[2017] Year-long Campaign marks 50 years of National Service
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To recognise and thank the more than one million men who would have enlisted for National Service (NS) since it started in 1967, all past and present national servicemen will receive S$100 vouchers as part of a year-long campaign to commemorate the milestone.
In addition, NSmen who are currently serving or have completed their operationally ready national service will get a year’s membership at either Safra or HomeTeamNS, depending on their service.
Kicking off the celebrations for NS50 on Tuesday (Feb 7), the Defence Ministry (Mindef) and Home Affairs Ministry (MHA) jointly announced the gift of the vouchers and club memberships as part of the NS50 Recognition Package, which will be mailed to the servicemen’s official addresses. Full details, including registration process and list of participating merchants, will be made available by June.
Themed “From My Generation to Yours”, the NS50 campaign also highlights the importance of Singaporeans’ continued support of NS by passing the duty from one generation to the next.
The line-up of activities throughout the year include the NS50 Showcase, an experiential exhibition on the 50-year evolution of NS, to be held from May 24 to 29 at the F1 Pit Building. Part of the showcase will be making its way into the heartlands in June.
An NS50 Week, held from Aug 1 to 10, will feature a series of community engagement events like a NS50-themed picnic, and there will be a NS50 Dinner Reception to be held in the second half of the year . More details will be made known closer to the period of time.
For more information on NS50 celebration and activities, the public is encouraged to visit the NS50 website at NS50.sg.
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Announced earlier today by Ministry of Defence, eligible past and present National Servicemen (NSFs and NSmen) will be getting NS50 Recognition Packages this year to thank them for their service and contribution to the nation.
The NS50 Recognition Package will contain $100 worth of NS50 Vouchers which can be used to extend membership at NS associations or to make purchases at over 5,000 participating merchants islandwide. More details will be disclosed later this year.
Operationally Ready National Servicemen (NSmen) will additionally enjoy a complimentary one-year SAFRA/HomeTeam NS membership.
NSFs that enlist within the 2017 window ending mid-October will also be given the NS50 Recognition Package after their enlistment.
A notification letter containing more instructions on how to register for the NS50 Recognition Package will be sent to the person’s official address on the NRIC.
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SAFRA's appointed email marketing service provider is Memberson Pte Ltd ([email protected]), and they are working closely with SAFRA on SAFRA related electronic marketing direct mailers, including information on the NS50 recognition package. Should members receive any form of marketing messages from other sites, we strongly urge you to exercise care and contact SAFRA for clarifications if unsure. NS50 RECOGNITION PACKAGE
About NS50 Recognition Package
1. What is the NS50 Recognition Package?
In commemoration of 50 years of National Service (NS50), the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) and Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) have introduced the NS50 Recognition Package to thank past and present national servicemen for their contributions to defence.
All who have served NS or are serving NS in the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF), Singapore Police Force (SPF) and Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) will receive the NS50 Recognition Package.
Every national serviceman will receive $100 worth of vouchers which can be used to redeem lifestyle privileges. In addition, national servicemen who are currently serving or have served Operationally Ready National Service (ORNS) will be offered a year of complimentary SAFRA/ HomeTeamNS membership.
Eligibility
2. Who are eligible for the NS50 Recognition Package?
Eligibility for the NS50 Recognition Package will be based on national servicemen’s service status as at 1 January 2017.
Eligibility Benefits Full-time national servicemen (NSFs), including those in the 2017 enlistment window $100 worth of vouchers Past and present Operationally Ready National Servicemen (NSmen) $100 worth of vouchers and one year of SAFRA/ HomeTeamNS membership 3. I have served NS in both the SAF and SPF/ SCDF. Can I select which NS association complimentary 1-year membership to receive?
Eligible national servicemen will receive the complimentary 1-year NS association membership according to the service that they are posted to as at 1 January 2017 and these are non-exchangeable.
When & How Do I Receive The Benefits
4. When will eligible national servicemen receive the NS50 Recognition Package?
More details will be provided in the coming months on when the NS50 Recognition Package will be administered.
a) Existing SAFRA Members
To offer greater convenience for those who are or were existing SAFRA members from 1 January 2017 onwards, their NS50 Recognition Package will automatically be mailed to their preferred local mailing address registered with SAFRA. Existing SAFRA members are reminded to update their preferred local mailing address in mySAFRA account by 28 February 2017.
Once administered, the 1-year complimentary SAFRA membership will automatically be extended to existing members’ ongoing membership term. A new SAFRA membership card will be issued to eligible SAF national servicemen, except for existing SAFRA DBS Credit/ Debit Cardholders.
b) SAF Full-time National Servicemen (NSFs) who are Non-SAFRA members
For NSFs who are not SAFRA members, their NS50 Recognition Package will also automatically be mailed to their official address displayed on their NRIC. For those who enlist within the 2017 enlistment window, this will be done after their enlistment.
c) SAF NSmen who are Non-SAFRA Members
For those who are serving or have served ORNS, they will receive a notification letter at their official address displayed on their NRIC with instructions on how to register for the NS50 Recognition Package through a dedicated online portal or by mailing in a duly completed form which will be included.
Once the registration process has been completed, they will receive the NS50 Recognition Package via mail within 4 to 8 weeks to their address provided at registration. The registration process will be open until 30 June 2018.
5. Why is there a need for registration process for SAF NSmen who are non-SAFRA members?
The registration process ensures that eligible SAF national servicemen confirm their preferred local mailing address and other pertinent details before the NS50 Recognition Package is mailed to them. This ensures that the benefits reach the intended recipient and are administered accurately.
6. Can I use an overseas address if I am not in Singapore?
The notification letter and NS50 Recognition Package will not be mailed to overseas addresses as the benefits are non-transferrable and its usage is limited within Singapore.
1-Year Complimentary SAFRA Membership
7. What can I enjoy with SAFRA membership?
SAFRA members enjoy a host of lifestyle benefits including:
- Access to six distinctive clubs conveniently located at Jurong, Mount Faber, Punggol, Tampines, Toa Payoh and Yishun.
- Special rates at SAFRA-organised activities and interest groups.
- Special privileges and discounts at up to over 1,800 partnering merchant outlets island-wide on a wide variety of products and services.
Visit www.safra.sg for more information.
8. Can I get the 1-year complimentary SAFRA membership earlier since my existing membership is expiring in 2017?
As part of the NS50 Recognition Package, the earliest validity date of the 1-year complimentary SAFRA membership is tied to the start date of the initiative, which will be announced shortly.
Existing SAFRA members whose memberships are expiring in 2017 may wish to wait for the package or extend their membership based on prevailing rates to continue to enjoy SAFRA privileges in the interim. Once administered, the 1-year complimentary SAFRA membership will be added on to any ongoing membership term.
9. Why should I sign up or renew my SAFRA membership now since I may be eligible for the 1-year complimentary SAFRA membership?
From time to time, SAFRA offers attractive membership promotions for those who sign up or renew their membership. Visitwww.safra.sg/promo to see the latest offers.
10. As part of the 1-year complimentary SAFRA membership, can I apply for the SAFRA DBS Credit/ Debit cards?
Interested SAF national servicemen may apply for the SAFRA DBS Credit/ Debit card once they have received their SAFRA membership card, or the next day after they have registered for their complimentary membership via the dedicated online portal. SAFRA DBS Credit/ Debit Cardholders can earn up to 2-3% cash rebates on all purchases (via MasterCard Contactless or online payments). Visit www.safra.sg/dbs for more information about application and the full list of benefits.
11. Can I transfer my 1-year complimentary SAFRA membership to my family member? Can I exchange it for cash?
The NS50 Recognition Package is non-transferrable and non-exchangeable for cash.
12. Can I get a refund for my existing SAFRA membership since I am getting complimentary 1-year membership?
There will be no refund provided for existing SAFRA membership. Once administered, the 1-year complimentary SAFRA membership will be added on to any ongoing membership term.
NS50 Vouchers
13. Where can I use the NS50 vouchers?
The NS50 vouchers can be redeemed for additional years of membership at the respective NS associations and at more than 5,000 participating merchant outlets island-wide for a wide variety of goods and services. More details will be announced in the coming months.
14. What is the validity period of the NS50 vouchers?
The NS50 vouchers are valid till 31 December 2018.
15. Can I transfer my NS50 vouchers to my family member? Can I exchange them for cash?
The NS50 Recognition Package is non-transferrable and non-exchangeable for cash.
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Factsheet: 50 Years of National Service: From My Generation To Yours
We commemorate 50 years of National Service (NS50) in 2017. For 50 years, NS has fulfilled Singapore's critical need for defence and security, and provided the peace and stability upon which we have built our country. NS50 is thus an important milestone in Singapore's nation-building journey, and an opportune time for us to recognise the contributions of past and present national servicemen.
The theme for NS50 is "From My Generation To Yours". In 2017, more than one million would have enlisted for National Service. As we commemorate NS50, we want to thank the generations of national servicemen who have served with dedication and pride. Singaporeans' continued support for NS is also critical in enabling this duty to be passed down from one generation to the next. The NS50 logo thus depicts two generations of national servicemen saluting.
A Year-Long Commemoration and Celebration
Singaporeans can look forward to the following in 2017:
Feb 2017
- Opening of NS Gallery
- Chingay Parade
May 2017
- Army Open House/ NS50 Showcase
Jun 2017
- NS50 Showcase
Jul 2017
- NS50 Recognition Campaign
- SAF Day
Aug 2017
- NS50 Week
- NS50 Recognition Campaign
- National Day Celebrations
Other Commemorative Initiatives
- NS50 Recognition Package (details available by Jun 2017)
- NS50 Dinner Reception (second half of 2017)
- Community outreach initiatives, e.g., father-child NS themed camp, engagement programmes for educational institutions (Mar 2017 onwards)
- Online activities through NS50.sg, MINDEF/SAF & MHA/Home Team social media channels (Feb 2017 onwards)a) NS50 Showcase. In conjunction with the Army Open House, an NS50 Showcase will be held at the F1 Pit Building from 24-29 May 2017. The Showcase is open to the public and will be an experiential exhibition where visitors can learn about the evolution of NS through the past 50 years, as well as achievements of our national servicemen in defending and safeguarding Singapore. Parts of the Showcase will travel to Punggol (2-4 June 2017) and Jurong East (9-11 June 2017).
b) NS50 Week. Spanning 1-10 August 2017, NS50 Week will be a time for everyone to show support for NS. The month of August bears historical significance as it marks the enlistment of the first batch of full-time national servicemen in 1967 and their subsequent entry into the Reserve.There will be a series of community engagement events throughout NS50 Week. This includes various ground-up activities organised by the Advisory Council on Community Relations in Defence (ACCORD) , such as an NS50 themed picnic in partnership with Families for Life. Singapore Discovery Centre will also organise bus tours to sites of NS significance such as the SAFTI Military Institute and Pasir Laba Camp. To encourage public demonstrations of support for NS, ACCORD is reaching out to employers and the community to put out appreciation messages for our national servicemen during NS50 Week. More details on the NS50 Week will be made available at a later date.
c) NS50 Recognition Campaign. As part of the NS50 Recognition Campaign starting from SAF Day on 1 July 2017 to the end of NS50 Week on 10 August 2017, businesses and organisations will be providing national servicemen with discounts and benefits. They will also publicly declare their support for NS and national servicemen through pledge ceremonies.
d) NS50 Recognition Package. To thank national servicemen for their contributions to Singapore's defence, MINDEF and MHA will be giving every past and present national serviceman an NS50 Recognition Package containing $100 worth of vouchers. This includes those who enlist in the 2017 enlistment cohort. In addition, national servicemen who are currently serving or have served Operationally Ready National Service (ORNS) will be offered a year of SAFRA/HomeTeamNS membership. For more information, please see Annex A.
e) NS50 Dinner Reception. National servicemen, their families and employers, and companies who have shown strong support for NS over the past 50 years will also be recognised at the NS50 Dinner Reception later in the year.
f) Other Commemorative Initiatives. There will be a range of initiatives reaching out to the wider community, such as a father-child NS themed camp and engagement programmes for educational institutions. The theme of NS50 will also be woven into various events throughout the year, including the Chingay Parade, SAF Day and National Day celebrations.
g) Online engagement. To reach out to NSmen and more, NS50 commemorative efforts will also be held online, primarily through the NS50 portal (NS50.sg). Key highlights include an online campaign where Singaporeans will be invited to help build a photo montage representing the nation's support of our national servicemen, as well as an online music album featuring specially-composed NS-related songs by various local celebrities and the SAF Music and Drama Company, which will be made available free. MINDEF will also release a series of NS50 videos in mid-2017 on the cyberpioneerTV YouTube channel and cyberpioneer Facebook, where national servicemen past and present, their families, and the wider community share their thoughts on National Service. MHA will also release a web-series on Home Team national servicemen from February 2017.
For more information on NS50, visit NS50.sg. Individuals, companies or organisations that are keen to contribute to the NS50 commemorative efforts are welcome to contact us at [email protected].
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Spend your NS50 vouchers at over 6,000 outlets
National servicemen have over 6,000 outlets to spend their S$100 NS50 recognition vouchers, the Defence Ministry (Mindef) announced on Thursday (May 18).
Besides the likes of supermarkets like Giant, and restaurants like Jack's Place, Singapore Airlines and ezbuy are among the merchants who accept the vouchers. The list of merchants span the food and beverage, shopping and lifestyle, IT and telco, travel and leisure, as well as entertainment sectors.
The vouchers are part of a recognition package to mark 50 years of National Service (NS50).
Besides the vouchers, the package includes one year complimentary SAFRA or HomeTeamNS membership for full-time national servicemen (NSF) who are serving or have served operationally ready NS (NSmen), and a complimentary five-year PAssion Card membership.
The distribution to more than one million former and current national servicemen will be conducted in phases starting from mid-May, Mindef said.
(Click to enlarge. Image: Ministry of Defence)
NSFs and NSmen who are existing SAFRA or HomeTeamNS members will receive their packages by mail, while non-members will receive notification letters with registration information from late-July.
Eligible men will have up to June next to register for their recognition package, and the vouchers are valid for use till Dec 31 next year.
Details of the participating merchants can be found at http://www.mindef.gov.sg/NS50/merchantlist.html, http://www.safra.sg/ns50faq and http://www.hometeamns.sg/aboutns50/#perks.
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NS50 PROMOTIONS
(Retailers' appreciation for our national servicemen)
As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of National Service (NS), we thank you for being part of the one million who have served or are serving NS today. You have contributed to a strong national defence force, ensuring over 50 years of peace and security for Singapore. Your continued support for NS will secure our home for the future.
In recognition of your service and contributions, we have prepared a range of special benefits and privileges for you and your family members. This is in partnership with a group of supportive merchants starting from 30 Jun 2017 to 10 Aug 2017. Simply show your 11B at outlets bearing the “Thank you for your service” decal to enjoy the offers.
Do visit https://spotns50.spotnwin.asia/Promotion for the latest offers and privileges.
For organisations or merchants who would like to partner us on this, please do.
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Opportunists selling $269 limited edition NS50 watches for up to $2,699.99 online
To celebrate Singapore's 50th year of National Service, or NS50, Casio released a special edition G-Shock with its popular GX-56BB model sporting an army-inspired design.
The watch sported the GX-56BB's classic face but with a "pixelised camouflage print" strap.
The watch was officially released at G-Factory outlets across Singapore on Friday for morning and were quickly snapped up.
The retail price was $269.
Many were left disappointed at how quickly the watches flew off the shelves but for those thinking they can turn to online marketplaces, be prepared for a steep price hike.
Stomp checked online marketplace Carousell for the elusive watches and found 16 sellers had put it on offer.
One seller had marked up the watch to $2,699.99.
Most of the others were selling the watch for around $350 while the rest had placed the price at $0 to get potential buyers to make a bid.
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Thank you for registering your interest with us. For eligible SAF national servicemen, please wait for your notification letters to register for the NS50 Recognition Package. If you are a SPF or SCDF NSman, please register for your NS50 Recognition Package through HomeTeamNS instead.
https://ns50.safra.sg/web/opt-in/opt-in -
Singapore commemorates 50 years of National Service (NS50) this year.
PAssion Card is delighted to celebrate this milestone with all NSmen who have made immense contributions in keeping the peace and stability in our country. To express our appreciation to all NSmen for their contributions, we would be offering to those eligible a complimentary commemorative NS50 PAssion EZ-Link Card that comes with a free 5-year membership!
Here are some of the exclusive privileges and benefits* that our members enjoy/earn:
- Discounts on courses and activities at all Community Clubs (CCs) and other PA outlets, and at over 1,000 PAssion Merchants outlets
- TapForMore points at Cold Storage, Giant and Guardian Health & Beauty Stores
- 50% more STAR$® when they shop at participating CapitaLand Malls
- National Library Board Partner Membership for 5 years
- Convenience of e-payment at over 10,000 transaction points
- Ease of EZ-Link card top up at all CCs
All eligible NSmen will receive an invitation letter to sign up for the commemorative card. For those who wish to register for the card, all you need to do is to follow the instructions stated in the invitation letter.
We look forward to welcoming you as our PAssion Card Member and seeing you and your family at our community activities.
*Terms and conditions apply
Complimentary PAssion Card Membership in Commemoration of NS50
for Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) National Servicemen / Home Team National Servicemen
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)- What is the Commemorative NS50 PAssion Card?
As Singapore commemorates 50 years of National Service, the People’s Association would like to take this opportunity to express appreciation for the National Servicemen who have made immense contributions in keeping the peace and stability in our country.
The Commemorative NS50 PAssion Card is free for past and present National Servicemen. They include full-time National Servicemen (NSFs), Operationally Ready National Servicemen (NSmen) including past National Servicemen who have phased into MINDEF/MHA Reserve (previously known as ‘R.O.D’).
An invitation card for the Free Commemorative NS50 PAssion Card will be enclosed in the NS50 Recognition Package with application instructions. - What are the benefits of the Commemorative NS50 PAssion Card?
With the NS50 PAssion Card, members will enjoy privileges and benefits at all Community Clubs and PA Water-Venture Outlets. Members can also enjoy exclusive privileges and discounts at more than 1,000 PAssion Merchant outlets.
In summary, members:
- Enjoy Members’ Rates and privileges at all CCs;
- Enjoy further 2% off Members’ Rates if payment is via the ez-link function of the PAssion Card for CC courses/ activities;
- Enjoy discounts at other PA outlets like PA Water-Venture Outlets, The WEARHouse (PA’s costumes rental service), PA concerts, Chingay Parade Singapore as well as other activities and facilities under PA;
- Enjoy discounts and privileges at over 1,000 PAssion Merchant outlets recruited by PA;
- Earn TapForMore points at participating retail banners under Dairy Farm Singapore such as Cold Storage, Giant and Guardian Health & Beauty stores
- Enjoy complimentary 5-year National Library Board (NLB) Partner Membership (Applicable to Singaporeans and PRs only); and
- Earn 50% more STAR$® exclusively at participating CapitaLand Malls
- How do I apply for the Commemorative NS50 PAssion Card?
Instructions to apply for the Commemorative NS50 PAssion Card will be included in the NS50 Recognition Package that will be sent to you. Once you have received your NS50 Recognition Package, kindly follow the instructions to apply for your card. - Is there a stored value in the Commemorative NS50 PAssion Card?
The Commemorative NS50 PAssion Card does not contain any stored value. - I am an existing PAssion Card holder. What will happen to my PAssion Card and the status of my TapForMore points when I receive my Commemorative NS50 PAssion Card?
You can continue to use your existing PAssion Card(s) as it can co-exist with your Commemorative NS50 PAssion Card. You can also continue to earn and redeem TapForMore (TFM) points on the respective PAssion Cards.
However, you will not be able to transfer TFM points from your existing PAssion Card(s) to the Commemorative NS50 PAssion Card nor combine the TFM points earned from the various PAssion Cards. The TFM points earned are kept separately in each card that you have. - Who can I contact should I have further queries?
For more details on the NS50 Recognition Package;
If you are a SAF National Serviceman, please call the SAFRA NS50 Contact Centre at 1800-250-5050 during operating hours or email to [email protected].
If you are a Home Team National Serviceman, please call 1800-350-5050 during operating hours or email to [email protected].
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Some public officers who served NS get extra day off to mark NS50 http://bit.ly/2v3B3qZ
