Committee of Supply – Head J (Ministry of Defence)

Mdm Chair, Singapore's security and stability are inevitably dependent on our ties with our neighbours – Malaysia and Indonesia – given our close proximity. What is the state of our bilateral defence relationships with our immediate neighbours and has the recent intrusion of a small group of Filipino militants into Sabah affected these relationships in any way?

The major powers play an important role in the security and stability of our region. How has MINDEF continued to advance our defence relationships with major powers like the US and China?

Given North Korea's threats to continue with its nuclear tests, does MINDEF intend to change the direction of its efforts?

MINDEF previously announced that it had agreed to the US' request to deploy the Littoral Combat Ship to Singapore on a rotational basis. Can MINDEF provide an update on the deployment and the reactions of regional neighbouring countries, including China?

The support of key partners like Australia and France is critical to the SAF, given that the SAF conducts a significant portion of its training overseas. Can

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MINDEF provide an update on our defence ties with key partner countries, particularly those which we have training arrangements with?

Next, on regional security architecture. The ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting (ADMM)-Plus is an off-shoot of the ADMM. It is an important regional institution established in Hanoi in 2010 that brings together the defence establishments of the 10 ASEAN countries and eight other key regional players, namely, Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, Russia and the USA for dialogue and practical cooperation.

Have the Experts' Working Groups within the ADMM-Plus that were set up to look into humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, counter-terrorism, peace-keeping operations and medical aid expanded their scope of operations? If so, what are the other areas? Which countries were such assistance and relief provided to and how successful were they? Can MINDEF provide an update on the progress of the ADMM-Plus and the extent of MINDEF's contributions to these efforts and what more will MINDEF be doing in this aspect?

Mdm Chair, on international deployments, the SAF has contributed to international peace-keeping efforts by sending our troops to countries like Afghanistan. So far, our soldiers have done a wonderful job in the peace-keeping process, and worked alongside troops from other participating countries, learning and gaining valuable insights and experiences that would otherwise not be available to us as we live in a relatively combat-free region.

The media reported suicide bombings by the Taleban, which raised questions of the security of troops belonging to nations contributing to the reconstruction efforts in Afghanistan. Can MINDEF provide an update on our contributions to the reconstruction efforts in Afghanistan?

Our SAF has also been contributing to the anti-piracy efforts at the Gulf of Aden in order to ensure safe passage of ships and vessels passing through the Gulf. The online media have reported a decrease in piracy in the Gulf of Aden this year but this state of affairs is considered fragile. Can the Minister give an update on our contributions to the international counter-piracy efforts in the

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Gulf of Aden?

Mdm Chairperson, the Defence Budget takes up the largest proportion of Government spending annually. MINDEF also has the largest manpower resource as all young Singaporean men need to serve 22 to 24 months of national service and thereafter another 10 to 13 years as NSmen in their units. MINDEF also has one of the largest shares in land use for military facilities and training.

Given so much fiscal, human and land resources, can MINDEF provide an update on its approach to managing the Defence Budget, the human resources and the land resources? How does MINDEF ensure that it obtains the best value from our Defence spending and optimise use of the resources?

We already have one of the longest serving military service in the world of 22 to 24 months. I would like to reiterate my previous call for a review of the National Service to be reduced further to 18 to 20 months if possible, given the tough global competition our young Singaporean males face in education and in the job market. Can National Service be reduced to 18 to 20 months full-time NS and five high-key and two low-key ICTs?

In the recent Debate on Singapore's population, there were concerns on the adequacy of our limited resources catering to a growing population, especially for land. I would like to understand from MINDEF what is its review for the land use that MINDEF has currently? What are the planning considerations with regard to land requirements? How often are the plans reviewed? Do we have enough facilities and local training areas to meet SAF's training needs and operational requirements? Will we have to spend more to have training overseas? How will the Defence Budget be affected over time, as stated in the White Paper? What is the impact on the SAF of the recently released Land Use Plan? Will SAF's training and operational effectiveness be affected?

Madam, Transparency International (TI) has recently come up with a government defence anti-corruption index, where countries are ranked from A to F on corruption risk in defence. Singapore was rated D+, which TI defines as indicating a high risk of corruption. MINDEF has issued a response reiterating that it is prudent in managing its resources, has its own audit

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mechanisms and does not tolerate corruption.

While the Government's position is well known, it is still worth studying TI's observations about Singapore. Countries which fared better had higher scores for political oversight, financial corruption risk and integrity in defence procurement. In political oversight, TI even singles out our Defence Supply Committee as being "provided with minimal information to guide decision-making".

I think we should continue to review how much more information about MINDEF's spending can be shared with Parliamentarians and the general public to reduce corruption risk. Australia and Germany managed to be graded A, and the USA was graded B, even though arguably they have equally compelling security concerns about transparency. Can we be a bit more transparent? It is interesting that every now and then, international publications such as Jane's Defence Reviews make revelations about specific purchases of military hardware by the SAF and yet we seem to survive the disclosure.

Has the Government closed its mind on this issue, or is it studying how MINDEF can move towards more oversight to minimise corruption risk?

Mdm Chairperson, the pace of life in Singapore has intensified, and our NSmen face increasing pressures managing their work, family life and NS commitments. How have MINDEF and the SAF taken this into account, and helped NSmen to balance all their commitments?

We in Singapore actually have a marvellous tool for integration, that is, National Service (NS). Very few countries have such an option. It is at NS where young Singaporeans get to mix around with fellow Singaporeans regardless of race, language, religion and family background. Although there is a certain degree of that in our national education system, the integration during NS is more thorough and meaningful as we are all brought together for an important purpose – to defend our homeland.

I would suggest that we focus closely at the social dimension, at the composition of our units. We should look at ways to further the use of NS as an integration tool for our PRs and new citizens. I hope that MINDEF will make a review. The two years of NS is vital. Once the attitude and commitments are

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locked in, much of the hard work of integration would have been achieved.

It is disturbing to hear that a significant portion of PRs took advantage of our education system and avoided doing NS. This will be perceived as unfair to Singaporeans who have served NS. The situation has prompted Mr Hri Kumar to suggest imposing an NS Duty Tax on PRs and foreigners living in Singapore. What is MINDEF doing to address this particular issue?

Instead of imposing a special tax on PRs and foreigners, some have called for more actions by the Government to reward and recognise Singaporeans who have served. What are the current benefits and rewards accorded to our NSmen and their families for the sacrifices to defend the country? Can SAF review and enhance our recognition and rewards to all our NSmen and their families?

Many NSmen have voiced strong opinions as to why they are fighting if in the near future, foreigners make up a large portion of the resident population; they would not willingly lay down their lives to protect the people who have no allegiance to Singapore. NS resolve requires a strong emotional attachment to the cause, and I fear that this is being eroded by the current sentiment against the influx of foreigners. What can MINDEF do to rectify this?

Mdm Chair, we do not have to look far outside our country to know that we need a strong defence force to ensure the security of our country. Central to this defence is National Service (NS). Nearly every Singaporean man commits to the defence of our country through full-time NS and Reservist duties. The compulsory service spans over multiple years. This is a solemn duty that they carry out, sometimes at risk of personal injury. They do so to protect the lives of their loved ones, and their country. It is not a small sacrifice to ensure that we can all enjoy peace and stability.

Madam, we have heard calls and questions over the years from different quarters and individuals about the importance and the relevance of NS in this new world. Some had proposed changes to the objectives and role of NS. Others had even suggested that Singapore's national security policies are outdated.

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Though I had personally not served the NS, I am a strong believer in its vital importance and role. Even those who had not served NS could totally relate with the story and content of the movies "Ah Boys to Men" 1 and 2. Not to mention those who had served NS. It is something which all Singaporeans appreciate.

Madam, I respect and admire the citizens who have served this country with full commitment and are selfless in their mission. I hope we can do more to recognise and appreciate the NSmen and families of these NSmen.

With this in view, may I ask the Ministry what more can be done to recognise the contributions of our NSmen? Beyond monetary incentives, is there a way of recognising their contributions in a way that speaks more to the heart than to the wallet? What more is the Ministry doing to increase awareness and acceptance of NS, and the contributions of the NSmen to Singapore and Singaporeans?

Are there plans to review the NS policy in view of the constantly changing geo-political landscape of the region and the world?

Mdm Chair, during last year's COS, I asked how MINDEF was going to recognise the many contributions of our soldiers to national defence reaching an important milestone of 45 years.

National Service (NS) has come a long way since its introduction in 1967, from the initial hesitation of parents to send their children to be trained to defend our country to the present day mindset of accepting NS as a rite of passage into adulthood.

We celebrated the 45th anniversary of NS in 2012. I understand that in recognising this important milestone, there is a whole series of events and exciting give-aways to all NS personnel.

Working under the theme of "NS45: From father to son", there is an Open House at the F1 Pit Stop with more than 100,000 people attending. Perhaps, at some point in time, we might want to think about bringing some of these exhibits to the heartlands to bring about even greater awareness and endorsement from the public.

Can the Ministry provide an update on the NS45 celebrations and Singaporeans' response to the commemorative efforts?

Mdm Chair, please let me thank Members of the House for their very incisive questions and comments, and I thank them overall for their continued support to build up a solid defence for Singapore. Members have asked many difficult questions on wide-ranging topics. I do not think it is possible within the short time that we have to address all the affairs of the world, so we will try to address the substantive questions that Members have asked.

Dr Lim Wee Kiak and Ms Ellen Lee asked for an update on the security situation in our region. I think they have summarised it very well. There are increasing tensions in the South and East China Seas. The South China Sea is in our backyard and Singapore will not be able to avoid the consequences if this region becomes more troubled, or worse still, when missteps are made.

Further away, as Members have pointed out, North Korea has threatened to void its 1953 armistice agreement with South Korea, after the UN Security Council imposed additional sanctions. Members have touched on the recent intrusion into Sabah by armed followers of the purported heir to the former Sulu Sultanate. I think this episode reminds us that security challenges can be unpredictable and precipitous. No, the Malaysians have not asked for our help. I think they are well capable of taking care of their defence challenges.

Against this backdrop, I think it is more important for us to understand that the Asian countries have increased their defence spending. The figures are quite telling. Over the last decade, Asian countries spent US$305 billion on defence, up from US$177 billion before – a 72% increase compared to a 12% increase in Europe over the same time period.

Indeed, by one estimate, Asia's military spending is said to have overtaken Europe's in 2012. Absolute numbers. Some Members have rightly pointed out the reason. As their economies grow, countries in the region are modernising their militaries, procuring new fighters, submarines and armoured vehicles. In this context, ASEAN and extra-regional countries must do our utmost to ensure that the region remains peaceful and stable. This was a point that Dr Lim Wee Kiak made, especially with US and China.

Amid these tensions, MINDEF is working hard within the platforms that Members mentioned – the ADMM, the ADMM-Plus, the Shangri-La Dialogue, the Five Power Defence Arrangements, and other bilateral or multilateral platforms – because we want to improve military-to-military relations to build

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confidence and reduce the risks of miscalculation.

Some Members have asked for an update on the ADMM-Plus. A major effort this year is the ADMM-Plus disaster relief and military medicine exercise hosted by Brunei, which is the Chair of ASEAN. I am happy to report that when we floated this idea, both the US and China are actively contributing to the exercise, and this is occurring amid their renewed leadership. We have actually full support and participation from militaries of 18 nations – 10 plus eight – and this is very encouraging because it strengthens the ADMM-Plus as a platform for strategic dialogue and practical cooperation.

The point is, as a small country, Singapore's external environment sets our defence posture. Asia's defence spending on the whole, as I have cited, has risen considerably. Singapore is monitoring this trend closely, but for now, I think we can continue to avoid sharp increases or dips in our own defence spending. This is the most effective way in stretching each defence dollar as it allows MINDEF to plan long term. As Dr Lim Wee Kiak said, yes, we have the larger share in terms of resources, whether it is manpower or finances and we agree; we recognise it. But steady defence spending allows MINDEF to plan long term and avoid disruptive changes arising from fluctuating expenditure year to year. This is why MINDEF is able to make opportunity buys of strategic assets in the past and optimise our training systems because we can plan longer term.

Our defence expenditure, including this year's, has grown steadily in nominal terms but kept pace more or less in real terms – by about 4% nominal growth annually, on average, over the last decade.

Mdm Chair, the SAF has come a long way since it was stood up. Then, when the SAF was stood up, we had only two infantry battalions, a couple of naval patrol craft that we inherited from the British, and no air force to speak of. Today, the SAF is a professional and integrated defence force capable of responding to a range of traditional and unconventional threats. Jane's Defence Weekly – I think Ms Sylvia Lim mentioned this – a reputable defence publication commented that "the SAF of [today is] by far the most advanced military force in Southeast Asia."

This was not achieved overnight. It is the result of the steady commitment to defence and 45 years of NS, which Mr Ong Teng Koon highlighted. The success and progress of the SAF has been built through the sweat and sacrifices of committed NSmen led by bright, dedicated and capable commanders. I fully

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recognise that the SAF takes its fair, some say unfair, share of bright people and long may it be so because it is important.

The SAF leverages on advanced technology to modernise our equipment and systems, and to multiply our capabilities. There are three crucial factors: steady, prudent defence spending; capable and committed SAF soldiers; the use of advanced technology. These three crucial factors have allowed us to build a credible defence force despite the unique vulnerabilities of a small country. When we started, no one believed we could build a credible defence force.

These are the reasons why our frigates can operate with about 70 men, half that in other navies. Or why our High Mobility Artillery Rocket System needs a crew of only three men, compared to eight for other artillery systems which are shorter ranged and less accurate.

Investing steadily over the long term allows MINDEF to keep a constant lookout for platforms with cutting-edge capabilities that can provide Singapore with that strategic advantage. For this reason, we joined the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) Programme as a Security Cooperation Participant (SCP) back in 2004. The JSF, as some Members know, now the F-35, has the potential to be the most advanced multi-role fighter aircraft for decades to come.

Though the F-35 is still in development, we are nonetheless interested in the platform for our future needs. The F-35 will be the vanguard of next generation fighter aircraft when operational. Our F-5s are nearing the end of their operational life and our F-16s are at their midway mark. For the longer term, the RSAF has identified the F-35 as a suitable aircraft to further modernise our fighter fleet. We are now in the final stages of evaluating the F-35. So, in the interest of transparency, I am telling Members that we are now in the final stages of evaluating the F-35. MINDEF will have to be satisfied that this state-of-the-art multi-role fighter meets our long-term needs, is on track to be operationally capable and, most importantly, is a cost-effective platform. I have given many necessary caveats before we make a final decision but we are evaluating the platform.

Again planning ahead, MINDEF is also looking to replace our ageing Challenger-class submarines which were built in the 1960s. The replacement submarines will have significantly improved capabilities and will enhance our ability to keep our sea lines of communications safe.

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Our plans for new fighters, submarines, the Army's recently operationalised Leopard tanks and Terrex Infantry Carrier Vehicles, the Air Force's G550 Airborne Early Warning Aircraft and the Navy's Formidable-class frigates with Sikorsky naval helicopters – taken together – will ensure that the SAF remains a credible and effective force to serve our defence needs for the next decade or two.

Many Members here have said and I agree with them, even if we have the most sophisticated platforms and systems, ultimately our defences are only as strong as the resolve and commitment of our people to defend Singapore and our way of life. In fact, I think we ought to be wary of complacency because we have a technologically advanced SAF. The temptation is always that because it is so sophisticated, you do not need the man in the loop and that will be a tragic and costly mistake. Or to think that the peace in our neighbourhood is a given. The security in our region can turn unpredictably.

A decade ago, no one could predict that the territorial disputes would escalate tensions in the South China Sea, or that a few hundred gunmen with rifles and grenade launchers would intrude into eastern Sabah. My family and I spent a very nice holiday in Sabah one or two years ago – ldyllic. From mountain to sea within two hours. The base camp of Kota Kinabalu – very tranquil. The best goreng pisang I have tasted in a long time because they used a special kind of banana. Mee goreng also, as they say, very sedap. Then you take a ride to the sea. World Heritage sites that you can dive into; from the shore, natural corals. Who could have predicted that a few hundred gunmen with rifles and grenade launchers would go into Sabah?

For the SAF, we have to ensure that above all, our NSmen, who form its "backbone", are capable and have the resolve to defend Singapore, if ever similar circumstances fall upon us. This is why we must keep NS strong.

So, how do we ensure that our NSmen continue to have the commitment and capabilities to defend Singapore? We talk about how the SAF has transformed itself into the third generation (3G) SAF. But as Members here have pointed out, we should be mindful that at the same time, Singapore itself has been transformed – a 3G Singapore. A very different one from that when NS was started 45 years ago. The city, the people, the values, the aspirations are not the same.

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Younger Singaporeans, our NSmen today are indeed more educated and talented. More PRs will serve NS. We have to respond to these changes and ensure that the commitment of a new generation of NSmen remains strong. At the same time, we must find ways to use their abilities more effectively in the SAF. Mr Desmond Lee is correct – meaningful roles that match their capabilities.

I received an appeal recently. A young man going into full-time NS was downgraded because his X-rays showed some early changes in his spine. He had some back pain so he went for an MRI. But he feels fit and wants to be in the combat vocation and, in fact, wants to be an infantry officer. Such appeals are few. We do get more appeals from NSFs who want to use their talents in music, the arts, dance and sports during NS. But the details are not as important as the main challenge, which is that if our NSmen feel their abilities are being put to the best of use and if they believe in what they are fighting for, it will engender greater commitment and contributions in building a stronger SAF.

We may not be able to satisfy all their requests. In fact, we would not be able to satisfy all requests. I quite expect after saying this that I would get a deluge of requests from a variety of NSmen who want to use their multi-talents to help the SAF. We may not be able to satisfy all of them. At the end of the day, we recognise that the SAF must be operationally-ready and fighting fit. But I believe that NSmen can and want to play a larger role in our SAF and the commitment is there.

Many here are good examples of this already. Mr Teo Siong Seng and Mr Zaqy Mohamad who have completed their ORNS. Mr Zaqy Mohamad is only 38. I asked him how come he has completed his ORNS. He said that he has done 10 cycles – each year one. So, he has completed it. Dr Lim Wee Kiak and Dr Chia Shi-Lu now serving in the Navy; Mr Nicholas Fang, Mr Vikram Nair and Mr Pritam Singh in the Army; and Mr Desmond Lee in the Air Force.

We often cite Finland for its strong education system. I visited Finland many times to study them. I will give you a tip. You can go in winter and summer. It is actually only very cold or very, very cold. It makes very little difference. But worth studying. Less is known that, like us, the Finns also have NS. I think Dr Lim Wee Kiak mentioned it. In the Finnish system, NSmen can indicate how they want to serve in their NS. You decide what you want to do. You have a choice of vocation. It does not end up in their system with NSmen only choosing the less demanding roles or the least demanding roles. Indeed, some choose more demanding roles such as pilots, intelligence officers, special forces and so on. Some choose to be officers or to be in vocations that lengthen their NS period. If you choose a particular vocation, you require more training, you are

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required to serve longer and they choose it!

This is a different organising principle in their society that explains their NS and education system. If I can characterise it, there is a first hurdle in their system that all must cross to make sure that standards do not slip. Beyond that, the approach is "spring-boards to success, not hurdles". You choose how high you want to go and the spring-board will be provided. Now, not all will jump gracefully. The dives would not be spectacular for some, but this approach encourages NSmen to go higher and contribute more.

Singapore is obviously not Finland. We have a different culture, security risks, needs and people. Compared to us, they are a much older society, a long history and certainly more homogenous. Comparing our NS systems, we have certain strengths and weaknesses, and they have theirs. I think we must adopt and adapt what we think are good practices from other systems to improve ours. In fact, the SAF already has a similar practice where we ask full-time NSmen to indicate if they want to become commanders after they go through their Basic Military Training. And I will tell you that the majority want to become commanders.

In building commitment, it surely must be the right direction to maximise the potential and talents of NSmen, and allow them to play a greater role in our national defence. We should study how we can provide more spring-boards for NSmen.

Secondly, several Members asked how we can better help our NSmen meet their duties and recognise their efforts. Dr Lim Wee Kiak, Mr Zainudin Nordin and Mr Desmond Lee talked about this.

Like them, I am alive to the demands that NS places on our NSmen. Members here send many letters of appeals to MINDEF or to me on behalf of their residents. I read them and we look at them. Some examples. A Mr Yu has dutifully served his in-camp trainings (ICTs). But his next ICT coincided with the first month on a new job. Another Mr Charles needed to look after his mother who was receiving cancer treatment. In these deserving cases, we granted them deferment from their ICT. But I acknowledge that many do not get excused because their Commanding Officer (CO), who is also an NSman, has decided that the individuals who asked for deferment are needed to get his unit operationally ready. We should support these COs because we entrusted them with the responsibility. This House, Singaporeans entrusted the CO with the responsibility to get his unit operationally ready. And sometimes, he has to

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make that difficult decision when people ask for deferment.

Members like Asst Prof Eugene Tan and Mr Hri Kumar in recent debates have also pointed out that some employers seem to discriminate against NSmen in their work. I know that this complaint upsets all Members in this House. It undermines a strong NS. MINDEF will work harder to reach out to more employers. Each year, we work hard to motivate employers to support NS. I present awards to those who are our staunchest advocates of NS such as Ya Kun, Canon and URA. If Singaporeans know of specific employers who adopt unfriendly practices at their workplace towards NSmen, please let me know and we will make best efforts to remedy the situation.

Despite these demands, I think all Members here support NS. I have not heard a single Member, who, despite the difficulties and the demands placed on NS, say, "Let's relook it". Some of you have shared your own positive NS experience and strongly affirm that NS is part and parcel of being a Singaporean – Mr Ong Teng Koon, Mr Hri Kumar and Mr Pritam Singh.

Some of you have suggested that we should make it part of the integration journey for PRs and new citizens, albeit at a reduced level. Mr Pritam Singh mentioned that. Mr Hri Kumar has thought hard on this issue and asked how we can better address those who renounce their PRs, such as through higher penalties or taxes. Whether you agree with specific proposals by various Members or not, it may not be as important as what we can all agree on – that NS is very much a duty and honour for all those who make Singapore our home. That is the starting point.

We, in this House, appreciate the commitment of our NSmen and the sacrifices they make. All of us recognise that if we do not defend Singapore ourselves, no one else will. Each of us has to uphold our duty to serve NS. But I also heed your calls that we can do more to match the abilities of our NSmen, increase their engagement and commitment, recognise their efforts and find ways to help them fulfil their NS duties, even on a daily basis. Where we can, we should look into ways to reduce the impact on their studies, work and family commitments.

Members here have raised many issues. Some of these issues have been raised by public members as well. To respond to this feedback, I have decided to convene a committee to strengthen NS. It will be called the Committee to Strengthen NS. I will chair the Committee. There will be two working groups. Senior Minister of State Chan Chun Sing will lead the Working Group on

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"Support for NS" to see how we can maximise the abilities of NSmen for the SAF and help NSmen fulfil their duties. We will also look into increasing support from various groups, such as families, employers, schools, permanent residents, new citizens and the broader community. Senior Parliamentary Secretary Dr Maliki will chair the Working Group on "Recognition and Benefits for NSmen". Some Members, including Mr Zainudin Nordin, had asked about this.

I want to say from the outset that I know this Committee will receive many requests. We will be open to views and ideas. But let us agree on common goals to set the Committee in the right direction. Our most important goals are to strengthen Singapore, strengthen NS and the SAF, and serve all Singaporeans, in that order. It is an important order – Singapore first, SAF and NS second, personal interest of all Singaporeans next. Often, it comes in the reverse order but we should set the direction right. The Committee must ensure that NS must still be focused on defending Singapore, that it is fair to all and universally applied, that it must engender a commitment and hopefully love for our country. We should avoid using this as an exercise to serve narrow interests or inflict unnecessary or unfair hardship on any particular group. That would be a negative outcome. This exercise must bring our nation together, not divide us; it must strengthen NS and Singapore, not weaken it. If we do this well, NS will have strong support for many years to come.

To achieve these purposes, we want to include in the Committee and Working Groups members with a good appreciation of the issues so as to provide good, workable and affordable ideas to strengthen NS. Good, workable and affordable. Obviously, Members will be included and I hope you will not turn us down. We intend to consult widely with various groups of Singaporeans. We hope to complete the Committee's work within a year.

Let me now address other issues or update Members. Since the last time we met, there have been safety concerns. I updated the House in November 2012 and there have been some developments, and I thought I would just quickly update Members.

We recently started the SAF Care Fund to allow the public to show their support for severely disabled servicemen. Thus far, we have received $1 million in contributions, mainly through the generosity of The Lee Foundation. And MINDEF will provide a one-to-one matching grant of up to $2.5 million to support this effort. We intend to obtain the Institution of Public Character (IPC)

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status for this Fund.

I have explained before that our compensation and welfare schemes provide significantly higher amounts and assistance than civilian schemes. I want to be clear that we do not detract from our goal to prevent all injuries and death. Let me provide an update in terms of safety measures.

I told the House the last time that we wanted to create additional posts for full-time Safety Officers. The first batch of these additional safety officers have been trained and sent to the units and will report directly to their Unit Commanders. This will ensure better compliance with training safety regulations.

I also informed the House previously that we would start an SAF Inspectorate for safety. On further review, we have decided to elevate this SAF Inspectorate to a Directorate for Safety and Systems Review. As a Directorate, it will report directly to the Permanent Secretary of Defence and the Chief of Defence Force. The Directorate will also set up external review panels which will submit recommendations to the Minister for Defence.

The first external review panel will be on training safety, and will include experts and professionals from outside the SAF to validate the safety practices in our units and determine if they match up with best practices of industries and other militaries. We decided to do this because rather than ad hoc committees formed after incidents occur, this standing panel will provide oversight and direction for the longer term. This way, it will be more impactful.

Ms Ellen Lee and Dr Lim Wee Kiak asked about our bilateral defence relations with our neighbours and key partners. Our relations with our neighbours are excellent. For Malaysia, we have regular tri-service interactions all the way from the Minister to rank-and-file. Last year, I met my counterpart, Minister Zahid Hamidi, six or seven times. He is recently a little bit busy, so I will wait until he is less busy to meet him again.

We have also reinforced our strong and close relationship with Indonesia in the past year. We held our first bilateral joint level counter-terrorism exercise last year and co-hosted the first ASEAN Maritime Security Information-Sharing Exercise.

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Some asked about our defence ties with other partners. Our defence ties with the US are strong, multi-faceted and mutually beneficial. Our F-16s, F-15s and Apache helicopters train extensively in the US because they have a larger training space. Just a tidbit of information – the training air space our F-15s have in the US is 100 times the size of Singapore.

Ms Ellen Lee asked about the Littoral Combat Ships (LCS). This is in line with the 1990 Memorandum of Understanding and the 2005 Strategic Framework Agreement, which our neighbours understand. The LCS will be deployed to Singapore on a rotational basis. The first will arrive next month. It will not be based here, but will sail out, make port calls in the region, and engage other regional navies.

Our defence relationships with China are warm and friendly. I met Chinese leaders – then-Vice President Xi Jinping and Defence Minister General Liang Guanglie – during my visit there last year. Both Vice President Xi and General Liang have expressed confidence that the defence relationship between China and Singapore could be further enhanced through high-level strategic dialogues, as well as interactions and exercises, including exchanges between young officers. We are following up with specific programmes to achieve this.

Our ties with partners such as Brunei, Thailand, Australia, New Zealand, India, France and Germany remain strong. I am happy to report that we renewed the Air Force Bilateral Agreement with India last year. This allows the RSAF to continue joint military training in India with the Indian Air Force until 2017. We also renewed the Oakey Agreement with Australia, which allows the RSAF to continue its helicopter training in Australia until 2027.

Ms Ellen Lee also asked about our contributions to Afghanistan and the Gulf of Aden. Thank you for saying that our SAF has done a wonderful job; I think they will appreciate that. Over the last six years, we have deployed close to 500 servicemen to Afghanistan, as part of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF). The experience gained by our soldiers has been invaluable and we have incorporated lessons learnt into our operational doctrines and practices. Singapore will be completing our mission in Afghanistan by June this year. Our deployments to Afghanistan have supported the larger international efforts to prevent extremists from using Afghanistan as a base to export terrorism, including to our region, and Singaporeans can be proud of our contributions to this effort.

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As for the Gulf of Aden, the SAF has taken over command of CTF 151 for a third time until June as part of our contributions against international piracy. Ms Ellen Lee is correct that this made a difference because piracy attacks have come down.

Mdm Chair, our strong defence today is a result of continuous and strong support from Members of this House and from Singaporeans alike to build a credible SAF. A strong defence is the bedrock upon which Singapore's peace and prosperity rest. We must continue to strengthen NS to build a solid defence.

There are some questions which Members have asked. But I will defer these to after further questions, and allow my colleagues, Senior Minister of State Chan Chun Sing and Senior Parliamentary Secretary Dr Maliki, to respond.

Mdm Chairperson, the recent fatalities that had occurred in SAF during training have shaken public confidence. Although a thorough investigation was done for each incident and follow-up actions were also done diligently to improve our training safety profile, parents of young Singaporean males are still concerned with the safety of their sons, as they are preparing to enter NS.

The review of safety lapses at the unit and individual level did not allay these fears. Despite having a robust training safety regulation, accidents still do occur due to failure to comply with these regulations. I am heartened by the announcement by the Minister that was made last year as well as the update that was just given, regarding the series of safety measures implemented, and that more safety officers are on the ground now.

Every fatality is a tragedy to the family and loved ones involved. It is important for MINDEF to give full assistance to the affected families as they seek closure. To one family, there seems to be many questions unanswered. I received emails from relatives of a deceased NSF, claiming that SAF was not transparent and did not provide the answers to their questions. I hope MINDEF can look into and review their post-incident management process for this affected family. Perhaps more can be done to help this family to seek closure.

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The recent grenade accident leaving two NSFs injured also raised concerns among parents. I must compliment the officer, Second Lieutenant Kamalasivam, for acting bravely, selflessly and decisively to avert another tragedy. Every local drama production on our army scene, including "Army Daze", "新兵小传" and the recent "Ah Boys to Men" movies, will always include live grenade scenes. Many parents are asking whether live grenade throwing is really required, after all the recruits only throw that once in their entire training. Can such live training be done during transition to war? Is there a safer substitute to live grenade? Can SAF look at a safer option with a grenade that may still explode with less fragmentation and cost less harm in the event of a mishap?

The accident last December, which left RSN serviceman ME2 Jason Chee seriously injured, reminds us of the risk that our servicemen face as they keep Singapore safe. Can the Minister update us on whether the SAF Care Fund will be used in the rehabilitation for ME2 Jason Chee?

[Deputy Speaker (Mr Charles Chong) in the Chair]

During the inauguration of the medical simulation training centres in August 2012, Minister had announced that MINDEF was reviewing its medical support system to provide better care for our national servicemen. Can MINDEF provide an update on the review?

The medical check-up before enlistment as well as before Fitness for Instruction (FFI) is important to detect any medical ailments. Many felt that the level of fitness of our new enlistees and NSmen is less due to the increasing affluence and generally more sedate lifestyle of today's youth with more sophisticated medical equipment, it is possible to detect certain ailments such as heart diseases, which may be difficult to detect under the current medical check-up system. We can certainly afford a more detailed and robust check-up, as each and every detection is potentially one life saved.

As we put our servicemen through rigorous training and operational duty, it is also critical that the SAF has a robust medical system to support them and look after their well-being. How is the SAF harnessing the expertise within our national healthcare system, which is renowned internationally for its high standards, to ensure high standards in medical care for NSmen?

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Sir, as we put our NSmen through rigorous and realistic training, we must do our utmost to prevent training deaths which could be avoided with stricter medical screening and a more robust safety system.

In recent news reports, we read of two incidents; one which sadly ended in tragedy, another where tragedy was averted by prompt action.

In the latter, we are heartened by the bravery and quick thinking of safety officer S Kamalasivam when a recruit bungled a live grenade throw. He told the recruit what to do, pulled him down, and shielded him from the blast. Luckily, they escaped with only slight injuries. However, it should not be left to the safety officer to ensure that such accidents do not happen again.

Are the safety procedures for live grenade exercises effective enough and are the dummy grenades used during practice a realistic enough tool for teaching one how to handle a live grenade?

In another incident, NSman Ee Chun Sheng was lagging behind in a navigation exercise and left to his fate by his teammates in 2011. He was found breathless after he "broke contact" with his team. He died of cardiac failure.

Could his death have been avoided by tighter medical screening and by better support from his teammates and medical care? Was any action taken against his teammates for leaving him behind?

The military has a macho self-image, and sometimes, the recruits' efforts to live up to that image can mean being harsh on the weaker ones or acting tough.

Sir, these two incidents highlight the need for a greater focus on encouraging a safety culture through leader and individual responsibility and accountability, as well as teamwork. Can the Minister give an update on MINDEF's efforts to strengthen training and operational safety, and to improve the medical support system for our NSmen?

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Sir, we have recently heard cases of NSmen, NSFs and regulars going beyond the call of duty, at times even risking their own lives. I believe it is only right that those who are willing to give their lives should have their lives well taken care of. For a start, our NSFs should have free universal health insurance coverage. As I understand, NSFs have to opt in to purchase insurance coverage at about $16 if they want additional coverage. We need to take into considerations lower ranking NSFs from low-income family.

Another issue concerns compensation for death or injury of servicemen. MINDEF pegs this to compensation paid out under the Workmen's Compensation Act. I understand they also pay out discretionary sums above the benchmark amount. But there is no recourse for a civil suit, if there is a good case for an affected serviceman to pursue higher compensation. Could the Minister spell out the clearer framework of compensation in such cases, rather than rely on discretionary case-by-case basis of compensation?

Mr Chairman, since the inception of the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) in 1967, we have spared no effort and made tremendous investments in maintaining a strong deterrent force. While we pour no small amount into maintaining our defence, we adhere to a policy of making no enemies.

That said, our attempts to uphold the quality of our defence forces must also evolve with the changing education attainment of our recruits.

More than 45 years ago, our defence force would have comprised of men with fairly little or no education. The idea of a "hokkien peng" was the norm rather than the exception.

Education in Singapore has, however, come a long way since those early years. Deputy Prime Minister Tharman said we are ranked third best in the World Economic Forum Global Competitiveness Report, and we rank well regularly in the PISA and TIMSS reports. This is because we not only have top students who do well, but because we have resilient students and quality across the board.

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Our soldiers are now a highly educated bunch. Naturally, they would have the expectation of taking on roles commensurate with their higher education attainments and aspirations. Can the Ministry highlight how it allows servicemen to take on more responsibilities and play more meaningful roles?

Mr Chairman, with higher education attainment, young Singaporeans of today are also more technologically savvy and are used to a learning environment that encourages experiential and self-directed learning.

Military exercises in many parts of the world are also taking on a different tone, with more emphasis placed on technology. We have seen the use of unmanned aerial vehicles in the Middle East, the widespread use of satellites and computers for command and control, not to mention the increasing focus on security in cyberspace to protect the integrity of our computer systems. The training of our soldiers must also evolve accordingly to the changing security landscape and take on a technological bent.

In addition, we should also look at how technology can help the SAF to be more efficient by cutting downtime during training. I am thus excited to learn that the SAF has set up an Apps Innovation Office to this end.

Can the Ministry further provide an update on how it is enhancing its learning and training efforts to keep pace with the learning habits of the new generation of NSmen to ensure that it harnesses their full abilities?

Thank you, Mr Chairman. Young Singaporeans today are more technologically savvy and are very comfortable in getting information on the go, using smart mobile devices, and communicating through email or tweets. Can MINDEF provide an update on how it is enhancing its learning and training efforts to stay relevant with the learning and info-communication proclivities of a younger generation of NSmen, to ensure that there is little or no disconnect between what they need to learn and know, and how this is conveyed to them?

In addition, our younger generation of NSmen is getting more well-educated and is likely to have higher aspirations. They are also likely to want to contribute in more meaningful ways to the SAF and share their ideas on how things are carried out. Can MINDEF highlight how it allows our NSmen to take on more responsibilities, share their ideas and views, and play a greater role in

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the SAF?

Total defence has been around for about three decades. Although students in schools continue to learn about total defence and observe Total Defence Day, there are still Singaporeans who remain indifferent about it. Some even question the relevance of total defence today, in our current state of relative peace and stability.

However, we know that the defence of Singapore depends on the will of Singaporeans to support the need for a strong SAF and, more importantly, to take personal responsibility in getting involved in the defence of our nation.

How does the Ministry ensure that Singaporeans continue to understand and appreciate the importance of Total Defence? And how does the Ministry continue to ensure that Singaporeans remain committed to our defence?

Most Singaporeans today keep themselves informed through various channels – online, print media, broadcast media, social media – just to name a few. MINDEF has sought to keep up with this trend and has started to use different media platforms to engage Singaporeans and keep them informed on defence issues, just like what we received in our collateral package earlier. Can the Ministry provide an update on its efforts in this area?

Mr Chairman, on 23 December 1965, when the late hon Member Mr Goh Keng Swee introduced the Singapore Army Bill before this House, he started with an old Chinese adage: 好男不当兵, 好铁不打钉. The meaning is that good men do not become soldiers nor good iron makes nails. The saying had its roots in the old imperial military, where ordinary people were press-ganged into war for the selfish gains of ambitious men.

Fast forward to today's modern SAF, we no longer fight for selfish men but for our own defence – as a common responsibility of citizenship. Our citizen army has become a defining aspect of life as a Singaporean, a social leveller, a

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common joy, or perhaps, a common lament, for the Singaporean boy.

As the reviewing officer for the graduation of a recent BMT batch, I was certainly heartened to hear from a number of young men and women who were passionate about the defence of our nation and considered it both a duty as well as a possible vocation.

Many fellow reservists that I served with still look forward to our annual ICTs. But as our social landscape changes, so too does NS, and defence becomes caught up in the debate about being Singaporean.

As we find more new citizens in our midst, within a rapidly changing geo-political landscape and the tremendous growth of technology, I ask the Ministry to relook at how defence can continue to play an important role as a social leveller, and to ensure that future generations of Singaporeans continue to remain committed to the defence of our land, to boost confidence in our capabilities and to assure Singaporeans of the paramount need for a strong cohesive military. This brings me to my second cut as well.

Sir, the tremendous growth of technology has also meant a rapid reliance on social media as a means of communication. With it come advantages and equal risks. Has the Ministry kept pace with the growth of the social media? And has it used it effectively to outreach?

Recently, there has been a spate of confessions online – confessions of a different kind. Across Facebook, a number of confessions starting from within tertiary institutions have now spread beyond the education sphere. SAF Confessions now has close to 23,000 followers and is growing; it is certainly a platform for many to share training stories or trade battle scars, but I seek the Ministry's reassurance that amidst the much laudable sharing and camaraderie that security discipline is not compromised.

Sir, Mr Goh Keng Swee in his speech to this House also said that: "Whatever the time may be, it would be useless to only think about building up your defence forces. The time to do so is now." The work of building a credible and strong SAF is a common responsibility and we should never let up and always keep a strong focus.

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