發揮了重要作用，並在本屆任期內接觸了更多的青年和女性。他們舉辦了國民服役（NS）參與講座、針對大學本科生的國民服役和國防問題網路研討會系列，以及與女性的基層對話。通過這些努力，我們為需要服國民服役的人做好準備，並幫助他們的家人和朋友採取措施支援他們。
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每個人都有一份責任，無論多小，都能為我們的全面防衛貢獻力量。
議員Carrie Tan表達了興趣，並詢問國防部是否會考慮將國民服役擴充套件到包括社群關懷角色，並招募男女雙方。
國民服役基於國家安全和防衛的關鍵需求。目前，我們的國民服役人口足以滿足國家安全和防衛的需要。國防部長黃永宏和高階國務部長王瑞傑都談到了國防部和新加坡武裝部隊（SAF）持續努力提升人力資源效率。
然而，為新加坡防衛做貢獻不應僅限於服國民服役的人。新加坡人通過全面防衛有許多不同的積極貢獻機會，我鼓勵大家積極參與。
其中一個例子是掌握實用的民防應急響應技能。我想鼓勵女性、第一代永久居民以及沒有國民服役義務的新公民，如果他們熱衷於為全面防衛做更多貢獻，可以志願加入新加坡武裝部隊志願軍團（SAF Volunteer Corps）。
國防部也已啟動志願者計劃的更新，新加坡人很快將能以不同身份貢獻力量，包括作為博物館的教育者、研究員和導覽員。
今年，我們紀念國民服役55週年，正如國防部長黃永宏和高階國務部長王瑞傑所提。
國民服役一直是我們防衛的基石。一代又一代人先後作為國民服役兵（NSF），然後作為國民服役民兵（NSmen），保護和捍衛新加坡的利益。這就是為什麼我們要珍視國民服役人員的奉獻、服務和犧牲，並感謝他們的努力。
ACCORD將加大力度，在社群內認可、支援和感謝國民服役人員。議員Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim和Yeo Wan Ling對此提出了詢問。
去年，ACCORD成員提出了多項新加坡人如何支援國民服役的建議，我們今年將擴充套件其中一些。
我們將加強“我們支援國民服役運動”，例如鼓勵企業為國民服役人員提供折扣和優惠。我們還將擴大新加坡人反思國民服役意義的空間，無論是通過與青年密切互動，還是為家庭和公眾舉辦體驗營。有關這些舉措的更多細節將在今年晚些時候公佈。
三軍也將繼續與社群互動，例如通過開放日和慈善活動。
最後，主席先生，我想重申，世界依然充滿不確定性。我們認識到面臨的安全挑戰巨大且不斷演變。國防部將繼續建設全面防衛，作為應對可能出現的威脅和挑戰的最佳方案。
我感到欣慰的是，新加坡人願意通過理解和行動為全面防衛盡一份力，我們將與大家攜手，共同保障我們的集體未來。通過合作，我們有充分理由相信，我們將確保新加坡今天及未來世代的強大。
主席：現在進入澄清時間。維克拉姆·奈爾議員。
維克拉姆·奈爾議員（實龍崗）：有兩個澄清問題。首先是關於第四代陸軍的發展，我覺得這些變化很有趣。我想了解將採取哪些措施來訓練預備役人員並提升他們的技能。我自己也是預備役人員，期待使用新裝備，如果有的話。
第二個問題是想確認在新冠疫情期間訓練是否順利進行。我想我之前也問過這個問題。
國防部長（黃永宏博士）：感謝維克拉姆·奈爾議員的提問。大多數軍隊在現代化過程中都會面臨這個問題——如何保持服役人員的技能更新。我坦率地說，我們重點關注核心人員，即國民服役兵，確保他們能夠隨時作業系統。隨著範圍擴大，我們確保有流程和結果來衡量各單位是否保持最新狀態。
對於一個大型軍隊來說——我們雖然是小型軍隊，但組織龐大——不可能所有單位同時裝備最新裝置。因此，並非所有單位都使用同一水平的先進裝備，有些可能落後一代。
簡而言之，這始終是個挑戰，但我認為新加坡武裝部隊總體上在各單位中表現良好。
我們也有年輕的軍隊，平均來說，入營訓練（ICT）覆蓋10年週期。大多數國民服役民兵都知道，他們會在進入國防部預備役（MR）或完成10年週期前進行戰術評估（ATEC）。這有助於保持訓練水平。
關於訓練問題，我們已經談過。預計今年晚些時候，國民服役民兵的訓練將恢復到疫情前水平。
主席：維克拉姆·奈爾議員，您是否願意撤回您的修正案？
維克拉姆·奈爾議員：我要感謝國防部長黃永宏、高階國務部長王瑞傑和高階國務部長扎基·穆罕默德與我們分享國防部的最新發展，也感謝國防部和新加坡武裝部隊團隊，即使在新冠疫情期間也保障我們的安全。基於此，主席先生，我請求撤回我的修正案。
[(程式文本) 修正案，經許可，撤回。 (程式文本)]
[(程式文本) 主估算中J項下的15,775,728,900元獲批准。 (程式文本)]
[(程式文本) 發展估算中J項下的1,090,745,000元獲批准。 (程式文本)]
英文原文
SPRS Hansard · Fetched: 2026-05-02
[(proc text) Head J (cont) – (proc text)]
[(proc text) Resumption of Debate on Question [2 March 2022], (proc text)]
[(proc text) "That the total sum to be allocated for Head J of the Estimates be reduced by $100." – [Mr Vikram Nair]. (proc text)]
[(proc text) Question again proposed. (proc text)]
The Chairman : Mr Alex Yam. Not here. Mr Mohd Fahmi Bin Aliman.
Medical Classification System
Mr Mohd Fahmi Bin Aliman (Marine Parade) : Chairman, at the COS debate last year, the Minister for Defence mentioned that the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) would use, update and refresh the medical classification system to better match vocations and deployment of National Servicemen. According to the factsheet published on 1 March 2020, MINDEF claimed that the review will focus on the operational effectiveness of each individual instead of a binary classification of whether one is combat-fit or non-combat-fit.
Moreover, the Minister for Defence mentioned that the new system will also take into account the civilians' jobs and skill sets. The review of the medical classification system is a step in the right direction, as MINDEF aims to optimise its human resources amidst dwindling birth rates in Singapore. The review would be helpful in enabling the SAF to assess individual abilities for suitable vocations holistically.
Could MINDEF provide an update on this new medical classification system? Specifically, can MINDEF elaborate on how have individuals been assessed and how MINDEF has ensured that the assessment remains holistic for vocation matching? Finally, can MINDEF outline some key challenges that it has faced in implementing the refreshed and updated medical classification system and the necessary steps taken to address the respective challenges?
Functional Assessment of Deployment
Mr Lim Biow Chuan (Mountbatten) : Sir, during my National Service, I was trained as an Infantry Officer. I was subsequently posted to a maintenance battalion, to be converted to an ordnance officer. It was an odd move because I was a Junior College (JC) Arts student majoring in history, geography and economics, with no technical background. But during my National Service, I had to learn about how hydraulics can move a tank turret, how to maintain a 75-millimetre gun in the tank, how to overhaul a car engine and how to replace a clutch disk.
On the other hand, some of my friends who are Polytechnic graduates in mechanical engineering, were posted to be storemen. Nothing wrong with these vocations, Sir, but it seems just a mismatch of skills. The skillsets which some of my JC and Polytechnic friends had were not optimised during their National Service. Thus, I was pleased to hear about MINDEF's plans to optimise the deployment of its NSmen. At the last Committee of Supply (COS), Senior Minister of State Heng Chee How shared about reviewing the use of functional assessments to determine our servicemen's deployability in specific vocations. I thought it was a move in the right direction.
Technology has changed the way soldiers can be deployed. Mr Heng Chee How mentioned about the trial functional assessments to guide the selection of transport operators. May I ask, what is the outcome of this trial? Are there plans to expand functional assessments to other vocations, so that our NSmen can be better deployed and they will feel that their time spent during NS has been meaningful and useful?
Work-Learn Scheme (WLS)
Mr Chong Kee Hiong (Bishan-Toa Payoh) : Chairman, the pandemic has disrupted our economy and our way of life and in particular, greatly affected the education, training and learning opportunities for our youths. Over the last two years, many of these programmes and lessons had to be shifted online. While this arrangement has been necessary, our youths have missed out on valuable in-person interactions and hands-on experiences.
Through these disruptions, the economy has developed unevenly and the job market is full of uncertainties. Our primary responsibility is to train and develop our NSFs to undertake their missions. However, it is also important that we help to prepare and equip them to enter the workforce as best as we can.
Two years ago, MINDEF announced and launched the Work-Study Diploma with the Institute of Technical Education. Last year, it was announced that the first batch of NSF technicians from the Army and Air Force were being trained and certified under this programme.
Would the Ministry provide an update on the Work-Learn Scheme? How many servicemen have benefited from the scheme since it was launched? Are there any future plans to expand this scheme?
Deployment of Experts
Mr Seah Kian Peng (Marine Parade) : Mr Chairman, there are many of us in this House who have once upon a time donned uniforms and held guns. Two years' fulltime, during my time, it was two and a half years, and many years after that, serving our country in the Armed Forces.
We have all had friends who have different specialist skills and expertise, but for weeks on end, they will leave their professions and their expert knowledge behind to go to serve during our reservist call-ups as Operationally-Ready NSmen.
In March 2019, MINDEF announced that specialised civilian expertise will be harnessed and deployed into new roles. It also has a dedicated deployment centre to oversee the expansion of expertise deployment. Professionals, such as those working in cybersecurity, law, medicine, engineering and psychology, have been deployed.
In a small country, facing many complex threats and risks, such deployment offers us a good way to maximise the men and women who are serving our country.
Can the Minister tell us how MINDEF/SAF is exploring ways to better leverage the civilian expertise of our National Servicemen to meet the operational needs of the SAF?
Overall, can the Minister give us an idea of the expertise-based deployment scheme? How many experts have signed up and in what areas? How do their deployments differ from the usual deployments and have they been able to make an impact?
Given the fact that the scheme is fairly new, what lessons have we learnt and how do we compare against citizen armed forces in other countries?
Mr Chairman : Mr Gan Thiam Poh. Not here. Mr Chong Kee Hiong.
Leverage Technology for NS Services
Mr Chong Kee Hiong : Chairman, digital technology has evolved exponentially in the last decade. It has changed the way people and organisations interact and exchange information and transact. The pandemic has accelerated this trend as people and organisations seek ways to minimise physical contact.
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Digital payment has been well and widely adopted in Singapore. From small shops to large businesses and person-to-person transactions, digital payment is now the norm and this trend will continue to pick up pace.
MINDEF and SAF should leverage more on technology and digitalisation to improve the way servicemen transact and interact. Digital services can help to streamline many administrative processes and reduce waiting time for our servicemen and pre-enlistees. A large proportion of our servicemen are young NSFs who are digital natives and comfortable with performing tasks online.
Last year, MINDEF announced that it had established an NS digital transformation plan, including plans to consolidate digital services for the NS journey into a single platform. Would MINDEF please provide an update on this plan and elaborate on how it would improve or enhance the NS experience of our servicemen?
NS Recognition
Miss Rachel Ong (West Coast) : Chairman, National Service is an irreplaceable component for our nation's defence. All men in Singapore commit two years of their youth to safeguard our country as full-time NSmen or NSFs. They set aside work and family obligations, at times, life milestones during their years as reservists. It is important that we ensure that NSmen and their families receive support and are recognised for their sacrifices.
In the case of 2020 NS Advocate Award Winner, Mdm Nur Kamilah binte Abdul Rahman, we saw the sacrifice of a wife and mother who chose to find alternatives to nurse a sick child and still care for another while her husband was on reservist, despite his insistence on returning home earlier. Her story is just one of the many sacrifices NSmen and their families have made.
We also recognise and are grateful that much has been done over the years to honour our NSmen. With a changing societal landscape, it is timely for us to review the recognition for our NSmen, not only by MINDEF, but also how the whole of society, including our employers, can better support our NSmen.
When MINDEF announced the creation of the NS Review Committee in 2020, one of the focus areas announced was "NS Recognition and Engagement". I am encouraged that this was identified as a priority area and would like to ask how can the Government better recognise and support not only our NSFs, but also the NSmen in the SAF and Home Team who have completed their full-time National Service. How can we encourage our employers to better support our NSmen?
Review of NS System
Mr Kwek Hian Chuan Henry (Kebun Baru) : Mr Chairman, for the past 55 years, NSmen have been a pillar of Singapore's defence – in fact, a key pillar. It is important for us not to take our NSmen's contributions to our nation's security for granted. Instead, we should seek to recognise their contributions, and work continually to improve the NS system so that every National Serviceman has a fulfilling and meaningful NS experience.
Members before me have welcomed the formation of the NS Review Committee (NSRC) in 2020 which seeks to examine ways to enrich the NS experience and maximise the potential of every National Serviceman. I echo these words of support and look forward to hearing MINDEF's updates on what changes are being made. Beyond this, could MINDEF please provide an update on the Committee's recommendations on future areas for review within the NS system?
Training Safety in NS
Mr Lim Biow Chuan : Sir, I am a firm believer that our soldiers must train to fight under realistic conditions. Only when our soldiers are competent, can they fight effectively and achieve their mission to be a strong deterrent to unfriendly forces.
The war in Ukraine is a stark reminder on the need for realistic training and the importance of National Service. But even as soldiers train under tough conditions, it is vital that they train safely. A strong commitment to training safety will give our soldiers the confidence to focus on honing their skills. It will give parents and family members of our servicemen peace of mind. Without these, there would not be strong public support for defence and National Service.
As much as training safety continues to be an area of emphasis, the nature of military activities will always entail some risk of injury. How do we ensure that our servicemen are adequately protected when they perform their NS duties and what are some of the recent efforts to enhance safety management in the SAF? How do we ensure that our commanders take training safety seriously and put it as their priority that no NSmen under their command will suffer any serious injury?
External Review Panel on SAF Safety
Dr Wan Rizal (Jalan Besar) : Chairman, safety is not something that should gain salience only when incidents occur. We must always keep safety at the forefront of our minds. The SAF must ensure that our servicemen and women return home to their families safe and sound. They should be kept safe not only in terms of their physical but mental health, too.
At the COS debate last year, Senior Minister of State Heng Chee How said that a third External Review Panel on SAF Safety had been commissioned. This panel, like the panels before them, comprises a diverse range of experts who are well-positioned to provide fresh perspectives to the SAF.
Could MINDEF provide an update on the panel's findings so far? How are these efforts being translated into positive outcomes to strengthen SAF's safety culture?
Inspector-General's Audit Findings
Mr Don Wee (Chua Chu Kang) : Sir, the colours of my outfit today emphasise the importance of SAF's realistic training and its safety record. For families who have sent their children to serve National Service, they must be assured of safe training. For SAF, its safety record reflects well on how our troops and resources are managed.
The SAF Inspector-General’s Office, or IGO in short, plays an important role in strengthening safety and the safety culture in the SAF. I understand that the IGO conducts independent safety audits and inspections within the SAF. I support efforts to critically review how the SAF's Services and Formations implement safety policies and assess the strength and prevalence of the safety culture.
Would MINDEF provide an update on the SAF IGO's audit findings and the training safety measures that have been introduced in response to its findings?
Technology and Training Safety
Dr Wan Rizal : Sir, in this digital age, we are witnessing a proliferation of technology driven solutions across various industries. Of course, the defence industry or ecosystem is no exception. Militaries around the world have been leveraging on technology to transform themselves. The possibilities range from enhancements in systems efficiency to augmented reality-based immersive training experiences.
My focus today, however, is something closer to our hearts – the safety of our servicemen and women. The proliferation of tools to harness data could aid the development of training regimes that are more effective, more efficient and most importantly, safe.
Could MINDEF provide an update on efforts to leverage data and technology to strengthen training safety in the SAF?
The Chairman : Miss Cheng Li Hui. Not here. Ms Denise Phua.
Total Defence and Future Challenges
Ms Denise Phua Lay Peng (Jalan Besar) : The concept of Total Defence has taken on a different complexion since it was first introduced in 1984 in Singapore. Back then, Total Defence was a national defence concept that rallies all Singaporeans behind the Singapore Armed Forces should there be a military threat.
Over the years, Total Defence has evolved and included non-military challenges, such as pandemics, economic recessions and natural disasters.
The COVID-19 pandemic has tested Singapore's resilience and unity heavily. Singaporeans now not only have to put up a strong psychological defence in overcoming mental wellness and safety management changes in their daily lives. Economically, supply chain disruptions have affected the access and affordability of essential goods for many. Civil defence was at play too in the introduction of contact tracing and safety management measures.
At the same time, other aspects of Total Defence have come into play, such as digital defence, as Singapore becomes more exposed to cybersecurity risks in a highly-wired society. There is also the continued need to emphasise the importance of military defence, especially in the wake of developments as recent as the Russian-Ukraine war.
Whilst many Singaporeans are fairly familiar with six pillars of Total Defence – namely, Military, Civil, Economic, Social, Digital and Psychological – not many are aware of exactly how important and relevant each of the pillars is and how each pillar of defence is manifested in the lives of Singaporeans.
How will MINDEF further provide clarity so that Total Defence will be better embraced and supported by all the people of Singapore? In the light of Budget 2022, how would resources be differently applied in this regard?
The Chairman : Miss Rachel Ong. Please take your two cuts together.
Engaging Youth
Miss Rachel Ong : Thank you. Chairman, one key demographic for outreach efforts on defence and security issues is our younger generation of Singaporeans here. Unlike our Pioneer and Merdeka Generations, our youth today and perhaps even their parents, have not had direct experiences of the Singapore in which insecurity and physical intimidation by external threats were a daily reality.
As the future leaders of Singapore, it is important that young people are engaged and understand defence and security issues to gain an appreciation of the potential threats we face, as well as how these issues affect their lives and the lives of their families. Threats are also different now. Many security threats are now more ambiguous, less tangible and more difficult to understand.
This may further disconnect defence issues from the day-to-day concerns of young people, especially having grown up in the context of a prospering Singapore. Our youths have also grown up more socially aware than those of earlier generations, and that is something to celebrate. At the same time, this also means there is an exposure to worldviews that may potentially fuel divides in civil society where worldviews may be applied without an in-depth understanding of the socio-historical background and its larger impact on Singapore society.
How has MINDEF engaged our young people on defence and security matters? What are some of the initiatives that MINDEF has embarked on to ensure that our next generation remains concerned about Singapore's defence?
Learning about Defence Issues
Singapore's defence requires not only the effort and the work of MINDEF and the SAF, but the support and involvement of every man and woman in Singapore. For some, defence and security matters may seem abstract, but the reality is that all of our lives would be impacted if Singapore's sovereignty and security were undermined. The war in Ukraine is also a stark reminder of the ongoing need to be ready to defend our sovereignty and not to take it for granted.
It is thus critical that Singaporeans of all ages see the importance of defence issues and understand the role that each and every person plays in national defence.
In light of this, I believe that it is important for MINDEF and the SAF to make a conscious effort to engage Singaporeans in every demographic, from all walks of life and encourage them to learn and care about defence issues, especially during peace time.
Last year, Senior Minister of State for Defence Zaqy Mohamad spoke about MINDEF's efforts to develop creative ways to engage Singaporeans on defence. An example is the revamped Singapore Discovery Centre. He also shared that MINDEF will take on public suggestions to empower more Singaporeans to learn about defence issues.
What are some of these initiatives and how have these outreach efforts progressed? How can we encourage Singaporeans from all walks of life to learn and care about defence issues, and also make these issues more accessible and relatable to the man on the street?
Singapore Discovery Centre
Mr Chong Kee Hiong : Chairman, the Singapore Discovery Centre (SDC) is one of the venues built by the Government to present National Education in an interesting and engaging way. Here, visitors learn and experience Singapore's history and visualise its future in a fun and immersive way.
One of the main objectives of the centre is to help build a strong sense of belonging and identity among Singaporean visitors. As a young nation, it is critical that Singaporeans understand our history, what brought us together and who we are as one people. In this regard, our National Education is what enables Singaporeans to imbibe, understand and connect with what it means to be a Singaporean.
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An important part of being Singaporean is our commitment and ability to defend our land and our way of life. It is important that Singaporeans, young and old, understand the importance of National Service and Total Defence. NS and Total Defence require all Singaporeans to step up to defend and protect our home and rally behind our soldiers.
Last year, Senior Minister of State for Defence Zaqy Mohamad announced that the SDC would be revamped to be a one-stop destination for learning about Singapore’s past and imagining its future. Would MINDEF update the House on how it plans to strengthen National Education and how the SDC would continue to support this objective through its programmes and plans?
The Chairman : Ms Carrie Tan. Not here. Ms Yeo Wan Ling.
ACCORD Initiatives
Ms Yeo Wan Ling (Pasir Ris-Punggol) : At the heart of national defence is the amicable community relations Singaporean families have with our military. In the thick of the pandemic, military units continued to honour their departing Servicemen in milestone parades, making sure to arrange for remote viewing avenues such that Singaporean families could share in the pride and joy. Further, MINDEF and the Armed Forces’ have signalled their holistic commitment to the defence of Singapore in our greatest times of testing, mobilising our Servicemen to aid in contact tracing measures which are pivotal as we deal with COVID-19 as a nation.
As we enjoy such relations, MINDEF has and continues to regularly consult and partner grassroots and agencies to take pulse checks on Singaporeans’ outlook on defence issues, as well as to foster support for their various initiatives. The Advisory Council on Community Relations in Defence (ACCORD), since its inception in 1984, has been instrumental in building this bridge to the community to provide feedback on Singapore’s defence.
Given that Singapore’s defence is a nationally-owned effort, it is important for ACCORD to continue to reach out to groups and individuals in key segments of society – the business sector, educational institutions and family-related bodies – to mobilise support for and foster better understanding of our defence issues, including NS. These channels are valuable for MINDEF to better listen to the community’s needs and interests and, therefore, shape messages and tailor programmes to engage different sectors and profiles within the community.
ACCORD has welcomed new members in 2021 who will, undoubtedly, bring fresh perspectives to issues on defence and community relations, given their rich and diverse backgrounds. Could MINDEF please update the House on ACCORD’s new initiatives and future plans to engage the community? Can ACCORD furnish us with more details about consultation efforts with the grassroots on Singapore’s defence issues and how Singaporeans wish to get engaged?
ACCORD and Support for NS
Mr Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim (Chua Chu Kang) : Chairman, I am a Member of ACCORD. It is an honour to serve alongside other Members to promote the support for NS amongst families and employers. Ours is an important role because NS is key to our concept of Total Defence, which covers not just military defence preparedness but also fosters greater identity and social cohesion amongst our young men in NS, who come from all races, religions and backgrounds.
The recent conflict in Ukraine has underscored how important it is for countries like Singapore to never lose our ability to defend and look after ourselves. A resolute defence comprises two things: first, a credible and strong SAF and, second, the unshakeable resolve of our people. NS provides the opportunity for Singaporeans to forge a deep sense of rootedness and resolve to defend what is ours and our way of life. A strong SAF, augmented by NS, serves as a strong deterrent, which goes hand-in-hand with diplomacy.
Come 17 March, NS would have been implemented in Singapore for 55 years already. NS has served us well, and long may it continue. Could MINDEF please provide an update on ACCORD's efforts to better shore up support for NS? How can we do more to involve all Singaporeans in our defence, including employers, parents of new citizens or those who wish to pursue sports or further education and, thus, seeking deferment of NS?
The Chairman : Mr Heng Chee How.
The Senior Minister of State for Defence (Mr Heng Chee How) : Mr Chairman, Defence Minister Dr Ng Eng Hen spoke yesterday about the challenging landscape in which the SAF would have to operate. Our National Servicemen form the bulk of our defence and security force, and NS is the bedrock of our national defence, giving us that firm foundation for Singapore’s survival, security and success.
For the past 55 years, generations of Singaporean males have served their country through NS and had done their duty. As we commemorate 55 years of NS this year, it is timely for us to reaffirm our commitment towards ensuring that our NS system remains relevant to the needs of the SAF in protecting our country and is relevant to our National Servicemen.
Minister Ng Eng Hen outlined the key changes arising from the NS Review Committee, or NSRC’s work. Allow me now to provide more details. The NSRC’s work and the changes it proposed can be grouped into three broad thrusts. First, how to maximise the contributions of National Servicemen; second, improving the NS experience; and third, enhancing support and recognition.
Let me start with the first thrust – maximising contributions. As all Members of the House know, our birth rates are low and what this then translates into would be smaller NS cohorts 18 years hence. In this context, the SAF has to find different ways to continue to optimise the deployment of every resource and every National Serviceman, in order for our defence to remain robust.
Mr Mohd Fahmi Bin Aliman and Mr Lim Biow Chuan asked for updates on the medical classification system review and functional assessments. Minister Ng Eng Hen had given the overall view yesterday and I will elaborate on that.
The SAF has implemented functional assessments for our full-time National Servicemen, or NSFs, to complement our existing medical screening processes. Functional assessment allows us to assess the NSFs’ abilities to perform physical tasks required for the job in order to better match them to vocations with greater precision and to enable them to discharge their duties well and safely. These assessments have been developed in consultation with external physiotherapy specialists, alongside SAF physiotherapists from our Centre of Excellence for Soldier Performance.
They have also been trialled prior to implementation to ensure that the outcomes would be effective discharge of duties, effectiveness in the outcomes that the SAF seeks from the protection angle and, at the same time, safety of our Servicemen. Our trial on functional assessments for the Transport Operator vocation in 2021 has improved our deployment process and enabled more NSFs to be safely deployed as Transport Operators.
Riding on this success, we have implemented functional assessments for pre-enlistees with orthopaedic conditions. These tests will be administered by trained SAF physiotherapists when the pre-enlistees report for medical screening, according to established protocols. These pre-enlistees will then be deployed to the relevant vocations according to their abilities.
At the same time, to further expand deployment opportunities, the SAF has continued to redesign existing jobs for our NSFs. For instance, take the example of the redesign of the medic role. Leveraging advances in medical technology and efforts to define the physical demands required for each specific role, Servicemen of varying physical capabilities can now be deployed as medics. This approach has enabled the SAF to maximise our Servicemen’s potential to contribute to the SAF’s operational requirements.
Mr Chairman, I have been speaking of optimising deployments from the angle of physical fitness and job requirements. But there is also another important angle which is equally important and this concerns the skills, knowledge and expertise of our Servicemen. Our population may be small, but it is increasingly well-educated and well-skilled. Future conflicts will not be solely decided by force numbers and sizes, though these are obviously relevant, but it would also be influenced – to an increasing extent – by technology and know-how. The SAF should increasingly grow and tap on the expertise of our National Servicemen.
Mr Chong Kee Hiong asked about MINDEF’s plans for Work-Learn schemes. We have established Work-Learn schemes for several critical skills-based SAF vocations. Eligible NSFs can join these schemes to receive accredited training and education from Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs), whilst performing their NS roles. The Servicemen benefit from these qualifications and the work experience gained. The SAF is also able to tap on these Servicemen’s expertise for a sustained period of time.
The first Work-Learn scheme was introduced in 2018. Four years on, there are now 130 Servicemen enrolling in Work-Learn schemes every year, serving as cyber specialists, as well as Air Force and Army Technicians. In the years ahead, we expect to expand the Work-Learn schemes to cover more roles and vocations, based on the SAF’s operational requirements. At steady state in 2025, we expect 500 Servicemen to enrol in Work-Learn schemes every year. This year, the SAF will introduce another two Work-Learn schemes. One is the Digital Work-Learn scheme for eligible Servicemen to pursue undergraduate degrees in areas, such as Computer Engineering and Data Science. The other is the Work-Study Diploma for Supply Supervisors.
Our efforts to optimise expertise-based deployment also cover Operationally-Ready NS, or ORNS. A good number of our NSmen acquire expertise through their civilian careers and these are relevant to the SAF. A key priority for the SAF is to identify these NSmen during ORNS and redeploy them where their expertise can be put to best use.
Last year, I spoke about the establishment of the Expertise Deployment Centre within the SAF. With dedicated resources devoted to identifying and redeploying NSmen with relevant expertise, the number of expertise-based redeployments has gone up considerably. One of our redeployed NSmen is ME4A Jeremy Yeap. Jeremy Yeap is a lawyer specialising in dispute resolution and he wanted to contribute further with the skills and experience that he has in his role as a lawyer. ME4A Jeremy, who had served as an Air Force Engineer, was redeployed in 2021 and now provides specialist legal advice to commanders as part of SAF operations.
Mr Seah Kian Peng asked how expertise-based redeployment would be expanded. I would like to highlight a key change arising from the NSRC’s recommendations. When we launched the Expertise Conversion Scheme, or ECS, in 2014, the landscape was one where expert roles tended to be at the officer level. Eight years on, we have expanded beyond that and we have expanded expertise deployment across all levels, including roles that are assumed by Warrant Officers, Specialists and Enlistees. And for this reason, we will also rename the ECS into the Enhanced Expertise Deployment Scheme.
While we invest significant efforts to optimise deployment, we must not forget that a strong SAF is contingent upon the commitment and morale of its fighting force. This brings me to the second thrust of NSRC’s work, which is that of improving the NS experience.
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A number of Members have asked about this. At the core of that experience are the NSmen and we have, therefore, designed our processes around that so that the NSman can be very well-focused for his training, knowing that the organisation is there behind him, cares about him, does everything to make sure that his contributions are maximised for the protection of this country, and takes care of his safety and well-being.
Yesterday, Minister Ng Eng Hen touched on our plans to automate the Make-Up Pay claims system. At present, the filing of such claims is done manually by NSmen and their employers. Later this year, MINDEF will introduce an automated system which draws on income-related information from CPF Board and IRAS to compute the Make-Up Pay amounts. NSmen and their employers will be provided the opportunity to review the computed amounts to see if they agree. If no objections are raised, the amount will then be paid out to them automatically. For the bulk of NSmen and their employers, this greatly simplifies the process and saves time. Those who believe that the computed amounts are not up-to-date can certainly submit additional information for recalculation, so that the right amounts are paid out.
Today, some NSmen, mostly from lower-income segments, may receive income from informal job roles, gig economy employment or other payments, such as allowances and incentives, which may not be captured in CPF Board's or IRAS' databases. As mentioned by Minister Ng Eng Hen, along with automating Make-Up Pay computation, we will be implementing a base NS pay. Starting later this year, all NSmen will receive at least $1,600 for every month of In-Camp Training that they are required to attend. For In-Camp Training of shorter durations, the allowance will be pro-rated.
Aside from automating Make-Up Pay claims and base NS pay, allow me now to also talk about two other initiatives which will improve our servicemen’s NS experience.
Mr Chong Kee Hiong asked about how MINDEF would leverage technology to improve NS processes. I am pleased to announce that the first phase of the OneNS platform will be rolled out later this year. This will replace the existing NS Portal and will provide a more seamless experience for our servicemen. Our National Servicemen perform several transactions with MINDEF/SAF throughout their NS journey. The idea is to centralise these transactions and essential NS services onto the OneNS platform and render it more accessible via a single mobile application or a revamped web portal. For a start, NSmen can look forward to enhanced Call-Up and Deferment eServices, to facilitate preparation for ICT. Other eServices will be rolled out subsequently and progressively.
MINDEF has also collaborated with the Smart Nation Digital Government Group to digitally deliver NS recognition benefits to our National Servicemen. Since November last year, MINDEF has been disbursing the NS Excellence Awards and Celebratory Gifts in the form of e-credits that can be accessed via LifeSG. In the past, recipients received their benefits in the form of physical vouchers. With this change, they are now able to receive and redeem these credits conveniently via the use of their mobile devices. The credits can be used at both online and brick-and-mortar shops that accept payment by PayNow QR. Thus far, through surveys, we found that 97% of surveyed users had reported satisfaction with this improvement. Come April this year, servicemen will also be able to use their credits with merchants that accept NETS QR. With this change, an even broader range of merchants will be able to benefit, including those who operate in heartland shops and hawkers. Obviously, with this greater array of merchants and merchandise, it will also be a value-add to our NSmen.
MINDEF will move our other cash and voucher-based recognition schemes, such as the cash payments for NS HOME, onto LifeSG. By mid-2022, MINDEF and MHA will disburse NS recognition benefits to 100,000 National Servicemen via LifeSG every year. Quite apart from the convenience that this will bring to our NSmen, this will also greatly contribute to our national drive to foster e-payments adoption and to go green and paperless.
Our National Servicemen who have received NS recognition benefits via the LifeSG mobile application will receive SMS notifications that these credits have gone into their account. We are very conscious that, in sending out these SMS notifications, these should not be mistaken as scams, and we will ensure that our SMSes will have no clickable links.
This brings me to the third thrust of the NSRC’s work, which is that of enhancing recognition and support for our National Servicemen. Our National Servicemen contribute to defence during their two years of National Service and at every subsequent In-Camp Training. There is sacrifice, from both them, as well as, we hear from Members, through the support of their families as well. We appreciate this greatly. Miss Rachel Ong asked about our recognition initiatives for our National Servicemen.
As mentioned by the Minister for Defence, we will enhance the NS HOME awards to better express our appreciation to our National Servicemen and their loved ones. We will disburse an additional $2,000 in cash to each National Servicemen cumulatively across the three existing NS HOME milestones, comprising $1,000 in cash at the first milestone and $500 in cash each, at the second and third milestones. Our National Servicemen will now receive at least $6,000 at the end of their full-time National Service and at least $5,500 at the mid-point and at the completion of their ORNS journey.
The additional $2,000 cash will be paid out as credits into our National Servicemen’s LifeSG mobile application. This complements the current NS HOME payment, of which the bulk is disbursed into the National Servicemen’s CPF accounts for long-term financial needs. As I have explained earlier, these credits can be used at merchants ranging from those that operate on e-commerce platforms to brick-and-mortar shops as well.
The change will benefit 54,000 SAF and Home Team servicemen every year.
Beyond recognition, we also want to provide our servicemen and their families with peace of mind when they participate in NS activities. Since 2016, MINDEF and MHA have been purchasing Group Term Life and Group Personal Accident core insurance coverage for all MINDEF and MHA servicemen, for a sum assured of $150,000 each. We have reviewed this and, come 2023, we will increase the coverage to $300,000 each. This will help ensure that the financial support and protection we accord our National Servicemen remain relevant and adequate.
Mr Chairman, the NSRC has completed its reviews, which have been significant in strengthening the NS system and the SAF’s operational effectiveness. And we want to thank the co-chairs and members of the Committee for the good work. Aside from the changes the Minister for Defence and I have outlined, the NSRC has made three other broad recommendations, which we will continue to follow up on. Mr Henry Kwek asked about this.
We will continue to work on, first, enhancing our training and leadership development programmes for National Servicemen. Second, better equipping our NSFs with transferable skills and preparing them for their transition to studies or work. And, third, better supporting pre-enlistees as they balance their NS-related obligations with personal pursuits.
I shall now move on to speak about another topic which is critical – training safety. As we continue to enhance the NS system, our safety practices on the ground must also continue to be robust. The SAF, therefore, places a very strong emphasis on strengthening our safety culture through regular audits and inspections, by leveraging technology and constantly reminding both commanders and men of the importance to internalise the safety culture itself – look after yourself, look after one another.
Dr Wan Rizal asked about the third External Review Panel on SAF Safety, or ERPSS, which MINDEF/SAF started last year. The Panel was established to review the SAF’s safety management systems and to make recommendations to improve safety in the SAF. A positive observation made by the Panel was the continual enhancements to the Safety Management System at our Basic Military Training Centre, or BMTC, where a slew of safety and mental health support measures has been implemented to better help recruits transit from civilian life into military life.
The Panel also noted the efforts to scaffold safety training across the leadership schools to ensure that our commanders understand and will conduct training safely. The ERPSS will continue to highlight best practices from industry during their continued visits to our ground units.
Aside from the ERPSS, we have, internally, the SAF Inspector-General’s Office. The SAF Inspector-General’s Office has commenced its second two-year audit cycle of all SAF formations. Mr Don Wee asked about this. Compared to the first audit cycle, commanders and servicemen were observed to have taken even more ownership in upholding safety practices and displayed more awareness towards potential safety hazards.
Going forward, the SAF will continue to sustain our emphasis on safety policies and processes and to ensure that safety lessons will be passed on, even as we see the turnover of servicemen, because it is in the nature of our NS system that you have cohorts who come in and train and they may leave. But we must ensure that the safety culture is entrenched and it is practised and improved upon, and we will do so.
Dr Wan Rizal also asked how MINDEF harnesses technology and digitalisation to further strengthen training safety. We are developing an enterprise Safety Information System for commanders to disseminate information on safety trends and lessons across the SAF. This would provide better awareness of safety situations and make safety promotion more targeted and, therefore, reduce the risk and likelihood of incidents recurring elsewhere within the SAF that are similar to the original occurrence.
However, as I have said, safety is not just the responsibility of commanders. Every soldier must play his role, too. The SafeGuardian mobile application, which I spoke about at Committee of Supply (COS) 2020, has played a significant role in enabling our servicemen to report safety hazards and near misses in a timely manner. Since its roll-out to our active Servicemen in June last year, we have seen a 20% increase in open reports being filed.
The SafeGuardian mobile application has empowered our servicemen to take greater ownership of their own safety and the safety of those around them. Besides open reporting, we are also encouraged that over 37,000 users have viewed the SafeGuardian’s in-application safety information thus far.
Mr Lim Biow Chuan asked about other recent efforts to enhance training safety. MINDEF/SAF will be collaborating with DSO and the National University of Singapore to establish the Heat Resilience and Performance Centre in the middle of this year. We recognise that rising ambient temperatures due to climate change will increasingly impact the well-being of our servicemen and the effectiveness of our training and operations.
Therefore, we look ahead to see what is it that we need to do in order to sustain our ability to train safely but effectively and upkeep our operational readiness. This centre will conduct forward-looking research on heat mitigation strategies and develop more fundamental approaches to prevent heat injury in the SAF.
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Mr Chairman, as we celebrate 55 years of NS this year, we all recognise that NS remains the cornerstone of our national defence and security. We must continue to build on the previous generations’ efforts and dedication to the protection of this country and the strengthening of our NS system. This is a work that will never cease, and the NSRC's recommendations will add to this effort and will put us in good stead as we continue on this journey to ensure that Singapore will forever be secure and free.
The Chairman : Senior Minister of State Zaqy Mohamad.
The Senior Minister of State for Defence (Mr Zaqy Mohamad) : Mr Chairman, Minister for Defence Dr Ng spoke about the global geopolitical shifts, transnational threats and the attendant impact on Singapore. Increasingly, the security challenges that test us will lie outside of traditional battlefields – some call this "grey zone" contestation. Now, more than ever, our investments in both the SAF and Total Defence continue to be crucial as Singapore’s bulwark against crises, challenges and potential aggression.
In 1984, we launched Total Defence in the context of a conventional threat landscape. Both then and now, our Total Defence pillars reinforce our belief that a strong foundation for our defence goes beyond the military domain and requires a whole-of-society response.
Over the years, we have faced numerous challenges, from pandemics to economic recessions, to terrorism. The six pillars of defence – military, economic, social, civil, digital, and psychological – working in concert have allowed us to respond to the threats that jeopardise Singapore's future.
In the last two years, we have grappled with the COVID-19 pandemic as it upended our lives and stress-tested us as a nation. It has pressured our healthcare systems and strained our supply chains. Many amongst us have lost jobs and had to pivot to new sectors or roles. And just when it felt like we had turned a corner with the vaccines, there have been new variants like Delta and Omicron.
While this has not been a conventional war, it has been a crisis that has impacted all of us. We are dealing with an unknown threat – COVID-19 – which, even today, remains elusive and ever-evolving.
In order to meet this threat and protect one another from the virus, we have needed a whole-of-society response through Total Defence. We understand that Member of Parliament Cheng Li Hui is interested in this topic.
Let us take our vaccination programme as an example. Today, 91% of our total population is fully vaccinated and 68% have received their booster shots. I am heartened that many have stepped up in support of our national vaccine effort. One example is National Serviceman Captain Dr Shane Abucewicz-Tan, a medical officer for the Home Vaccination Team, who supported COVID-19 operations. He conducted household visits as part of the Home Vaccination Programme, ensuring that Singaporeans who were immobile and immunocompromised could receive their vaccinations. Another example is the Singapore Federation of Chinese Clan Associations. It put together videos in dialects, such as Hakka, Cantonese and Teochew, to encourage seniors to receive their vaccinations.
Indeed, we have looked out for and supported one another. In 2020, the migrant worker community was disproportionately impacted when COVID-19 began spreading in the dormitories. MINDEF, together with other MINDEF-related organisations, and more than 20 partners, set up the Community Facility at Kranji in May that year − a temporary dormitory for migrant workers, which also served as a vaccination care centre and community care facility. It served over 70,000 migrant workers over 20 months.
I am grateful to our partners who have made this possible. Academic institutions, such as the Solar Energy Research Institute of Singapore, also helped make the site more sustainable. For instance, they tested lightweight solar panels and piloted energy storage solutions, which could be scaled to other temporary sites like these and contribute to our sustainability efforts in the long term.
There are many contributions beyond these and too many heroes to name today. I thank you all for your efforts because you have shown that Total Defence is very much alive and is in every one of us.
The threats to our way of life – our sense of stability and security – come in many forms. A study by Check Point Research found that Singapore saw a 145% increase in cyberattacks from 2020 to 2021. The healthcare sector was the most targeted sector. Throughout the pandemic, fear-mongers have spread falsehoods about variants and the ill-effects of vaccines, which have directly threatened public health and, if not, weakened trust. As Singapore imports 90% of our food, we are highly dependent on continued access to quality food supplies. Threats to our supply chains, natural disasters and climate change have affected our supplies and food prices.
Minister Ng touched on the situation in Ukraine in his speech yesterday. As we watch events unfold, it is a lesson in real-time for Singaporeans on how a country’s stability can be threatened on multiple fronts, including cyberattacks, information campaigns and border threats, and all these ahead of military aggression.
It is tragic and sad how events in Ukraine have unfolded. What is now clear to me, and I hope for many Singaporeans, too, is that we must always be ready and we can only depend on ourselves for our defence. Total Defence – being able to defend ourselves economically, socially and even psychologically – has to be every Singaporean’s responsibility.
As threats become more complex, multidimensional and multifaceted, how can we ensure that we are ever ready to meet them? Member of Parliament Denise Phua asked about this. How can Total Defence continue to galvanise every Singaporean for our survival, security and success? It is with these questions in mind that we embarked on a review of Total Defence.
In the past 16 months, we heard from over 2,000 Singaporeans from all walks of life. We asked them how Total Defence might better rally Singaporeans in times of crisis and this was even before the Ukraine situation happened. From these conversations, we learnt that Total Defence has room to be more resonant and relatable, even as the actions within the six pillars remain relevant. Some found it too abstract, prescriptive and focused on present-day threats at the expense of emerging challenges, while some others did not want to be told what Total Defence was about. Instead, they wanted to be proactive, and wanted space to contribute ideas and efforts towards shaping a Singapore that they aspired to see.
I am grateful for the feedback, which will guide our ongoing review. We have started building on some of these suggestions. For one, we will work to make Total Defence less prescriptive and more inclusive, by encouraging more ground-up and community-led efforts. I say "more", because many Singaporeans have already stepped up to support the causes that they care about. For example, more people are choosing to buy local produce and dabble in community gardening to strengthen food security.
Member of Parliament Rachel Ong asked what MINDEF is doing to engage youths. This year, we have launched a two-year campaign, beginning with the Total Defence Sandbox initiative. A sandbox is a safe environment where you can test ideas and programmes. And that is what we hope this can be: a space that links ideas to resources, to turn ideas into prototypes and prototypes into solutions.
We look forward to supporting projects that target today’s most salient challenges, such as cyber threats, food insecurity, are some examples. Some ideas we have heard so far include workshops to increase awareness of cybersecurity and campaigns to promote environmentally sustainable habits. The possibilities are vast and we look forward to Members' contributions.
We will also continue conversations with Singaporeans to expand and reimagine the actions that we can take for Total Defence – both in the current security environment and for the challenges that we will face in the near future or the future to come.
As the security environment continues to evolve, Singaporeans must be aware of the threats to our sovereignty and stability as well as vulnerabilities. Only then can we understand the roles that we might play and how some of these will impact on our actions.
Let me now touch on how MINDEF will work alongside partners to bring to life some of these challenges and the actions Singaporeans can take, which Member of Parliament Rachel Ong also asked about.
The Singapore Discovery Centre (SDC), for one, will be transformed to better tell Singapore’s stories. Member of Parliament Chong Kee Hiong asked about this. SDC has made strides in Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) and environmental sustainability, and in recent months, refreshed its galleries. In the upper gallery, an AR, first-person shooter game, takes visitors back to the Battle of Bukit Chandu on 14 February 1942. That day, even though Lieutenant Adnan Saidi and the Malay Regiment soldiers were outnumbered and eventually ran out of supplies, they fought valiantly against the Japanese Army and refused to surrender. As players hunker down behind sandbags, they will experience how the regiment defended themselves against waves of opponents and they will also understand the grit and determination that Lieutenant Adnan and his men had shown despite the odds.
SDC’s lower gallery, "Sandbox", opened last November. In that interactive space, a simulated digital environment allows visitors to experience Singapore’s history and the threats that we faced. Startups and students, including those in the AR/VR domain, can also use a new incubator space to collaborate on projects, experiment with technology and bring ideas to life.
SDC has also been investing in innovative energy solutions and renewables, and implementing various energy efficiency measures to reduce energy demand and emissions. Today, more than 60% of its energy use comes from renewable energy and SDC is working on becoming a net carbon-neutral facility. If you have not been to SDC recently, I encourage you to do so and, perhaps, I can invite and organise Members in this House, if you are interested, for a visit.
In the next few years, Singaporeans will have more to look forward to in our museums. We are developing capabilities and investing in technology to make the visitor experience in our three military museums, SDC and the upcoming NS Gallery at Marina Bay more fun and interactive. Museums and galleries are wonderful channels to learn about defence, as history offers important lessons while we look ahead to chart our course in an uncertain, ever-surprising future. We hope that visitors will walk away with an understanding of the competing needs, goals and trade-offs that we have made as a nation and those we might make in the future.
Mr Chairman, every Singaporean must understand Singapore’s security environment, unique vulnerabilities and the roles that we can play. Only then can we recognise the opportunities to contribute and step up where needed.
I am grateful to our ACCORD partners, who are instrumental in this effort, and have been reaching out to more youths and women in their current term. They have conducted NS engagement talks, a webinar series on NS and defence issues for University undergraduates and grassroots dialogues with women. Through these efforts, we prepare those who need to serve NS and help their families and friends take steps to support them.
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There is a part for everyone to play, no matter how small, to make our defence total.
Member Carrie Tan had shown interest and asked if MINDEF would consider expanding NS to include community care roles and enlist both men and women.
NS is based on the critical need of national security and defence. Currently, our NS population adequately meets our national security and defence needs. Both Minister Ng Eng Hen and Senior Minister of State Heng Chee How have spoken about MINDEF and the SAF's continued efforts to enhance manpower resource efficiency.
However, contributing to Singapore's defence should not be limited to just those serving NS. There are many different opportunities for Singaporeans to contribute actively through Total Defence and I encourage everyone to do so.
One example is by equipping oneself with practical emergency response skills for Civil Defence. I would like to encourage women, first-generation Permanent Residents and new citizens without NS commitments who are keen to do more for Total Defence to volunteer with the SAF Volunteer Corps.
MINDEF has also embarked on a refresh for our volunteer programme and Singaporeans will soon be able to contribute in different capacities, including as educators, researchers and guides in our museums.
This year, we commemorate 55 years of National Service (NS), as both Minister Ng Eng Heng and Senior Minister Heng Chee How have mentioned.
NS has been the bedrock of our defence. Generation after generation have served, first as NSFs, then as NSmen, to protect and defend Singapore's interests. That is why it is important to appreciate the dedication, service and sacrifice of our National Servicemen and to thank them for their efforts.
ACCORD, for one, will step up efforts to recognise, support and appreciate NSmen across the community. Members Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim and Yeo Wan Ling asked about this.
Last year, ACCORD members raised several ideas on how Singaporeans can show their support for NS and we will expand on some of them this year.
We will enhance the "We Support NS Campaign" where businesses, for one, can offer discounts and privileges to NSmen. We will also expand the spaces for Singaporeans to reflect on the significance of NS, whether through close engagement with our youths or experiential camps for families and the public. More details on the initiatives will be shared later in the year.
The three SAF Services will also continue to engage the community, such as through their open houses and charity events.
In conclusion, Mr Chairman, I would like to close by reiterating that the world remains uncertain. We recognise that the security challenges we face are immense and constantly evolving. MINDEF will continue to build Total Defence as our best response to the threats and challenges that might come our way.
I am heartened that Singaporeans want to do their part for Total Defence through understanding and action and we will partner you to work towards securing our collective future. By working together, we have every reason to be confident that we will keep Singapore strong today and for generations to come.
The Chairman : Time for clarifications. Mr Vikram Nair.
Mr Vikram Nair (Sembawang) : Just two clarifications. One is in relation to the 4G Army and the development, I think the changes are quite interesting to hear. I just want to check what steps will be taken to train reservists and upskill them. I am one myself. I am looking forward to using the new equipment, if it is available.
The second, of course, is just to seek clarification that training has been going on smoothly with COVID-19. I think I have asked about that.
The Minister for Defence (Dr Ng Eng Hen) : I thank Member Vikram Nair for the questions. Most militaries will face that problem as they modernise – how do they keep their Servicemen current. I think the honest reply is that we focus on the core, which is your NSFs, to make sure that they can, at the push of a button, operate the systems. As you go out on the various rings, ensure that there are both processes as well as outcomes that measure that your units are up to date.
It is not always possible for a large military – for us, we are a small military but a large organisation – that you can equip all the units at the same time. So, it is not as if all units are using the same level of advanced equipment. Some are perhaps one bound behind.
So, in a nutshell, it is always a challenge but I think the SAF, by and large, across all units, do quite well.
It helps that we also have a young military, in a sense that, on average, In-Camp Trainings (ICTs) are across 10 years. Most NSmen will know that you have ATEC, your tactical evaluation, which is done before they go into MINDEF Reserve (MR) or before they finish the 10-year cycle. So, I think that helps.
The question of training – I think we have talked about it. We will expect to be at pre-COVID-19 levels for NSmen later this year.
The Chairman : Mr Vikram Nair, would you like to withdraw your amendment?
Mr Vikram Nair : I would like to thank Minister Ng Eng Hen, Senior Minister of State Heng Chee How and Senior Minister of State Zaqy Mohamad for sharing with us the latest developments in MINDEF and to the whole team at MINDEF and the SAF for keeping us safe even during times of COVID-19. With that, Mr Chairman, I beg leave to withdraw my amendment.
[(proc text) Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. (proc text)]
[(proc text) The sum of $15,775,728,900 for Head J ordered to stand part of the Main Estimates. (proc text)]
[(proc text) The sum of $1,090,745,000 for Head J ordered to stand part of the Development Estimates. (proc text)]