Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen said the government is reviewing policies to help Singaporeans serving National Service feel more appreciated. He said said it is important for citizens to feel they have benefited from the sacrifice of protecting the nation.
He was speaking to reporters during the Total Defence Day ceremony on Friday. Total Defence Day is commemorated on 15 February as it marks the day Singapore fell to the Japanese in 1942.
Dr Ng also reiterated that foreigners who are not prepared to do National Service should not become permanent residents (PRs).
He said: "If you are not prepared to do national service, don’t become a PR. It’s a very clear message because in our system, if you don’t fulfil your NS liabilities, you just can’t pay a fine. The penalties are very severe and it’s way beyond monetary penalties."
He added that the penalties for PRs who do not fulfil their National Service obligations cannot be monetised.
Dr Ng was responding to MP for Bishan—Toa Payoh GRC Hri Kumar Nair’s proposal of imposing an annual national defence tax on permanent residents and foreigners.
He said: "We are really looking at what are some of our policies that we can help Singaporeans feel that when they do NS, they are being appreciated. Two, that there is some tangible benefits in terms of what they have benefiting.
"So, we are re—looking that, and we have heard Singaporeans loud and clear, and we want to respond to that in positive ways in the course of the next few months."
On Wednesday, Mr Nair had suggested that the "national defence duty" is to sharpen the distinction between Singaporeans and non—citizens.
ya, wen only u r in the army , after tat they dump u
i m 1
Look out for your NS45 eligibility letters in the mail from now till Apr 13.
You’ll get to enjoy shopping, F&B, IT/gadgets and travel benefits at 5,000 outlets islandwide!
(Registration for NS45 vouchers ends 28 Feb 14; vouchers are valid until 30 Mar 14)
As a one-off recognition initiative to thank National Servicemen for their dedicated service to the nation, SAFRA vouchers and/or FREE 1-year SAFRA membership will be given.
*SAFRA members do not need to register, your benefits will be sent to you automatically via post.
For NSmen in SAF/ RSAF/ RSN: http://ns45.safra.sg/
For NSmen in SPF/ SCDF: http://www.hometeamns45.sg/
NS45 SAFRA Benefits
In celebration of the 45th anniversary of National Service (NS), MINDEF will be giving National Servicemen the opportunity to enjoy SAFRA Benefits with their families.
As a broad-based and inclusive initiative, all who have served NS or are serving NS will benefit from this. Every National Serviceman will receive $50 to $100 worth of SAFRA vouchers, which can be used to redeem lifestyle privileges.
In addition, National Servicemen who are currently serving Operationally Ready National Service (ORNS), or who have completed their ORNS training cycle in full, will also be offered a year's free SAFRA membership. We hope that more National Servicemen and their families will be able to enjoy the subsidised facilities and privileges offered by SAFRA.
General Questions
What are the NS45 SAFRA Benefits?
NS45 SAFRA Benefits is a one-off recognition initiative offered by MINDEF to thank National Servicemen for their contributions to defence, as part of NS45. The Benefits consist of vouchers for all national servicemen, and an offer of a year’s free SAFRA membership for eligible groups of NSmen.
How many National Servicemen will benefit from the NS45 SAFRA Benefits?
This is a broad-based and inclusive initiative. More than 900,000 National Servicemen will benefit from the NS45 SAFRA Benefits. All who have served NS or are serving NS will benefit from this.
When will I receive my free SAFRA membership and vouchers, and what are the validity periods for these Benefits?
National Servicemen will receive a letter of notification by post informing them of their eligibility for these benefits between January 2013 and April 2013. They will be requested to confirm their address before we send them the vouchers. National Servicemen who are offered a year's free SAFRA membership will be sent their membership card, if they accept the offer. The tenure of the free membership will be from 1 Apr 2013 (or the date of application, whichever is later) to 31 Mar 2014.
For National Servicemen that meet the eligibility criteria and are not existing members of SAFRA, the free membership will be valid from April 2013 to March 2014, if they apply.
For National Serviceman that meet the eligibility criteria and are existing members of SAFRA, they will have their memberships automatically extended by an additional year from their original subscription date. [They need not pay membership fees from April 2013 to March 2014.]
What are these SAFRA vouchers?
SAFRA vouchers can be redeemed for extended membership, food and beverage or lifestyle services. Please refer to ns45safra.sg for more information on SAFRA's offerings.
Is Operationally Ready National Service (ORNS) the same as Reservist Training?
Yes. ORNS was previously known as Reservist Training.
Usage of Membership and Vouchers
Can I exchange my SAFRA membership and SAFRA vouchers for cash instead?
No. The SAFRA membership and vouchers cannot be exchanged for cash.
Are the free SAFRA membership and SAFRA vouchers transferable?
No, the free membership and SAFRA vouchers should be redeemed by our servicemen, so as not to dilute the original intent of this recognition measure. Proof of identity will need to be provided when using the vouchers, which are unique to each individual.
Can I obtain a refund for the SAFRA membership which I have signed up earlier?
No, refund for existing membership will not be provided. If you are an existing member, your membership will be extended by another year from your original subscription end date.
Will I be able to use the SAFRA vouchers if I choose not to apply for the free membership?
Yes.
Do I get a new membership card when I apply for the free membership?
Non-members will receive a new membership card with the new expiry date upon application. Existing members will receive a new membership card, with extended validity. Meanwhile, existing members can continue to use their current membership card.
How do I apply for the SAFRA membership?
SAFRA members
For your convenience, the vouchers will be sent to your mailing address. If you are eligible for the free SAFRA membership, you will receive the new membership card together with the vouchers.
SAFRA non-members
For redeem the free SAFRA vouchers and membership (if applicable), kindly log in at ns45safra.sg to verify your details. Upon confirmation, the SAFRA vouchers and membership card (if applicable) will be sent to your mailing address. Alternatively, you can visit any SAFRA clubhouse to redeem your Benefits.
If I apply for the SAFRA membership after 1 Apr 2013, do I still get one full year of free membership?
The free membership will commence from 1 Apr 2013 and last till 31 Mar 2014, regardless of the application date.
(a) Can I use SAFRA vouchers at HomeTeamNS clubhouses?
Yes, you may use SAFRA vouchers at HomeTeamNS Clubhouses and redemption of the vouchers needs to be done over the customer service counter. Do check with the customer service counter on its usage upon redemption of the vouchers.
(b) Can I use HomeTeamNS vouchers at SAFRA clubhouses?
Yes, you may use HomeTeamNS vouchers at SAFRA clubhouses and redemption of the vouchers can be done over the respective facility’s customer service counter. Do check with the customer service counter on its usage upon redemption of the vouchers.
Contact for Information, Feedback and Appeals
I did not receive the notification letter despite meeting the eligibility criteria. What do I do?
Please contact SAFRA at 1800-3775773 for enquiries.
Where can I find more information on NS45 SAFRA and HomeTeamNS Benefits Scheme?
More information on NS45 SAFRA Benefits Scheme is available on ns45safra.sg.
Who can I provide feedback to?
National Servicemen can provide feedback through the Contact Us page on ns45safra.sg.