SINGAPORE - The contributions of the Singapore Volunteer Corps, who kept the country safe during periods of turmoil like the two World Wars, will be celebrated this year as both the country and Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) turn 50, said Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen.

"As we commemorate these significant milestones, we will be recognising and telling the stories of our servicemen and volunteers, both past and present," he said in a written response to Mr Christopher de Souza (Holland-Bukit Timah GRC).

Stories highlighting the contributions of Singapore's pioneers, including those who joined the Singapore Volunteer Corps - which was renamed the People's Defence Force in 1965 - will be showcased in a SAF50 commemorative book and online through its SAF50 website.

Some of these pioneers will also be featured in an online campaign, "The Pioneering Spirit. Since 1965".

Their stories will also be told by the SAF's Commitment to Defence ambassadors when they interact with students and servicemen. These ambassadors are national servicemen, and members of the SAF Veterans' League who have volunteered to share their experiences with the younger generation.

The Singapore Volunteer Corps played an important role in defending Singapore and keeping it secure, said Dr Ng.

"These volunteers served actively during both World Wars, the Malayan Emergency, Konfrontasi, and helped to train national servicemen when National Service was introduced in 1967. Many of the units in the Singapore Armed Forces can trace their early beginnings from these volunteers," he said. - NUR ASYIQIN MOHAMAD SALLEH