VECONAC 30TH EBM & 16TH GA 2017

BRUNEI DARUSSALAM – COUNTRY REPORT

GENERAL

1. The Ex-Soldiers Association of Darussalam (ESABD) or in Malay “Persatuan Bekas Perajurit Negara Brunei Darussalam (PBP NBD)”, was established on 26th April 1992 @ Berakas Garrison.

2. The Association attended and accepted as member in its first EBM & GA on 14th to 20th December 1992 in Jakarta, Republic of .

3. Brunei Darussalam hosted VECONAC Meeting for the first time i.e. the 9th GA on 21st to 25th August 2000 @ Holiday Lodge, Jerudong. Recent VECONAC Meeting hosted was the 29th EBM & 16th GA in 2016 @ Centrepoint Hotel, Gadong.

BACKGROUND OF ESABD

4. Organisation.

ESABD

BRUNEI MUARA BELAIT TUTONG TEMBURONG DISTRICT DISTRICT DISTRICT DISTRICT

BRANCH BRANCH BRANCH BRANCH

5. Current Executive Board Members.

a. President. HE MAJ GEN (R) PEHIN DATO HJ SHARI BIN AHMAD.

b. Vice/Deputy President. COL (R) HJ MAHALEH BIN HJ ABDUL MAJID.

c. Secretary General. LT COL (R) RAMLI BIN ABD HADIS.

d. Treasurer General. LT COL (R) HJ HASHIM BIN HJ ZAINAL ABIDIN.

e. Permanent Members – Districts Branch.

(1) Head Brunei Muara District Branch. SSGT (R) HJ UMAR BIN SERUDIN.

(2) Head Belait District Branch. CPL (R) HJ HASSAN BIN TUAH.

(3) Head Tutong District Branch. WO1 (R) HJ MARSAL BIN HJ TALIB.

(4) Head Temburong District Branch. WO1 (R) YUNUS BIN MOHAMMAD.

6. Current Strength. 767 Members.

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BRIEF HISTORY OF THE ARMED FORCES

7. History. The Brunei Malay Regiment (BMR) was formed on 31st May 1961 and the first recruit training was held @ Port Dickson, Malaya. The name was later changed to Royal Brunei Malay Regiment (RBMR) and after the Independence in 1984, RBMR was renamed as Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) having five major units namely Royal Brunei Land Force (RBLF), (RBN), Royal Brunei (RBAirF), Royal Brunei Support Services (RBSS), and Training Centre Royal Brunei Armed Forces (TC RBAF). The majority of current members are those who have served, retired and joined ESABD during the period TY1961 to TY2000.

8. Service Period. The service is not based on age but on years:

a. 5-Year Service.

b. 10-Year Service.

c. 15-Year Service (pensionable).

d. 20-Year Service (pensionable).

e. 25-Year Service (full service and pensionable).

f. 2-Year/Term Contract Service after full service (this contract can be extended for another successive 2 years based on approval).

FACILITIES DURING ACTIVE SERVICE

9. Privileges and Benefits.

a. Government Housing Loan for building own houses.

b. Options/choices: Government Housing Scheme either House with Land or Land only. On retirement, full mandatory payment/settlement and shall be deducted from the retirement gratuity (baksis).

c. Free Military and Public Medical Benefits (including treatment oversea).

d. Subsidised Haj Pilgrimage (for Muslim Personnel).

FACILITIES DURING POST-ACTIVE SERVICE

10. Privilege and Benefit.

a. Free Military and Public Medical Benefits (including treatment oversea).

b. Subsidised Haj Pilgrimage is still applicable if not applied during active service.

c. Receive Old Pension Allowance of B$250.00/person/month once the age of 60 is reached.

d. Apart of controlled support from MINDEF and RBAF, some personnel receive support in term of allowance or in-kind for being ill, having handicapped family members, bed-ridden, homes affected by natural disasters, medical equipment etc.

ACTIVITIES OF ASSOCIATION AND MEMBERS

11. National Level. Participate in all national calendar events, such as Brunei National Day every 23rd February, ESABD’s Anniversary every 26th April, RBAF’s Anniversary every 31st May, and HM Sultan And Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam’s Birthday every 15th July.

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12. Regional Level. VECONAC.

13. International Level.

14. Personal/Individual Commitment. Some of the Association Members are working in public and private sector (such as Security Personnel, in Oil & Gas, Chamber of Commerce etc), as Businesspersons, active in NGOs (such as in Young Entrepreneurs Development Program, 4-Wheel Drive, Photography Society etc), and in Uniformed Organisations (such as Scouts, Red Crescent etc). These also provide most of them getting exposed oversea either in conference, seminar, jamboree, expos, visits etc.

15. Historical Events. The following major events have been participated by members of ESABD:

a. HM Sultan And Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam’s Silver Jubilee in 1992.

b. RBAF’S 50th Anniversary on 31st May 2010.

c. Brunei Darussalam International Tattoo Celebrating HM Sultan And Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam’s 60th Birthday in 2006.

d. HM Sultan And Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam’s Golden Jubilee in 2017.

CURRENT ISSUES

16. Welfare. The Welfare of the members has been one of the top priorities of ESABD and the most common subjects faced by the association are related to health and economy (financial management). Another issue is related to demised members’ spouses, children and their survival.

17. Income. The Association is in the progress of developing lands which have been leased so as to obtain steady income in the near future. To date, the association has not relied much from public or private sectors but financial strength is essential to continuously active as an “independent” organisation.

18. Recruitment. Joining ESABD is on voluntary basis and the Association has faced difficulty on recruiting new members as recent retired RBAF personnel prefer to look for steady jobs with constant income and focus more into their new career. New strategy was implemented since last two years whereby the Association do not only assist members but also non-members as long they are former RBAF personnel. An increment of new members has been realised and thus this proves the successful effects of this strategy.

CONCLUSION

19. Our association will continue to serve for its member’s needs. To conduct regular welfare home visits. Coordinate with other agencies, particularly the Veterans Affair Unit, Ministry of Defence. Welcoming donations, in kinds. Process them and appropriately distribute to the needy. We are looking forward for more new members, and to those wish to play active role.

“VECONAC FOREVER – FOREVER VECONAC” ------

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COUNTRY REPORT: MALAYSIA

 Excellency Pehin Datu Paduka Raja Maj Gen (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Shari bin Ahmad, VECONAC President cum the President of the Ex- Soldiers Association of Brunei Darussalam, the host of the 17th VECONAC General Assembly,  Excellency Lt Col (Rtd) Ramli Bin Hj Majid, the Secretary General of VECONAC,  Excellency Lt Col (Rtd) Hj Hashim bin Hj Zainal Abidin, the Treasurer General of VECONAC,  Excellencies VECONAC Vice Presidents and Head of Delegations,  Distinguished Delegates, Ladies and Gentlemen.

1 First of all allow me on behalf of the Veterans Association of (VAMAF) delegations to extend our warmest regards and gratitude to the President and Head of Delegations as well as the distinguished members of delegation from all VECONAC Member Associations attending the 17th VECONAC General Assembly in Brunei Darussalam, the “Kingdom of Unexpected Treasure”.

2 It is my privilege to extend our sincerest appreciation and gratitude to the leadership of the Ex-Soldiers Association of Brunei Darussalam (ESABD) for a very warm welcome and hospitality accorded to our delegations attending this significant occasion that we considered very paramount to the ASEAN spirit of cordial relationship.

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3 It is in this jubilant and cordial atmosphere, I would like to share with you the organizational structure of our association, the make-up of Veterans in Malaysia and the facilities provided by our government to Veterans as well as the “Warriors Fund Campaign” that we have conducted since the year 1950.

4 First of all, we are very glad to inform that VAMAF as an “Umbrella Association” to all 380,000 Veterans in Malaysia, has continuously engaging our federal and state government on matters pertaining to Veterans’ welfare issues. To date, both government has shown their willingness to work together in looking after the interest of all Veterans in Malaysia. We are very happy to inform that the Defence Minister has officially appointed his deputy as Minister responsible for Veterans Affairs in Malaysia. Hence, Veterans in Malaysia is now having a dedicated deputy minister to look after their wellbeing.

5. I shall now call Lt Col Tajul Ariffin to give a short presentation, and you can ask for clarification, if any, after the end of our Country Report session.

*Note: Lt Col Tajul Ariffin will deliver a short presentation to the forum.

His Excellency the VECONAC President, the VECONAC Vice Presidents and ladies and gentlemen.

6 We have been continuously and relentlessly working towards providing better welfare services to all Veterans in Malaysia by working hand-in-hand with the Department of Veterans Affairs in the Ministry of Defence. Our main focus is looking into areas where we can further upgrade assistance given to the less privileged and handicapped Veterans as well as Veterans’ widows that in dire need of assistance in facing the high cost living.

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7 We are in the midst of discussion with the government on finding ways and means on how to implement the 10 issues stipulated in the Veterans Welfare Blueprint. We have proposed to the government that priority must be given in implementing at least three main issues, and as follows:

7.1 Firstly, the issue on the pension disparity, where we are urging the government to review Veterans’ Pension Scheme with the aim of reducing the gap in the amount of pension received by Veterans retired before the year 2004 with those retired after 2004. We reckoned that the disparity percentage is around 50% to 80%.

7.2 Secondly, we want the Government to provide a fixed yearly cash incentive to all non-pensionable Veterans with the aim of helping them in coping with the high cost of living. They are to be given a monthly subsistence allowance automatically when they reach the age of 60 and above, and those below 60 years of age be given a yearly cash incentive of RM2,000.00.

7.3 Extending the period of providing “derivative pension” from 20 years to 50 years given to Veterans Widows that are married by Veterans during retirement, however this is only applicable to first wife.

8 As for the yearly Warrior Fund campaign, the campaign period is from 31 July 2016 to 31 December 2016, and this year we are very lucky and glad that the Government has given a “one-off” contribution of RM5.0 million. With that amount of fund, will enable us to continue providing welfare assistance to the less privileged Veterans and Widows across the board.

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9 We are also very happy to inform that the federal government has provided us an Annual Grant of RM1.5 million, and with that annual grant we are able to continue administering our Association at national level. On the same score, our divisions and branches at state level are also receiving financial assistance from their respective states.

10 At National level of activities, we have been involved in the yearly Warriors Day Parade on the 31st July and also National Day Parade on the 31st August organised by the Government.

11 Last but not least, our Association is fully committed in enhancing the existing relationship within VECONAC members, and that our priorities are solidarity and cooperation because we believed that both aspects will bring stability and peaceful environment in the ASEAN region. On the same note, let all of us not forget our comrades who had sacrificed their lives and blood in safeguarding our respective country’s sovereignty and security, which had one way or another contributed in bringing peace and stability within our region.

12 Finally, we would like to express our sincere appreciation and gratitude to the VECONAC President and his staffs as well as the leadership of the Ex- Soldiers Association of Brunei Darussalam who have done a tremendous effort in making this year General Assembly a success. And to our fellow brothers and sisters who are here today, we wish and pray for your good health and prosperity as well as a safe journey home.

Thank you.

“VECONAC FOREVER – FOREVER VECONAC”

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GOVERNING BODY OF VETERANS AFFAIRS IN MALAYSIA

VETERANS ACT 2012 (ACT 740)

NATIONAL VETERANS COUNCIL

VETERANS AFFAIRS VETERAN ASSOCIATION VETERANS AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT, OF MALAYSIAN ARMED INCORPORATED, MINISTRY OF DEFENCE FORCE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE  PAYMENT OF PENSION  NATIONAL ASSOCIATION (NGO)  RESETTLEMENT TRAININGS  PAYMENT OF MONTHLY  MAIN PILLAR OF VETERANS  JOB PLACEMENT (SECOND CAREER) SUBSISTENCE ALLOWANCE (WELFARE &SOSIO ECONOMY)  POST RETIREMENT TRAININGS  REGISTRAR OF ASSOCIATION  WARRIORS’ FUND CAMPAIGN  DISBUREMENT OF  LINK TO ALL WORLD VETERANS DISASTER RELIEF FUND BODIES/ASSOCIATION

COMPOSITION OF VETERANS IN MALAYSIA

VETERANS WITH PENSION SCHEME 114,000

VETERANS WITHOUT PENSION 260,490

VETERANS DISCHARGED ON 11,540 DISCIPLINARY GROUNDS

TOTAL 386,030

NOTE: ABOUT 4,000 TO 5,000 OFFICERS AND SOLDIERS RETIRING EVERY YEAR

CATEGORY OF VETERANS IN MALAYSIA

1 VETERANS ON PENSION SCHEME

VETERANS ON PENSION SCHEME PLUS DISABLED PENSION 2 (INJURED DURING OPERATIONS AGAINST THE INSURGENCIES) VETERANS ON MEDICAL BOARD PENSION SCHEME 3

VETERANS WITHOUT PENSION 4 (LEAVING THE SERVICE AFTER SERVING 12 YEARS , 15 YEARS OR 18 YEARS)

5 VETERANS ON PUBLIC SERVICE PENSION SCHEME

VETERANS DISCHARGED ON DISCIPLINARY GROUNDS 6 BRIEF HISTORY

ESTABLISHED AFTER THE FIRST WORLD WAR ON 20 MAY 1922 BY EX BRITISH 1 SOLDIERS SERVING IN MALAYA (NOW KNOWN AS MALAYSIA) ( 95 YEARS OLD THIS YEAR )

ACCEPTED AS MEMBER OF ROYAL COMMONWEALTH EX SERVICE LEAGUE (RCEL) 2 ON 22 MEI 1922 AND WITHDREW ITS MEMBERSHIP IN 2003

FIRST PRESIDENT WAS MR. F.W. PALMER VC MC (EX-BRITISH OFFICER) 3 ( 1922 – 1927 )

FIRST PRESIDENT OF LOCAL ETHNIC WAS COMANDER DATO’ MUSHIR ARIFF RMN 4 ( 1959 – 1964 )

1922-1937 DOCUMENTS AND FILES WERE DESTROYED DURING THE JAPANESE 5 OCCUPATION WHEN BRITISH SOLDIERS WITHDREW TO SINGAPORE IN 1941 STRENGTH

DIVISION • 14

BRANCH • 246

TOTAL MEMBERSHIP • 160,000 ORGANIZATION STRUCTURE

SUPREME COUNCIL

EXECUTIVE COMMITTE

STATE/DIVISION X 14

BRANCH/DISTRICT X 246 SUPREME COUNCIL

CHAIRMAN (PRESIDENT)

DEPUTY CHAIRMAN (DTY PRESIDENT)

SECRETARY (SECRETARY GENERAL)

14 X STATE/DIVISION HEAD 5 X MEMBER APPOINTED  HEAD OF WOMAN WING BY PRESIDENT  HEAD OF YOUTH WING

4 X MEMBER APPOINTED BY  4 X VICE PRESIDENT GOVERMENT  TRESURER  INFORMATION CHIEF EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

CHAIRMAN (PRESIDENT)

DTY CHAIRMAN (DTY PRESIDENT)

SECRETARY (SECRETARY GENERAL)

MEMBER MEMBER MEMBER 4 X VICE PRESIDENT TREASURER INFORMATION CHIEF ADMINISTRATION BUREAU

*CHAIRMAN (President) **SECRETARY (Secretary General)

SPECIAL FUNCTION ECONOMIC ORGANIZATION & DISCIPLINE ( DTY PRESIDENT ) ( VICE PRESIDENT I ) ( VICE PRESIDENT II )

WELFARE & EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT MEDIA & PUBLICITY ( VICE PRESIDENT III ) ( INFORMATION CHIEF )

SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES ADMINISTRATION OFFICE

SECRETARY GENERAL

ADMIN MANAGER ACCOUNT MANAGER

GENERAL ADMIN PUBLICITY & IT CEREMONIAL & WARRIORS FUND SECURITY

WELFARE & EDUCATION ORGANIZATION & DISCIPLINE EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

GENERAL ACCOUNT SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES ACCOUNT

TRUSTEE ACCOUNT WARRIORS FUND ACCOUNT ASSET MANAGEMENT FUNCTION AND RESPONSIBILITY

AS AN “UMBRELLA ASSOCIATION (NATIONAL ASSOCIATION)” IS RESPONSIBLE TO LOOK AFTER THE WELFARE OF ALL VETERANS IN MALAYSIA, INCLUDING THEIR FAMILIES.

MANAGING THE “WARRIORS’ FUND CAMPAIGN” (SOLICITING WELFARE FUND FOR THE ASSOCIATION).

AS A LINK TO FEDERAL AS WELL AS STATE GOVERNMENTS.

CHAMPIONING THE COURSE OF ALL VETERANS IN MALAYSIA PARTICULARLY ON WELFARE GROUNDS.

AS NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, ACT AS A LINK TO ALL WORLD VETERANS BODIES/ASSOCIATIONS PARTICULARLY THE WVF AND VECONAC. REBRANDING & TRANSFORMATION

TO ENSURE THAT THE ASSOCIATION REMAINED STRONG, RELEVANCE AND CREDIBLE AS 1 WELL AS RESPECTED BY ALL NETIZEN AND THE GOVERNMENT.

TO ENSURE ALL INFORMATION SUCCESSFULLY REACHED THE GRASSROOTS: WORKING 2 CLOSELY WITH MEDIA AGENCIES AND AT THE SAME TIME UPGRADING INTERNAL INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SYSTEMS IN LINE WITH “NEW MEDIA EVOLUTION”.

INSTRODUCING “MEMBERSHIP DRIVE CAMPAIGN” WITH THE OBJECTIVE OF INCREASING 3 THE PRESENT STRENGTH OF 160,000 TO 200,000 BY END OF 2020.

INTRODUCING “OUTREACH PROGRAM” WITH THE MAIN OBJECTIVE OF MEETING THE 4 GRASSROOTS IN THE REMOTE AREAS TO LISTEN TO THEIR “HEART BEATS” IN TRYING TO RESOLVE WHATEVER PROBLEMS THEY HAVE ENCOUNTERED. VETERANS UNIFICATION PROCESS

ORGANISING A SEMINAR ON “UNIFICATION OF EFFORT” IN STRIVING AND 1 CHAMPIONING THE PLIGHTS OF ALL VETERANS.

2 ORGANISING A ROUND-TABLE-CONFERENCE AS A “CONTINUAL UNIFICATION OF EFFORT” IN COORDINATING THE FUTURE DIRECTION OF VETERANS IN MALAYSIA

3 ORGANISING “VETERANS ENTREPRENEURIAL CARNIVAL” IN PROMOTING PRODUCTS PRODUCED AND MARKETED BY VETERANS.

4 ORGANISING A “1MALAYSIA VETERANS CONVENTION”: VALIDATING THE EFFORTS TAKEN AND CHARTING NEW FUTURE DIRECTIONS .

SERVICES AND FACILITIES PROVIDED BY GOVERNMENT TO ALL VETERANS

MONTHLY PENSION TO VETERANS ON PENSION SCHEME (PENSION WILL BE 1 PASSED ON TO WIDOWS UPON DEATH).

2 MONTHLY SUBSISTENCE ALLOWANCE TO NON-PENSIONER VETERANS AND VETERANS’ WIDOWS ( HOUSEHOLD INCOME LESS THAN RM1,050 ).

FREE MEDICAL TREATMENT FOR VETERANS AND FAMILIES IN MILITARY AND 3 PUBLIC HOSPITALS.

FREE MEDICAL SUPPORT SYSTEM AND EQUIPMENTS AS AND WHEN 4 REQUIRED. SERVICES AND FACILITIES PROVIDED BY GOVERNMENT TO ALL VETERANS (CONTINUE)

5 PROVIDING IMMEDIATE MONETARY ASISSTANCE TO ALL VETERANS INVOLVED/VICTIM OF NATURAL DISASTER: FIRE, FLOODS AND TYPHOON.

6 PROVIDING ONE-TIME MONETARY ASISSTANCE TO VETERANS’ CHILDREN ENTERING/ENROLLING IN LOCAL UNIVERSITIES AND COLLEGES.

UNDER THE NATIONAL BLUE OCEAN STRATEGY 7 INITIATIVE (NBOS7), THE 7 GOVERNMENT WILL BUILD HOUSES FOR HOMELESS VETERANS PROVIDED THE HOUSE MUST BE BUILT ON VETERANS’ OWN LAND OR LAND BELONGING TO THE FAMILY (THE HOUSE WILL BE BUILT BY ARMY ENGINEER CORP).

UNDER THE NBOS7 INITIATIVE, THE GOVERNMENT WILL UNDERTAKE TO 8 DO MAINTENANCE OR REPAIR ANY HOUSE DAMAGED BY NATURAL DISASTER OR HOUSES IN DEPLETED CONDITIONS. SERVICES AND FACILITIES PROVIDED BY GOVERNMENT TO ALL VETERANS (CONTINUE)

IMPLEMENTING VETERANS ANNUITY SCHEME (VAS) FOR NON-PENSIONER 9 VETERANS (STARTING 2018).

IMPLEMENTING NATIONAL AID SCHEME FOR EXISTING NON-PENSIONER 10 VETERANS (STARTING 2018). CURRENT AND IMMEDIATE MISSION/OBJECTIVE

*TO ADDRESS THE ISSUE ON DISPARITY OF PENSION BETWEEN THOSE PENSIONING 1 BEFORE YEAR 2004 AND AFTER YEAR 2004 WITH A VIEW TO REQUESTING THE GOVERNMENT TO REVIEW THE PENSION SCHEME.

*ADDRESSING THE ISSUE ON THE PLIGHTS OF NON-PENSIONABLE VETERANS WITH A 2 VIEW TO REQUESTING THE GOVERNMENT TO PROVIDE A FIXED YEARLY MONETARY ASSISTANCE, AND A MONTHLY SUBSISTENCE ALLOWANCE WHEN THEY REACH THE AGE OF 60.

*TO ADDRESS THE ISSUE ON THE PLIGHTS OF VETERANS WIDOWS MARRIED BY VETERANS 3 DURING RETIREMENT WITH A VIEW TO REQUESTING THE GOVERNMENT TO EXTEND THE DERIVATIVE PENSION PERIOD FROM 20 YEARS TO 50 YEARS.

*TO ADDRESS THE ISSUE ON THE PLIGHTS OF DISABLED “WAR VETERANS” AND 4 “VETERANS DISCHARGED ON RECOMMENDATION OF MEDICAL BOARD” WITH A VIEW TO REQUESTING THE GOVERNMENT TO REVIEW THE DISABLED PENSION SCHEME AS WELL AS THE MEDICAL BOARD PENSION SCHEME. WARRIORS’ FUND CAMPAIGN

*THE WARRIORS’ FUND CAMPAIGN WAS FIRST INTRODUCED IN 1950 BY THE EX-BRITISH SOLDIERS SERVED IN MALAYA DURING THE WW II AND IT MIRRORED THE “POPPY DAY” IN THE . IT WAS LATER 1 CHANGED TO “WARRIORS’ FUND CAMPAIGN (KEMPEN TABUNG PAHLAWAN)” AFTER MALAYA ACHIEVED ITS INDEPENDENCE FROM THE BRITISH IN 1957, AND THE POPPY WAS THEN CHANGED TO HIBISCUS FLOWER (NATIONAL FLOWER).

*THE PROCEEDS OF THE WARRIORS’ FUND CAMPAIGN ARE MAINLY USED FOR THE FOLLOWINGS:

>PROVIDING A YEARLY CONTRIBUTION OF RM500 TO DISABLED VETERANS AND RM300 TO DISABLED VETERANS’ WIDOWS AS WELL AS DISABLE CHILDREN BELOW 18 YEAR OLD.

>PROVIDING A MONTHLY SUBSISTENCE ALLOWANCE OF RM300 TO EX-SOLDIER DICHARGED UNDER 2 DISCIPLINARY GROUNDS (THEY ARE NOT ENTITLED TO ANY ASSISTANCE PROVIDED BY THE GOVERNMENT THROUGH THE VETERANS AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT OF MINSITRY OF DEFENCE).

>PROVIDING IMMEDIATE MONETARY ASISSTANCE TO ALL VETERANS INVOLVED/VICTIM OF NATURAL DISASTER: FIRE, FLOOD AND TYPHOON.

>PROVIDING WHEELCHAIRS TO VETERANS AND WIDOWS IN NEED PARTICULARLY THOSE DISCHARGED FROM SERVICE UNDER DISCIPLINARY GROUNDS.

WARRIORS FUND WELFARE ACTIVITIES

DISABLED VETERANS MEDICAL EQUIPMENT ASSISTANCE

ORPHANAGE HOSTEL DISABLED VETERANS’ WIDOWS

MONTHLY SUBSISTENCE FLOOD RELIEF ALLOWANCE

BURIAL / MORTGAGE

CALAMITY DISABLED VETERANS’ CHILDREN

Country Report 2017 by Veterans League (SAFVL)

As presented by BG (NS) WINSTON TOH

Honourable MAJ GEN (RET) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Shari Bin Ahmad, President VECONAC and President Ex-Soldiers Association of Brunei Darulassalam (ESABD). We thank you for the leadership as President of VECONAC for this 30th VECONAC Executive Board Meeting and the 17th VECONAC General Assembly. We also wish to thank you and Brunei ESABD for the kind hospitality and for organising this meeting.

Fellow Veterans, Ladies & Gentlemen,

INTRODUCTION

1. This year the Singapore Armed Forces Veterans’ League (SAFVL) celebrated together with the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF), the 50th Anniversary of our National Service, code named NS50. Together as a nation we are indeed very proud to have achieved this feat starting from the very bottom of the pit, almost from zero-level, building a strong and effective armed forces.

2. Last year we covered our report based on five main areas as mentioned below. We want to remain focused, and continued to build on this foundation. The five main areas are:

a. To remain engaged, relevant and current. b. To be a role model and ambassador towards our National Education. c. To imbue in our members the concept of active ageing. d. To be a responsible member of our international and regional veterans’ community. e. To care for our veterans.

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TO REMAIN ENGAGED, RELEVANT AND CURRENT.

3. FORMATION OF THE SAF. The SAF was formed in 1965 immediately after our independence and the 1st batch of regular officers were recruited and began their training in Jun 1966. It was in March 1967 after much deliberation when the National Service bill was formally promulgated. On 18 July 1967 the 1st batch of National Servicemen was enlisted into the Army. Subsequently the Navy And Air Force were formed in 1968 and 1970 respectively. The SAF started from very humble beginning. The Army started with 2 Infantry battalions with only about 200 men each, the Navy with 2 wooden hull patrol boats and the Air Force with nothing started 3 years later. The leaders of the formative years worked tirelessly building the SAF and are now members of the SAFVL.

4. NS50 - FROM MY GENERATION TO YOURS. This year marks the 50th anniversary of formation of National Service in the SAF. Numerous activities were organised in recognition to the many national service men who have come together to build the SAF. The SAFVL Veterans were given prominence in many of these NS50 functions. 15 Feb 2017 also marks the 75th Anniversary of the fall of Singapore to the Japanese. This occasion was used to remind the younger generation, the atrocities and hardships of war and that we should defend the sovereignty and independence of our own country. Every recruit is presented his weapon at a weapons presentation ceremony where they pledge to defend the country with that weapon. At the occasion of the 75th anniversary, 2nd Battalion Singapore Infantry Regiment had new recruits and conducted this significant weapons presentation ceremony. One of our Veterans, the Honorary Secretary of SAFVL who happened to be a Commanding Officer of this unit, handed a weapon to the current Commanding Officer. He then hands over to his junior commanders, who subsequently handed over to the recruits of the battalion. This marks the handing over of the defence of our nation "From my generation to yours", which is the hallmark of our continuity towards our national defence.

5. Today we pride ourselves that over a million of our male population have gone through National Service, with the major bulk in the SAF. We are able to mobilise more than 500k National Service who are fighting fit at any one time.

6. CULMINATION OF NS50. This event culminated with a grand "NS50 Reception" and our Prime Minister, Mr Lee Hsien Loong was the guest of honour for the occasion. The Prime Minister paid tribute to the SAF veterans for their contribution.

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TO BE ROLE MODEL AND AMBASSADORS TOWARDS OUR NATIONAL EDUCATION.

7. SAFVL Veterans continue to play an active role as ambassadors in this area of educating our students and SAF personnel on the need to defend our own country. Up to October this year SAFVL ambassadors covered 18,894 students and SAF personnel, an increase of 2,179 compared to last year's number of 16,715. We have also increased our ambassadors from 60 to 72 this year.

8. Our ambassador’s programme is gaining popularity. We now have Singapore’s National Library Board and National Heritage Board engaging our ambassadors providing tours at their premises, using museum artefacts.

9. SAFVL continues to take active parts in memorial services at the Commonwealth War Cemetery during Remembrance Day, at the Singapore Civilian War Memorial in conjunction with our SAF Total Defence Day and at the Konfrantasi Memorial. At each of the service, students from the school uniform groups were invited. As in previous years, we brought them to battles sites to imbue in them the atrocities and sufferings of war and the need to defend our country.

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10. This year Prince Charles of the Britain visited Singapore. The British High Commission organised a wreath laying ceremony and pay respect to the troops who perished during the World War in this region. The SAF Veterans were specially presented to the Royal Couple at this occasion.

TO IMBUE IN OUR MEMBERS THE CONCEPT OF ACTIVE AGING.

11. Last year we started a Healthy Lifestyle Committee and prepared a team of 35 members to participate in the SAFRA Singapore Bay Run-Army Half-Marathon. This year the members participation increased to 52 veteran members in the various categories.

TO BE A RESPONSIBLE MEMBER OF OUR INTERNATIONAL AND REGIONAL VETERAN COMMUNITY.

12. SAF Veterans' League was requested to develop the VECONAC website. We took this task seriously and got it ready the following year and presented it last year at the VECONAC meeting. After last year's meeting we did minor adjustments and have the website in full operations for this meeting. We have 3 member countries who have not submitted their portions and hope they will do so as soon as possible. SAFVL volunteered to subsidise 50% of the website development fees and hope to recover the remainder monies soonest possible.

13. At the 22nd Standing Committee of Asia Pacific (SCAP), SAF Veterans' League was requested to chair the 22nd SCAP meeting by the host country. SAFVL accepted the challenge and COL (RET) Lau Kee Siong, Vice President of SAFVL took the honour. Of significance was the way he handled a sensitive issue. It resulted in the recovery of 5000 Euros back to SCAP from WVF accounts.

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14. We continue with our bilateral ties with Veterans’ Association of Malaysia Armed Forces (VAMAF). Next month they will visit Singapore and we will be having a golf game together, this time with a mini competition. To enhance our ties and have better bonding we are pairing one SAFVL member with one VAMAF member, and the TOP 3 pairs will win prizes.

TO CARE FOR OUR VETERANS.

15. Last year we had a medical team conduct hearing tests for our members. They saw the need for veterans using hearing aids but the costs are high. The company have volunteered on their own to raise funds, through crowd funding to subsidise and/or even support extreme needy cases.

CONCLUSION

16. SAFVL is a young Organisation. We strive to do what we can to keep the flame glowing from within and among members of the international arena. We want to keep the organisation as well as its members to not only care for themselves but to others as well. It is with this that Organisation and in particular its members can have a sense of belonging and a sense of life despite their ages.

BG (RET) Winston Toh President SAF Veterans’ League

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