PRIME MINISTER SALUTES NATIONAL SERVICEMEN

NEWS RELEASE

PRIME MINISTER SALUTES NATIONAL SERVICEMEN

1. Prime Minister (PM) Lee Hsien Loong paid tribute to the critical role National Servicemen (Nsmen) have played in ensuring peace and prosperity for Singapore these past 40 years. PM was speaking at the 40 Years of National Service Commemoration Dinner held at Leaders Square, Pasir Laba Camp this evening. The theme for the dinner was “Defending our Home, Securing our Future”. More than 1200 guests including NSmen of the year, NS key appointment holders, employers awarded the highest accolade in the Total Defence Awards - the Minister for Defence Awards, as well as members from the Government Parliamentary Committee for Defence and Foreign Affairs (GPC-DFA) and the Advisory Council on Community Relations in Defence (ACCORD) were present at the dinner.

 

2. At the dinner, PM Lee launched 40I40 - 40 Stories & 40 Years of National Service - a commemorative book comprising 40 stories depicting the progress of the SAF over the last 40 years from the NSman's perspective. PM Lee also presented the “NSmen of the Year Award” to the 12 award winners, recognising their dedication to National Service.

 

3. The dinner was one of the key events organised by MINDEF and the SAF to honour the contributions and sacrifices made by our Full-Time National Servicemen (NSFs) and Operationally Ready NSmen towards the defence of our nation.

 

4. Earlier that evening, PM Lee officiated at the opening ceremony of the Army Museum of Singapore (ARMS) at the SAFTI Military Institute. Preserving the Army's heritage, the ARMS serves to recognise and honour the contributions of its people and their experiences. Designed as a story-centric museum, it chronicles the Army's development from the early years to the present day as well as future possibilities in six galleries, bringing together collective ideas and artefacts that transcend the generations that have served National Service.

 

5. Throughout the year, MINDEF and the SAF have commemorated 40 years of National Service via a host of events. These included the NS Exhibition in April, the Navy Open House in May, the SAF Day Parade on 1 July and the Army Open House in August. These events reflect the strong and consistent public support for National Service and every Singaporean's personal commitment to defence.

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FACT SHEET (NS 40)

 

40 YEARS OF NATIONAL SERVICE (NS40)
COMMEMORATION DINNER


 

1. The 40 Years of National Service (NS 40) Commemoration Dinner will be held at Leaders Square, Pasir Laba Camp on 27 Sep 07. The Guest-of-Honour is Prime Minister (PM) Lee Hsien Loong. Key highlights of the dinner include:


 

a. Dinner Show Performances choreographed by Hossan Leong. 

b. Launch of the NS Commemorative Handbook titled “40/40 – 40 Stories & 40 Years of National Service”.

c. Sealing of the NS40 e-Time Capsule.

d. Presentation of the SAF NSmen of the Year Awards.

 

DINNER SHOW PERFORMANCES

 

2. Performances involving song, skit and dance focus on the the theme of National Service. The performances, choreographed by Hossan Leong, are divided into 3 acts:

 

a. Reminiscence of NS: Act 1 opens with a nostalgic setting of the 60s and recounts the birth of NS.

 

b. A Tribute to NS: Act 2 pays tribute to the NSmen as they balance NS commitment with other facets of their lives, inculding family, friends and work.

 

c. Defending our Home, Securing our Future: Act 3 portrays the exciting future of Singapore and NS as an integral and important part of Singapore. The grand finale features the performance of a medley of national songs, comprising “We are Singapore”, “Home” and “Will You”, involving personnel from the three services (Army, Navy and Air Force).

 

 

LAUNCH OF NS40 COMMEMORATIVE BOOK TITLED
40l40 – 40 STORIES & 40 YEARS OF NATIONAL SERVICE

 

1.    As part of the 40 Years of National Service Commemoration this year, Prime Minister is launching the NS40 commemorative book titled “40l40 – 40 STORIES & 40 YEARS OF NATIONAL SERVICE” to honour Singaporeans who have contributed to the defence of the nation through National Service.

 

2.    This book presents the soldier's view and experiences of National Service over the years. Against the broad strokes of key exercises and operations are telling details of what it was like to serve NS in the 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s and the 21st century.

3.    Designed as a journal, 40l40 hopes to evoke fond memories and a sense of nostalgia through light-hearted personal stories, quotes and anecdotes.

 

Some highlights include:

 

a. The origins of IPPT and martial arts training.

 

b. Exploits of the first SAF Commando.

 

c. Experiences of Pioneer batches of NSmen and their interactions with British Commandos.

 

d. The experience of contemporary soldiers in developing cutting-edge weapons for modern warfare.

 

NS40 e-TIME CAPSULE

 

Background

 

1.    The NS40 e-Time Capsule, hosted on the NS40 website (www.ns40.sg), was an initiative introduced by MINDEF and NCS Pte Ltd in April 2007 to commemorate 40 years of National Service in Singapore.

 

2.    The e-Time Capsule allows NSmen to contribute their NS-related pictures and/or short stories reminiscing the experiences, camaraderie and bonds forged during their NS days. This will contribute to the digital repository of collective memories of NS.

 

3.    Contributions are grouped according to the different eras (i.e. 1960s to the present), and by various themes (e.g. fun, field training).

 

4.    Following the symbolic sealing of the e-Time Capsule on 27 September 2007, all previous contributions can still be viewed via the NS Portal (www.ns.sg). Subsequently, the e-Time Capsule will be re-opened every 5 years to solicit new contributions as part of activities to commemorate NS.

 

Objectives

 

5.    The NS40 e-Time Capsule aims to achieve the following 3 objectives:

 

a.   To gather the collective memories from the NS community in achieving 40 years of peace and security for Singapore;

 

b. To create an opportunity for the NS community to reminisce about the experiences, camaraderie & bonds formed during NS, from the1960s to the present;

 

c. To allow members of the public to understand more about NS.

 

6.    With an extensive collection of NS-related pictures and stories from NSmen, the e-Time Capsule can be seen as an interactive community building tool that traces the progress of NS from the 1960s to the present, allowing all visitors to witness how NS has evolved over the years.

 

7.    Since its launch in April 2007, the e-Time Capsule has received more than 1000 contributions. To date, more than 10,000 visitors have visited the e-Time Capsule.

 

SAF NSMEN OF THE YEAR AWARD

 

1.         The SAF NSmen of the Year Award was introduced in 1994 to recognise outstanding NSmen who have displayed professionalism and commitment beyond the call of duty. The key criteria for the awards include high standards in training, good discipline and exemplary attitude. The NSmen’s exceptional contributions to their units are also considered.

 

2.         The 12 winners of the 2007 SAF NSmen of the Year Award were selected by a committee chaired by the Chief of Defence Force. Among this year’s winners are those who volunteered their services to the SAF beyond the call of duty, commanders who raised the military proficiency standards of their men, and NSmen who participated actively in projects and activities that improved the training, administration and welfare of their units. The winners comprised NS Officers, Warrant Officers and Specialists from the three services - 9 from the Army, 1 from the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN), and 2 from the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF).

 

3.         The 12 winners of the SAF NSmen of the Year Award 2007 are:

 

 

Name

Age

Service

LTC (NS) GERALD BALENDRAN SINGHAM

45

ARMY

LTC (NS) WEE YIN SIAN

45

ARMY

MAJ (NS) LOH PENG FOO STANLEY

45

ARMY

LTC (NS) FONG KHAI SECK

44

ARMY

MSG (VOL) TANG KWOK HWA

44

AIR FORCE

MAJ (NS) SEE YEH CHYN FRANCIS

43

AIR FORCE

MSG (VOL) TAN YONG JOO

41

ARMY

LTC (NS) WONG CHUN NAM BERNARD

40

ARMY

MSG (NS) LEE YONG SOON

37

ARMY

2WO (NS) KOH VINCENT

37

ARMY

SSG (NS) ARNO BIN IMAN

36

ARMY

CPT(NS) POH SEK KHIM

34

NAVY

 

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FACT SHEET (ARMS)

 

ARMY MUSEUM OF SINGAPORE

Background

The Army Museum of Singapore (ARMS) is established as part of RECORD IV’s recommendation to preserve the Army’s heritage and honour the contributions of our soldiers and their experiences.


ARMS Building and surrounding exhibits


Rising from the ground in a sweeping arc and anchored by 3 rock-like structures, the architecture of the museum reflects the Army’s quest for progress while being anchored to its mission, values and people. The intimate interplay of the building and nature also symbolises the Army’s affinity with the land. This simple but unique design serves as the opening exhibit to excite and intrigue visitors.

Surrounding the ARMS are static displays of decommissioned equipment such as the V2000 - Armoured Personal Carrier (APC) and M68 – howitzer.  These and the thematic sculptures provide good photo opportunities for visitors. In addition, a miniaturized version of the Standard Obstacle Course enables visitors to enjoy fun family moments as servicemen relive their past while overcoming obstacles in the present. Outside the café, a Children’s Tile Art Corner displays some of our children’s impressions of our Army, while a large satellite map of Singapore allows visitors to locate and identify their homes.


ARMS Galleries


The ARMS, designed as a story-centric museum, chronicles our Army's development from the early years to the present day, in six galleries. It also showcases the stories of servicemen, along with their friends and families.

 

Orientation Gallery

 

This first gallery orientates visitors to the museum and the Army’s Mission.

Highlights:

l  “Steel of our Army, Mettle of our People” - This wall is clad with steel tiles, fabricated from smelted SM1 tanks, and embossed with the Army’s mission, fabricated from smelted cartridges. It symbolises ARMS’s connection with the past whilst underlining the enduring core of our mission.

 

l  “Platoon of Screens” – A short video clip will be projected on 40 screens to depict 40 disparate individuals coming together for National Service (NS) and ultimately forming into a single image of a cohesive platoon welcome the visitors at the entrance. The screens also portray different facets of the respective Formations as an integrated and combined arms Army.

 

“Birth of Our Army” Gallery

This gallery highlights the challenges that Singapore faced following her independence. It also shows our appreciation to the pioneering leaders and servicemen for their vision, courage and determined efforts to overcome the challenges facing Singapore in the early years.

 

Highlights:

·         An overturned bus serves as a mood piece, immersing visitors in the social chaos and instability of the 60s.

 

·         A replica of the first MID office, together with the original Singapore Army Act and NS (Amendment) Bill, and stories of our pioneering servicemen.

 

·         A timeline wall, chronicles the evolution of our Army in the areas of capability development, training, operations and National Service.

 

“Making of a Soldier” Gallery

This gallery features the making of a citizen soldier and common experiences such as Basic Military Training (BMT), overseas training and duties that make the Army and NS  an integral part of our nation’s social fabric.


Highlights:

·         A mock-up of an original 1970s Pulau Tekong BMT Bunk.

 

·         A turnstile displays overseas training and Army duties.

·         A replica of the old CMPB (Blk 17) in Tanglin camp.

 

“Our Army Today” Gallery

This gallery reflects the operational readiness of our Army and the resolve of our soldiers to defend our country through training and operational successes over the years.


Highlights:

 

·         The Individual Marksmanship Trainer – An interactive shooting game which enables visitors to relive their marksmanship training and impart the fundamentals of shooting to their children.

 

·         The different operations which have involved the Army,  including Hotel New World, Operation Flying Eagle (OFE) and other Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations locally and overseas.

 

·         SQ117 docu-drama reenacting the anti-hijack operation back in 1991.

 

“Creating Our Future” Gallery

This gallery demonstrates the army's future possibilities and encourages visitors to play an active role in shaping the future Army.

Highlights:

 

l  Future Soldier Hologram.

l  See-through Wall Radar - A technology demonstrator, simulating the effects of an actual radar.

l  Remote-controlled robot and Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) - A hands-on interactive display  where visitors can manoeuvre a miniaturised robot or UAV in a diorama.

l  LAN gaming/virtual simulation - A first-person perspective game, with futuristic platforms, which gives visitors a sense of how future battles can be fought.

“Our People” Gallery

This gallery depicts National Service as a shared experience that binds Singaporeans and transcends all generations.

 

Highlights:

l  “After the Rain” - A short film directed by Roystan Tan poignantly portrays how National Service binds Singaporeans and transcends all generations.

 

l  NS Connection Database -An electronic database which allows visitors to retrieve unit or course photographs taken during their years in service.

 

ARMS Object Theatre

From 1st Generation to 2nd Generation

Visitors can experience Singapore's only object theatre that integrates static displays of Army assets, such as the SM1 tanks, FH88 39-calibre 155mm guns and UH-1H helicopters with the sounds of whizzing shells and the smell of gun powder, simulating a battlefield environment.

This gallery depicts National Service as a shared experience that binds Singaporeans and transcends all generations.


General Information

ARMS will be opened from 10am to 6pm, every Tuesday to Sunday. All National Servicemen will enjoy lifetime free entry in recognition of their contributions and sacrifices for Singapore.  To commemorate 40 years of National Service, all other visitors will also enjoy free admission until December 2007. An admission fee will be charged from December 2007 onwards, and further ticketing details will be announced later.


Five “Must do” activities at the ARMS

 

  • From 1st Generation to 2nd Generation - With sight, sound and special effects, this special show highlights the Army’s combined arms capabilities and allows both past and present servicemen to better appreciate their roles in the larger Army.
  • Individual Marksmanship Trainer – Gives a first-hand experience of what it is like to handle and fire a real rifle in a simulated but realistic setting. Fathers can also ‘impart’ shooting fundamentals to their kids, while reminiscing about their own marksmanship training.
  • “Making of a Soldier “ Gallery - This gallery conveys  how NS is a part of our social fabric and an uniquely Singaporean experience. It also provides a journey down memory lane, enabling servicemen to relive their own soldiering experiences.
  • “Our Army Today” Gallery - This gallery demonstrates the Army's high state of operational readiness and firm resolve to defend Singapore, showcasing our training and operational successes over the years.
  • Equipment Display / Thematic Sculptures - A static display of decommissioned equipment and a series of thematic sculptures provide excellent photo opportunities.

 

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