Contributions from civilian professionals ensure safety, innovation, and readiness within Singapore’s Armed Forces.
As a conscript military relying heavily on national servicemen, the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) benefits significantly from civilian volunteers’ expertise. Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen, at the annual Mindef Volunteers’ Dinner at Goodwood Park Hotel, highlighted the critical role these volunteers play in bolstering SAF operations.
Expertise in Action
Lawyer Kala Anandarajah and psychiatrist Adjunct Assistant Professor Jerome Goh exemplify the impact of civilian contributions.
Ms. Anandarajah, an expert in workplace health and safety law, joined the External Review Panel on SAF Safety (ERPSS) in 2017. Her efforts have introduced safety measures for operating large military vehicles, such as rear-view cameras and driver-spotter communication systems. These initiatives followed a tragic training incident, showcasing the importance of external perspectives in enhancing safety standards.
Dr. Goh, a psychiatrist at Tan Tock Seng Hospital, advises on mental health issues, including screening processes and support systems for national servicemen (NSFs). His contributions aim to improve the well-being of NSFs, enabling them to focus on their roles within the SAF.
Enhancing Accountability
The ERPSS, established in 2013, underscores the SAF’s commitment to transparency and continuous improvement. By conducting 32 unit visits, the panel has offered valuable feedback to refine safety systems, ensuring higher operational standards.
Dr. Ng emphasized the importance of external input, stating, “We realized the value of having external pairs of eyes to evaluate and critique our safety systems, especially from experts.”
Preparedness in a Volatile World
Drawing lessons from global conflicts such as the Ukraine war and the Israel-Hamas conflict, Dr. Ng underscored the necessity of a robust defense. He lauded the collaboration between Mindef, the SAF, and civilian volunteers in maintaining Singapore’s security.
“Our strength lies in people. With volunteers like yourselves, we will ensure a strong SAF capable of protecting Singapore for generations to come,” he said.
Volunteering Opportunities
Mindef’s 362 civilian volunteers, spanning fields like law, medicine, engineering, and strategic communication, continue to shape the SAF’s operational capabilities. Their dedication reflects a shared commitment to Singapore’s safety and future readiness.
