From Straits times:
SINGAPORE'S national servicemen can look forward to a new year cash incentive as a 'thank you' gift from the Government.
Details of the incentives, which will apply to operationally ready national servicemen (NSmen) in the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF), police and civil defence, are expected to be sewn up early next year.
The proposed award has been timed to coincide with the SAF's 40th anniversary next year to give 'more to those who have built up the SAF to recognise their contributions'.
It will be part of a package of recommendations designed to make NSmen feel 'recognised', said Dr Ng Eng Hen, Minister for Manpower and Second Minister for Defence, yesterday. These include:
# Ways to reduce red tape when NSmen travel overseas for work or study;
# New facilities for Safra, a club for NSmen and their families, to make it more accessible; and
# Strengthening support for national service by allowing employers and NSmen's families to see training first-hand.
If approved by the Government, it will be the first time money has been given to NSmen as a perk for performing in-camp training.
It will complement existing incentives, under which NSmen get income tax breaks unavailable to those who have not served, monetary incentives of as much as $400 when they perform well in their annual fitness test, and a greater allocation of Economic Restructuring Shares.
Dr Ng explained that NSmen who serve in leadership positions will be eligible for larger cash payments, because they will be asked to shoulder greater responsibility as the SAF transforms itself into a high-tech 'third generation' (3G) fighting force.
'The 3G SAF will leverage off new technology, but basically you need leaders who can explain to the men, lead the men and help them use the technology,' he said.
'So it requires a change in leadership thinking and a change in management style, so more will be expected from the key appointment holders because each individual soldier will be asked to deliver more.'
Dr Ng heads the fourth Record committee, or Recognise the Contribution of Operationally Ready NSmen to Total Defence, which gets its feedback from NSmen, their employers and family members.
The first Record committee was created in 1990 to find ways to ensure NSmen's contributions to national defence were recognised. Since then, its members have been periodically changed. It now comprises 18 people, including MPs, NSmen, their spouses and employers.
Aerospace engineer Mike Yeo, 29, welcomed the proposed award: 'Any money is of course good. We're sacrificing our work and family life during national service, so the incentive will definitely be welcome.'
because of election again?
see how all the good news keep coming....
pls, whoever has the chance to vote, try doing it with your head, not your wallet.
hmmm..... hopefully i get it before mi ord.
