National service committee meets ahead of inaugural focus group discussion

THE panel tasked to look into ways to strengthen the commitment to National Service held its second meeting on Tuesday, ahead of its first focus group discussion with members of the public this Saturday.

Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen chaired the second meeting of the Committee to Strengthen National Service at the Infantry Training Institute, said the Defence Ministry in a statement on Tuesday.

It said that the committee heard and discussed the feedback and suggestions by operationally-ready national servicemen (NSmen) and members of the public. They also discussed ways to strengthen commitment to NS and how to better recognise NSmen for their contributions, the statement added.

A series of focus group discussions will be held from June to September for the public to discuss and share their views on specific issues relating to NS.

One of the committee members, Mr Ridzuan bin Ismail, who will be co-hosting the first session, said: "We are heartened by the numerous public feedback and suggestions. They affirm that NS remains a key national institution underpinning the defence of Singapore."

"We will continue to seek views over the next few months to understand the different perspectives of NS from NSFs and NSmen to employers and family members to support our national servicemen."

Members of the public who are interested in participating are invited to sign up at www.strengthenNS.sg for the first phase of the focus group discussions that will take place starting from June 22.

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