TOTAL DEFENCE AWARDS 2015

WE HONOUR YOUR OUTSTANDING SUPPORT FOR NATIONAL SERVICE 02 CONTENTS FOREWORD

2015 marks the Golden Jubilee of Singapore’s independence and FOREWORD 02 nation-building. Starting as a third-world country, we have grown into a city known for its modern economy and cosmopolitan society. All of these are achievements that we can be proud of. The peace and stability we have enjoyed over the past 50 years must never be ABOUT ACCORD 03 taken for granted.

The foundation of that peace and stability is Total Defence. Comprised of five pillars – Military, Civil, Economic, Social and Psychological – it is THE AWARD 04 now an integral part of our lives, shaping the way we handle challenges and crises, and rallying us together in periods of difficulty. Since 1967, National Service, a critical component of Military defence, has been NS ADVOCATE AWARD FOR SMEs 05-06 providing the stability and security that safeguards our sovereignty and protects our way of life.

The Total Defence Awards is the highest national accolade to honour NS ADVOCATE AWARD FOR LARGE COMPANIES 07-08 NS advocates who demonstrate strong and unwavering support for National Service and Total Defence.

This year’s revamped awards will honour 122 advocates who have NS ADVOCATE AWARD FOR ORGANISATIONS 09-10 demonstrated outstanding support for our National Servicemen in fulfilling their National Service duties and commitments. Tonight’s award

recipients include outstanding individuals, companies and organisations whose support have made a big difference to our servicemen. NS ADVOCATE AWARD FOR INDIVIDUALS 11-30

02 ABOUT ACCORD THE AWARD

As part of the Committee to Strengthen National Service (CSNS), Since 1986, the Total Defence Awards (TDA) has been the pinnacle the Advisory Council on Community Relations in Defence award given by the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) to recognise (ACCORD) was reorganised with three sub-councils to engender companies that have demonstrated strong support for Total Defence, greater public support for NS from employers, educational National Service (NS) and our National Servicemen. Since 1997, institutions, families and the community at large. the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has also recognised supportive employers through the Home Team National Service Awards The three sub-councils include the Employer and Business Council, for Employers. the Educational Institutions Council and the Family and Community Council. These councils are co-chaired by prominent This year, the TDA has been revamped to integrate both MINDEF and advocates from the business, education and social communities. MHA employers’ awards, as well as to broaden the recognition to include other National Service stakeholders like educational institutions, community groups and individuals. The revamped award, known as the NS Advocate Award, has four groups of recipients. They include the ACCORD (Main) NS Advocate Award for Individuals, the NS Advocate Award for Small & Medium Enterprises (SMEs), the NS Advocate Award for Chairman: Large Companies and the NS Advocate Award for Organisations. Mr Lui Tuck Yew Minister for Transport and Second Minister for Defence The NS Advocate Award for Individuals is a new award to recognise

Dy Chairman: and honour outstanding individuals who have gone the extra mile to Dr Mohamad Maliki Bin Osman support our National Servicemen in fulfilling their National Service duties Minister of State for Defence and commitments. These individuals include immediate superiors at and National Development work, community members, co-workers and family members of our National Servicemen.

The NS Advocate Award for SMEs, Large Companies and Organisations Employer & Educational Family & Business Council Institutions Council Community Council are corporate awards for recognising and honouring employers, educational institutions and community groups who have demonstrated excellent support for their National Servicemen and are strong Co-chaired by: Co-chaired by: Co-chaired by: Mr Lui Tuck Yew Dr Mohamad Maliki Dr Mohamad Maliki advocates of the National Service programme. & Bin Osman Bin Osman Mr Tony Chew & & Executive Chairman of Ms Indranee Rajah Ms Claire Chiang Asia Resource Corporation Senior Minister of State, Senior Vice-President Ministry of Law and of Banyan Tree Ministry of Education Holdings Limited

www.ACCORD.gov.sg

04 NS ADVOCATE AWARD FOR SMEs

3i Technologies Pte Ltd Loyal Reliance Pte Ltd Absolute Kinetics Consultancy Pte Ltd MJL Design and Build Pte Ltd Active Fire Protection Systems Pte Ltd Naumi Hotels Pte Ltd Aegis Building & Engineering Pte Ltd Netroworkz Pte Ltd All Industrial Manufacturing Pte Ltd Network Express Courier Services Pte Ltd Amos International (S) Pte Ltd PTC System (S) Pte Ltd Anewtech Systems Pte Ltd Reflect Trading Bits & Bytes Marketing Pte Ltd SECOM (Singapore) Pte Ltd Brand Finance Consultancy (Singapore) Pte Ltd Seng Choon Farm Pte Ltd BusAds Pte Ltd Sigma.3 Pte Ltd CA Safety Technology Pte Ltd Smile Inc.® Dental Surgeons Pte Ltd Chip Soon Aluminium Pte Ltd Sembcorp Marine Benoi Yard Chua Bros Transportation Pte Ltd SP Consulting (International) Pte Ltd CityCab Pte Ltd ST Electronics (Info-Security) Pte Ltd Concord Associates Pte Ltd Stamford Press Pte Ltd Digistore Solutions (S) Pte Ltd STELCOMMS Pte Ltd eLC Pte Ltd Sun City Maintenance Pte Ltd E-Tech Building Services Pte Ltd Suntec Singapore Convention Framework Building Products Pte Ltd & Exhibition Centre Fredrik Marine IT Services Pte Ltd Thatz International Pte Ltd Gan Hup Lee (1999) Pte Ltd Top Advertising Pte Ltd Gauging & Automation Pte Ltd United BMEC Pte Ltd Goodrich Global Pte Ltd Vismark Food Industries Pte Ltd Hiap Shing Shipping Pte Ltd Walton International Group (S) Pte Ltd Hin Leong Tank Truck Transport Pte Ltd Watt Wah Petroleum Haulage Pte Ltd Hitachi Critical Facilities Protection Pte Ltd WK Forwarders Pte Ltd Hong Lip Engineering Works Pte Ltd Yuan Xing Foodstuff Industry Pte Ltd

06 NS ADVOCATE AWARD FOR LARGE COMPANIES

Bok Seng Logistics Pte Ltd New West Coast Marine Pte Ltd Cargill International Trading Pte Ltd PropNex Realty Pte Ltd Certis CISCO Security Pte Ltd PSA Corporation Limited Changi Airport Group (Singapore) Pte Ltd Resorts World at Sentosa Pte Ltd City Developments Limited Sakae Holdings Ltd Comfort Transportation Pte Ltd SATS Ltd Dairy Farm Singapore Singapore Airlines Ltd DBS Bank Ltd Singapore General Hospital Focus Network Agencies (Singapore) Pte Ltd Singapore Power Group Keppel Corporation Limited Singapore Press Holdings Ltd Keppel Shipyard Limited Singapore Technologies Kinetics Ltd KH Security Agency Pte Ltd Sodexo Singapore Pte Ltd Koh Brothers Building & ST Aerospace Engineering Pte Ltd Civil Engineering Contractor (Pte) Ltd ST Logistics Pte Ltd Langdon & Seah Singapore Pte Ltd ST Synthesis Pte Ltd Leeden National Oxygen Ltd Wee Guan Construction Pte Ltd Lucky Joint Construction Pte Ltd Ya Kun International Pte Ltd National University Hospital

08 NS ADVOCATE AWARD FOR ORGANISATIONS

Building and Construction Authority Monetary Authority of Singapore Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore Nan Chiau High School Clementi Town Secondary School New Zealand Defence Support Unit - Installations Auxiliary Police Force Defence Science and Technology Agency NTUC Fairprice Co-operative Limited Evergreen Secondary School People’s Association Families For Life Council PUB, Singapore’s National Water Agency Housing and Development Board SAFRA National Service Association Huamin Primary School Singapore Discovery Centre Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore State Courts Institute of Southeast Asian Studies Supreme Court Institute of Technical Education Temasek Polytechnic JTC Corporation Yayasan MENDAKI Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore

10 “Without National Service, I feel that there would NS ADVOCATE AWARD be chaos and instability. FOR INDIVIDUALS Therefore, National Service is vital in securing our future.”

Mr Taher Bokhtier Director, Operations Management, Yamato Technologies Pte Ltd

Mr Taher Bokhtier is a first-generation Permanent Resident turned Singapore citizen. Born and brought up in Bangladesh, Mr Taher has experienced social unrest and values the peace and security that Singapore enjoys through the institution of National Service.

As the business partner of Captain (NS) Tay Beng Boon, Mr Taher supports CPT (NS) Tay’s National Service commitments both in words and action.

Being a relatively young and small start-up, the absence of his business partner and his employees for In-Camp Training is keenly felt. Yet whenever CPT (NS) Tay is away on ICT, Mr Taher will take over his projects, on top of his own heavy workload.

In addition, Mr Taher also organises daily physical workouts, early medical check-ups and proper diet and lifestyle sessions for his National Servicemen employees to keep them fit and healthy. Mr Taher believes this is his small way to recognise the sacrifices of his National Service employees and the company’s shared contribution to supporting Total Defence in Singapore.

12 “I’m a strong advocate for our National Servicemen NS ADVOCATE AWARD as this gives me the FOR INDIVIDUALS peace of mind to know that our country’s security is safeguarded.” Mr Chiu Wu Hong Executive Director, Tax, KPMG Services Pte Ltd

Mr Chiu Wu Hong’s support for National Service has been nothing short of exceptional. He is the immediate supervisor of Lieutenant (NS) Ho Kah Chuan. Over the past five years, LTA (NS) Ho was able to attend all of his In-Camp Training (ICT) sessions without deferment, despite the demands of the project requirements and deadlines. Mr Chiu readily and wholeheartedly supported all of LTA (NS) Ho’s previous National Service obligations.

When LTA (NS) Ho was away for ICT, Mr Chiu not only supervised some of the projects but he also negotiated with clients for deadline extensions so that LTA (NS) Ho could complete his ICT without worry.

Mr Chiu’s generous support extends to other National Servicemen in the company. For example, he personally facilitated a change in the dates of a company exchange programme so that another National Serviceman in the company would not have to defer his ICT to attend the programme.

Mr Chiu feels strongly that Singapore’s progress is only possible with strong defence. He recognises the importance of ICT for National Servicemen and often reminds them that they “are going to serve the nation and protect us all”.

14 “National Service not only secures our country’s future, but it has NS ADVOCATE AWARD changed my brother to become FOR INDIVIDUALS more independent and responsible as an individual.”

Ms Goh Lay Choo HR Executive, People’s Association

Ms Goh Lay Choo is the sister of Special Constable (NS) Goh Hai Ping. When SC (NS) Goh was called up for National Service, Ms Goh shelved her plans for university studies and became the sole breadwinner for the family. This allowed SC (NS) Goh to serve his National Service duties without worrying about his family’s finances.

During SC (NS) Goh’s NS days, Ms Goh also took care of their father who needed constant medical attention. She undertook both the emotional and financial responsibilities for the family. Her loving care for their father allowed SC (NS) Goh to concentrate on his training.

Even when SC (NS) Goh was home, Ms Goh would constantly remind him of his schedule to ensure that he would not report late for his duties. SC (NS) Goh believes that his sister’s sacrifice and support were crucial to enable him to complete his two-year full-time National Service with the Singapore Police Force. His commitment to serve was made possible by her selfless dedication to their family.

16 “National Service is a very important NS ADVOCATE AWARD institution of Singapore. FOR INDIVIDUALS I feel that it plays a big role in safeguarding the safety and security Mr Jayson Goh Swee Kang of Singapore. It ensures Snr VP, Airport Operations Management, Changi Airport a long term future for National Service is compulsory for all eligible male citizens. all of us.” All employers understand this requirement and will allow their male employees to return for their annual In-Camp Training. Mr Jayson Goh Swee Kang, supervisor of Staff Sergeant (VOL) Giam Su Fern Amanda in Changi Airport Group, extends this obligation beyond the male National Servicemen in his company.

SSG (VOL) Giam was an ex-regular servicewoman in the Singapore Armed Forces. After she left active service, she chose to continue to serve as an “NSman” in her former unit. This meant that SSG (VOL) Giam would be called up like her other male counterparts for annual In-Camp Training. Given that it was a personal choice and not a national obligation, there was no company policy to support SSG (VOL) Giam’s situation.

However, because Mr Goh appreciates the importance and value of National Service, he made successful representations to the company’s management to allow and support SSG (VOL) Giam’s continued commitment to the Singapore Armed Forces.

With Mr Goh’s support, SSG (VOL) Giam and all her National Servicemen colleagues can return annually to their units for training with the peace of mind that their supervisor is fully supportive and appreciative of their National Service duties and commitments.

18 “I felt very honoured, and even a bit surprised, NS ADVOCATE AWARD when I learned that I was FOR INDIVIDUALS a TDA recipient. What I have done is nothing extraordinary really. I was Mr Elson Koh Chun Chye just training my staff in Lecturer, ITE College West preparation for IPPT.” Mr Elson Koh Chun Chye, an Engineering lecturer at the Institute of Technical Education College West, is the immediate supervisor of 3rd Sergeant (NS) Nelson Ng. Mr Koh is a strong supporter of National Service and gives his full support to 3SG (NS) Ng each time he is required for his annual National Service duties and training. Mr Koh always takes the lead to discuss with the team of lecturers to re-distribute the work whenever one of the National Servicemen lecturers is scheduled for In-Camp Training.

Besides giving moral support, Mr Koh also extends his assistance to 3SG (NS) Ng to help him train and pass his annual Individual Physical Proficiency Test (IPPT). This started several years ago when Mr Koh noticed that 3SG (NS) Ng had difficulty passing the fitness test and offered to train with him after office hours. His personal interest and motivation helped 3SG (NS) Ng to not only pass but eventually achieve Gold standard in the fitness test.

Mr Koh believes that being physically fit makes a soldier more operationally ready and effective. His personal interest and initiative made a difference to 3SG (NS) Ng’s performance and commitment in fulfilling his National Service duties.

20 “To aid in the defence of Singapore, it is NS ADVOCATE AWARD crucial to educate the FOR INDIVIDUALS next generation on the importance of National Service. This Mr Patrick Koh Ley Boon gives them a sense Operations Manager, Leong Hin Food Pte Ltd of understanding as to Mr Patrick Koh Ley Boon is an active parent volunteer at why their service is vital Saint Andrew’s Junior School (SAJS). Captain (NS) Yeo Peng Seng, a Head of Department at SAJS, noticed Mr Koh’s strong support for our future.” for the promotion of National Service and nominated him for this award.

When SAJS was planning to celebrate Total Defence Day in a big way, Mr Koh gathered a team of parent volunteers to organise a 4-day “Fathers in Defence” event at the school. Mr Koh and his team developed fun and interactive activities such as a mini obstacle course to bring military training elements into the event. Mr Koh also managed to get active National Servicemen from the Army and the Singapore Police Force to interact with the students. Civil defence drills were also featured as well as a mini parade to showcase the discipline and teamwork of the Singapore Armed Forces.

As a parent, Mr Koh believes that it is important for children to understand why their fathers serve National Service and attend In-Camp Training. He believes that the importance of Total Defence should be taught during the formative years of a child’s life. He noted that dads are effective role models who can inculcate the mindset that defending one’s family and country is a personal responsibility that is handed from one generation to the next.

22 “As a doctor, I know that every second is critical NS ADVOCATE AWARD to a patient. When it FOR INDIVIDUALS was required to release Danny from his duties to ensure that peacetime Dr Eugene Liu Hern Choon medical emergencies Head of Dept, Dept. of Anaesthesia, NUH were well-equipped, At work, Captain (NS) Danny Lim Tse Jian is in charge of I immediately obliged, the Intensive Care Unit at the National University Hospital (NUH). As an National Serviceman, he serves as an it was my way Anesthesiologist in the Republic of Singapore Airforce (RSAF) of supporting Aeromedical Unit. Dr Eugene Liu Hern Choon is National Service.” CPT (NS) Lim’s immediate supervisor at NUH.

Dr Liu has always been supportive of CPT (NS) Lim’s NS commitments. This was aptly demonstrated recently when CPT (NS) Lim was activated by his unit for an overseas evacuation mission. They had to evacuate a Singapore Armed Forces serviceman in Darwin who had sustained a severe head injury as a result of a road traffic accident.

CPT (NS) Lim was selected due to his vast experience in managing similar patients in the Neurology Intensive Care Unit in NUH. Despite CPT (NS) Lim’s critical role in the ICU, Dr Liu approved CPT (NS) Lim’s call for duty immediately.

Dr Liu’s swift response and support of CPT (NS) Lim’s activation made possible the smooth evacuation of the casualty to Singapore. It is this unwavering support during the most unexpected circumstances that gives our National Servicemen the assurance and confidence to do their best in their National Service duties.

24 “Seeing my husband’s commitment and dedication NS ADVOCATE AWARD to National Service, it was FOR INDIVIDUALS only natural to get inspired and do my part by supporting him.” Mdm Nur Aini Binte MD Yat MSO, Temasek Polytechnic

Behind every committed National Serviceman is a supportive spouse. Mdm Nur Aini Binte MD Yat is that strong and supportive spouse for Deputy Superintendent (NS) Mulyadi Ahmad.

Not only did Mdm Nur Aini single-handedly cared for their three young children when DSP (NS) Mulyadi was away for NS duties, she provided him with strong emotional support as well. She even encouraged him to serve his National Service duties without hesitation shortly after the birth of their fourth child, even though she was suffering from post-natal pains.

When DSP (NS) Mulyadi was offered the appointment to be the NS Deputy Commander in the Airport Police Division, he was unsure if he should continue given his family commitments. However, Mdm Nur Aini strongly encouraged him to take up the position. She understood the importance of National Service for future generations of Singaporeans and was proud that her husband could contribute through his role with the Singapore Police Force.

Mdm Nur Aini told DSP (NS) Mulyadi, “If you are the selected one and if your service is needed by the nation, you should not decline but take up the offer and do your best. Do not let family matters stop you from contributing to the nation.” DSP (NS) Mulyadi dutifully took up the offer to continue to serve in the Singapore Police Force.

26 “When the army boys come to eat, I ask if NS ADVOCATE AWARD they would like extra FOR INDIVIDUALS rice, extra noodles or if they want to add meat. Doing what I can Mr Tan Bee Seng to help makes me feel Food Stall Owner / Chicken Rice Seller proud because I know Every gesture of support, big or small, to recognise the that I have affected our sacrifices and contributions of our National Servicemen is deeply appreciated. This is especially so when it is boys’ lives, even if it’s in done with sincerity and humility. Mr Tan Bee Seng, who a simple way.” owns a chicken rice stall at Bedok Food Centre, is a staunch and silent supporter of National Service.

Mr Tan’s stall, situated next to Bedok Camp, is where many National Servicemen eat before booking in or after booking out from camp. Mr Tan has been giving additional portions of rice, chicken and eggs to them as a way of thanking them for protecting the country. Although these acts of support might seem small, they make a big statement of support. His selfless acts affect his daily earnings, but Mr Tan continues to do so, just as he has done for the past seven years.

Mr Tan said that his motivation behind these acts of support stems from his personal experience as a National Serviceman, and also from his sons’ National Service commitments. He understands that National Service can be tough and just wants to show his appreciation to our servicemen in his own simple way.

28 “National Service is critical for the NS ADVOCATE AWARD well-being of Singapore. FOR INDIVIDUALS As a business owner, I would like my staff to take ownership of the Mr Willie Teo Yen Kang Business Owner, Traveller & Explorer Pte Ltd role they play in our office and for the good Mr Willie Teo Yen Kang is an excellent example of a supportive of our country.” employer who not only sees the higher purpose in supporting National Service, but also the value that National Service training brings to National Servicemen when they are at the workplace. He believes that In-Camp Training is an exceptional learning and training platforms that enhances his employees’ work performance.

Hence, when one of his employees, Master Sergeant (NS) Roy Hong Chai Ming was contemplating on extending his National Service beyond the mandatory 10-year term, Mr Teo actively supported his decision.

This was not a straightforward decision, as the extension meant having even bigger responsibilities and commitments. But MSG (NS) Hong was assured he could do his best, given the full support from Mr Teo.

For example, in 2014, MSG (NS) Hong was involved in an overseas exercise in Australia for almost a month. Mr Teo not only ensured that his work was re-distributed amongst his colleagues but also granted time-off for MSG (NS) Hong to attend the pre-exercise preparation training. Mr Teo even organised a send-off party for MSG (NS) Hong with his colleagues. MSG (NS) Hong testifies that it is Mr Teo’s steadfast and strong support that inspires him to excel each time he returns for ICT.

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