Deferment of In-camp Training for NSmen Who Attend Institutes of Higher Learning Due to Internship Opportunities

Mr Saktiandi Supaat asked the Coordinating Minister for Public Services and Minister for Defence (a) whether the Ministry has reviewed its deferment framework for NSmen from Institutes of Higher Learning who are called up for in-camp training during university vacation periods; and (b) whether the framework can give greater consideration to internship opportunities, including overseas internships, that contribute meaningfully to students’ employability and career development, even if these internships are not compulsory graduation requirements.

Since 2002, the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) has worked with the autonomous universities (AUs) to establish arrangements that minimise disruption to National Servicemen (NSmen) who are pursuing full-time studies up to the undergraduate level, while meeting the Singapore Armed Forces' (SAF's) operational and training needs. Undergraduate NSmen studying in AUs are generally called up for In-Camp Training (ICT) during their university's designated vacation periods.

At the same time, deferments may be granted for NSmen, regardless of their institution of study, if the ICT coincides with their full-time studies or compulsory academic requirements needed for graduation. Unit Commanding Officers can approve other deferment requests beyond academic requirements, subject to the unit's operational and training needs.

MINDEF regularly engages the institutes of higher learning and will continue to review the deferment framework to ensure it remains relevant, while ensuring that the SAF's operational readiness and training requirements continue to be met.