SINGAPORE - More than 100 NSmen volunteers and corporations were lauded on Wednesday evening for their contributions to Safra (a network of recreation clubs for NSmen and their families), the National Service Resort and Country Club as well as Safra Radio.

Presenting some of the awards at the biennial 13th Safra Awards ceremony at Mount Faber, Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen, who is also chairman of the Safra board of governors, emphasised Safra's importance in a speech.

"Through Safra, we want to strengthen bonds amongst the Singapore Armed Forces NSmen so that they can fight when they need to fight as cohesive units," he said. "Is cohesion important? It is vital. Contrary to what you think, people often do not fight battles for ideology. They fight for their comrades. Therefore cohesion is crucial."

Referring to the 400 or so active Safra volunteers as "selfless", he added: "You give in time and give in effort as you believe that our NSmen's contribution should be recognised. That will motivate them to be serious to defend this nation. This is an important part of Total Defence."

Second Minister for Defence and Safra president, Mr Chan Chun Sing, and Minister of State for Defence and deputy president of Safra, Dr Maliki Osman, also attended the event and presented the rest of the awards.