Singapore To Introduce Incentives To Recognize NSmen’s Dedication And Commitment
The Home Team National Service Awards Presentation Ceremony 2009 at Orchard Hotel – Speech by Mr K Shanmugam, Minister for Law and Second Minister for Home Affairs
Senior Parliamentary Secretary, Mr Masagos Zulkifli,
Commissioner Khoo Boon Hui,
Commissioner Peter Lim,
Home Team Colleagues and Partners,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Good evening.
Introduction
It gives me great pleasure to address you this evening. The Home Team NS Awards are presented to recognise our Operationally Ready National Servicemen (ORNSmen) and their employers for their contributions and dedication to National Service.
Contributions of Home Team NSmen to Singapore’s safety and security
In the Home Team, we develop and look after the well-being of our NSmen, no differently from how we treat our regular officers. We give them the same training and development opportunities as our regular officers; we deploy them to perform the same functions and duties as the regulars; and we pair them to work alongside and in close partnership with their regular counterparts to mutually learn and lend support to one another. This helps to build a strong sense of Home Team camaraderie and common purpose among them, which is much needed in this current environment of heightened security threats and the staging of mega events in Singapore. The Home Team needs to tap on the reserve of our NSmen to support current operational demands.
Our NSmen have contributed significantly to the Home Team’s operations and Singapore’s safety and security at large. Let me just share with you some of their contributions.
Over the years, there is an increasing number of NSmen in SCDF who are trained to perform operational duties, and subsequently deployed to the Immediate Response Companies (IRCs). Together with SCDF’s regular personnel, they remain on active stand-by to respond to any terrorist threats and civil emergency. Starting from next month, SCDF will be tapping on these NSmen’s past operational experiences. They will be deployed for frontline operations at their respective parent fire station, where they will partner their full-time colleagues in responding to fire, rescue and emergency ambulance calls.
Similarly, the SPF has also started cross-training their Police NSmen from the Key Installations Protection Units (KINS) to carry out peacetime security duties, over and above their core function of guarding key installations. These officers were previously deployed for the IMF/World Bank meetings held here in 2006, and they will be called to duty again next month for the APEC meetings.
Home Team NSmen of the Year Award
Our NSmen are without a doubt, an integral and valued resource of the Home Team. Tonight, I wish to congratulate the 10 of them who will be receiving the 2009 Home Team NSmen of the Year Award. These men were selected for their positive attitude towards NS; outstanding leadership and performance in their work; as well as their active contributions to the Home Team NS Committees and Home Team projects. They have made a difference to the lives of their fellow NSmen by genuinely caring for their well-being and constantly striving to connect them to work seamlessly together. They are role models to their peers.
I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the families of our NSmen for their understanding and steadfast support which have given our officers the peace of mind to give their best during their NS training.
Importance of Employers’ Support
The employers of our NSmen also deserve our heartfelt appreciation – for your understanding and cooperation in releasing them for their NS obligation without that affecting how they are viewed within your company. We understand the inconvenience this brings to your business operations. We are gathered here today to show our deepest appreciation to you and your dedicated support to the Nation.
Let me thank all 70 recipients of the Home Team NS Award for Employers who have contributed and supported us over the years. You, as the employers, have made a significant and positive impact on our NSmen’s abilities to serve their NS duties with pride.
We know that some of you have even put in place an extensive range of schemes to enhance the operational readiness, promote physical fitness and recognise the good performance of your NSmen employees. We introduced the Minister’s Honours Roll last year to show our tribute to employers like you who have gone the extra mile to support our NSmen.
We gave that honour to four companies last year. This year, I am pleased to announce that 4 more companies will be joining them. They are the Building and Construction Authority, Loyang Secondary School, Mazda Motor (Singapore) Pte Ltd and Temasek Polytechnic. Congratulations to these NS-friendly employers!
Recognition of NSmen’s Contributions
The Government, on its part, is also committed to continuously introducing incentives to recognise our NSmen’s dedication and commitment to National Service and Total Defence.
The Ministry of Defence recently announced new initiatives last month to recognise the rising aspirations and responsibilities of NSmen. These efforts are intended to help them remain connected to their workplace, encourage them to keep fit, and recognise the contributions from their families.
These include:
- Helping NSmen to better balance their NS training and work demands during NS call-ups by allowing them to access their office network, outside of training hours; and
- Giving them family recognition vouchers to strengthen family support for National Service.
In the Home Team, we have also taken efforts to enhance the well-being of our own NSmen. We introduced the eBITS facility (or Electronic Booking of Individual Physical Proficiency Test System) on the NS Portal website, in April this year, for the convenience of our NSmen as it now allows them to book and attempt their IPPT before their in-camp training.
You will also be pleased to hear that the HomeTeamNS Association is looking at building a clubhouse in the eastern or north-eastern part of Singapore to better meet the social and recreational needs of our HomeTeamNS members.
Concluding Remarks
In conclusion, I would like to thank all our award recipients once again for their contribution and dedication to National Service. Keep up the fine effort as we continue to work together as a team, in partnership with the community, to make Singapore a safe and secure home for our people.
Thank you and I wish you a pleasant evening ahead.
Topics: Governance, Home Team National Service Awards, military, NSmen, Operational Ready National Servicemen, ORNSmen, safety, security, Singapore, Team NSmen
Print This Article in Plain Text
|
|
Latest Headlines
- Osama Bin Laden Dead?
- Florida To Share $1 Billion For Gulf Coast Restoration Efforts
- Texas Prays For Rain During Extreme Drought Conditions
- Governor Christie Takes Action To Reduce Diesel Emissions, Improve Air Quality
- Governor McDonnell Outlines Draft Transportation Improvement Program
- Alaska Energy Bill Passes Legislature
- Illinois State Building Receives ENERGY STAR Award
- Homeland Security Begins Using National Terrorism Advisory System
- U.S. Outlines New Health Insurance Options For Graduating College Students
- Electrolux Expands In North Carolina, To Create 200 Jobs In Charlotte
- Virginia Storm Victims To Receive Tax Extension
- U.S. Expands Broadband Investment For Rural Areas To Accelerate Job Creation
- U.S. To Invest $130 Million For Advanced Energy Research
- Michigan Passes “I’m Sorry” Bill
- Kentucky Sells Two State Aircraft To Save Taxpayer Dollars
