National service

Debate over military exemption reignited in South Korea over Asian Games gold

South Korea players celebrating after winning the Asian Games football gold medal at Toyota Stadium in Toyota, Japan, on Oct 3.

As Iran war smolders, shunned Eritrea looks to come in from the cold

People walk and ride bicycles on a busy street in downtown Asmara, Eritrea, June 19, 2026. Eritrea has long been isolated by the West, which views the East African country as among the most repressive in the world, while the government in Asmara has itself pursued a policy of political and economic seclusion. Despite its small population, Eritrea has gained new geopolitical importance this year, during the Iran war, because of its 1,000-km Red Sea coastline along a key shipping route between the Mediterranean and Asia. As conflict disrupted traffic through the Strait of Hormuz and attacks by Iran-backed Houthi militants threatened vessels near Yemen, Eritrean waters emerged as potentially one of the safest corridors for maritime trade. REUTERS/Monicah Mwangi

South Korea reopens military service alternative for AI talent

South Korea’s alternative-service programme allows eligible science and engineering researchers with master’s or doctoral degrees to meet their military obligations through three years of research.

‘Return to camp’ visits and reconnecting with buddies: How to really celebrate 60 years of NS

Singapore celebrates 60 years of National Service (NS60) in 2027.

Singaporean driver Christian Ho announces indefinite break to enlist for national service

After scoring straight As for his A Levels, Christian Ho is likely to begin NS later in 2026, although it is understood that he has not yet received his enlistment letter.

SCDF NSF dies after being found unconscious while on duty at Marina Bay Fire Station

A 20-year-old NSF died after he was found unconscious at the training yard of Marina Bay Fire Station on Sept 6.

About 15,000 taxpayers affected by wrong NSman tax relief amounts after error in MINDEF’s system

Of the 15,000 affected taxpayers, about 7,000 of them will have an increase in their tax bill, while around 8,000 of them will have a decrease.

MINDEF looking to enhance NS milestone awards to mark 60 years of national service

MINDEF said it is exploring a suitable NS60 recognition package that national servicemen past and present can look forward to.

ST documentary traces national service journey of four Singapore recruits

(From left) Aniq Afhami Hamir, Haravin Shaun Sivakumar, Connor Francis Foster and Javis Goh did eight more weeks of physical training before basic military training.

ST Signature Series

Lifelong friendships and memories: How NS shaped this writer’s life and sense of belonging

The physical and mental adversity experienced during NS was a lesson in resilience and adaptability, says the writer.

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MDDI (P) 046/10/2025. Published by SPH Media Limited, Co. Regn. No.202120748H. Copyright © 2026 SPH Media Limited. All rights reserved.