Defence & foreign affairs — Topics

20 Oct 2022

Civil Servants Holding Concurrent Appointments with Foreign Governments

Civil servants are generally prohibited from holding concurrent appointments with foreign governments to prevent conflicts of interest with their public duties.
Exceptions exist for advisory, consultancy, or training roles under cooperation agreements, subject to prior approval from Permanent Secretaries to avoid conflicts and mitigate foreign influence risks.
Specific measures include bans on receiving gifts or using official resources without permission, and no data is available on the current number of such appointments.

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3 Oct 2022

Attracting Top Talent to Continue Representing Singapore in Diplomacy

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs actively recruits top talent through outreach programmes and internships at its headquarters and overseas missions to ensure a pipeline of capable officers.
Foreign Service Officers are given early opportunities to represent Singapore at high-level international forums and postings, which is critical for their development in a complex global environment.
The Ministry regularly reviews its career schemes and remuneration package to remain competitive against the private sector and other fields that value the training and versatility of its officers.
The motivation for officers to join and serve in the Foreign Service is driven not only by tangible benefits but also by the honour and fulfilment of representing Singapore.

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3 Oct 2022

Effect of US' "Strategic Clarity" over Taiwan on Regional Security and Stability

The US' "strategic clarity" on Taiwan risks triggering an escalatory spiral between the US and China, which could threaten regional stability.
Stable US-China relations are vital for regional peace, and direct communication between the two powers is encouraged to manage differences.
All parties, including the US and China, must exercise restraint, maintain open channels, and work toward a modus vivendi to prevent misunderstandings and accidents.

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3 Oct 2022

Exemption of Amount Granted to National Servicemen under NS Excellence Award from Income Tax

The NS Excellence Award (NSEA) recognizes excellent performance by Operationally Ready National Servicemen, with total awards from 2017 to 2021 showing a dip in 2020 and 2021 due to scaled-down activities during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Under current tax policy, monetary awards like the NSEA are taxable as they are treated similarly to employment income, unlike non-taxable appreciation gifts such as the NS55 Recognition Package.
All NSmen receive a tax relief of $1,500 to $5,000 annually as recognition of their service, but the exact tax clawback from NSEA payments cannot be determined as it depends on individual income factors.
Only NSmen with higher incomes are effectively taxed on their NSEA payments due to the interplay of personal reliefs and marginal tax rates.
The question of whether NSEA could be made tax-exempt remains unresolved, with the government maintaining that performance-based awards are taxable in line with existing tax treatment.

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3 Oct 2022

Average Number of New Citizens and PRs Enlisted for Full-time National Service

Leong Mun Wai asked the Minister for Defence about the average number of new citizens and permanent residents enlisted for full-time National Service.
The Minister for Defence, Ng Eng Hen, responded that in 2021, approximately 2,500 new citizens and 2,000 PRs enlisted.
The question noted that new citizens and PRs make up about 20% of enlisted National Servicemen.

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3 Oct 2022

Singaporeans Registered as being in Armenia, Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan

Mr Dennis Tan Lip Fong asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs for the number of Singaporeans registered in Armenia, Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan and if the Ministry is in touch with them.
As of 2 October 2022, there are four Singaporeans registered in Armenia, one in Azerbaijan, one in Kyrgyz Republic, and one in Tajikistan.
MFA reaches out to these registered Singaporeans to offer consular advice and assistance during emergencies or crises.
MFA strongly encourages all Singaporeans traveling or residing overseas to e-register on the MFA website.

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3 Oct 2022

Probe into Potential Human Trafficking by Job Scam Syndicates in the Region

Saktiandi Supaat asked if the Police’s Anti-Scam Command is looking into potential human trafficking of scam victims lured to work in Cambodia, Thailand, and Myanmar, and if Singapore plans to partner with other countries to combat this regional issue.
Minister K Shanmugam confirmed the Police are monitoring the issue, citing one 2021 report of potential Singaporean victims in Myanmar that was referred to Myanmar authorities, though the complainant lacked specific details.
Singapore is engaged in regional cooperation through ASEAN forums like the Senior Officials Meeting on Transnational Crime and its Working Group on Trafficking in Persons to address scams and trafficking.
The government will continue working closely with other countries to tackle transnational crime, including scams and human trafficking.

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13 Sep 2022

Uptake of NS55 Recognition Package Credits

The NS55 Recognition Package credits were issued to commemorate 55 years of National Service, with some NSmen facing difficulties in claiming them.
The Ministry for Defence has provided written replies detailing the number of NSmen who sought assistance, the reasons for their inability to claim credits, and available support measures.
Specific figures and measures were referenced in an official report from September 2022, outlining eligibility issues and the uptake of the package.

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13 Sep 2022

Safety Measures and Occasions for Military Demonstrations Such As Free Fall Jumps

Don Wee questioned the Ministry for Defence about reviewing safety measures and limiting military demonstrations like free-fall jumps to training operations only.
The Minister highlighted the Red Lions' strong safety record with a low injury rate during National Day Parades, emphasizing strict selection, rigorous training, and stringent "No-Go Criteria" for jumps.
Following a recent incident, a review committee with external experts is assessing causes and considering safety enhancements such as increasing the distance between parachutists to mitigate risks.
The SAF prioritizes safety and will continue Red Lions displays only if new measures, including those from the review, can ensure safe operations.

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13 Sep 2022

Statistics on New Male Citizens who Do Not Serve National Service

Mr Leong Mun Wai requested statistics on new male citizens who did not serve National Service (NS) from 2000 to 2021, broken down by age groups and their participation in the SAF Volunteer Corps (SAFVC).
Minister Ng Eng Hen explained that most new male citizens below 30 are enlisted for NS if they stayed in Singapore young, while those in their 30s and 40s are typically not enlisted due to age and prior benefits.
The SAFVC, established in 2014, sees about 250 new male citizens and Permanent Residents applying annually, though specific numbers of non-NS participants were not provided in the response.

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13 Sep 2022

ASEAN's Response to Lack of Progress on Five-Point Consensus on Myanmar

Dennis Tan Lip Fong asked about the impact of the Myanmar crisis on ASEAN's credibility and whether ASEAN would engage Myanmar's leadership at the highest levels.
Gerald Giam Yean Song inquired if Singapore would work with ASEAN to impose targeted sanctions on Myanmar's military and establish contact with the National Unity Government.
Vivian Balakrishnan stated that ASEAN is deeply disappointed by the lack of progress on the Five-Point Consensus, blaming the Myanmar military's intransigence, and noted Singapore's support for UN resolutions and its own restrictions on military-related transfers to Myanmar.

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12 Sep 2022

Eligibility for and Issues with NS55 Recognition Package

About 1% of National Servicemen were ineligible for the NS55 Recognition Package, primarily due to serious offences or disciplinary issues.
From July to August 2022, about 8,000 calls and emails were received regarding redemption issues, with digital ambassadors assisting 16,000 walk-ins, while around 4,000 servicemen requested hardcopy vouchers due to digital inaccessibility or discomfort.
Over 50% of recipients used some or all credits by end-August, with 47% of credits spent—higher than the NS50 package in 2017—and the LifeSG redemption service received a 4.8/5 average rating.
MINDEF and MHA will continue reviewing feedback to improve interactions with National Servicemen.

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12 Sep 2022

Impact of Geopolitical Tensions on SAF's Overseas Training Exercises

Gerald Giam questioned whether geopolitical tensions in Northeast Asia are disrupting the SAF's overseas training exercises and what the Ministry is doing to ensure continued access to suitable large-scale training grounds.
Ng Eng Hen stated that Singapore values the training opportunities provided by foreign partners, which enable larger and more complex exercises than possible locally due to space constraints.
Ng Eng Hen noted that while short-term disruptions occurred during the early COVID-19 phase, training has resumed to pre-pandemic levels and international partners have assured continued access to overseas training grounds.

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12 Sep 2022

Detection and Prevention of Abuse of Controlled Substances in Military Installations

The Singapore Armed Forces enforces a zero-tolerance policy against drug abuse, focusing on prevention through education and strict enforcement including testing, punishment, and rehabilitation.
Prevention measures include mandatory anti-drug talks during Basic Military Training, periodic briefings by the SAF Counselling Centre and Central Narcotics Bureau, and pre-deployment reminders for overseas exercises.
The SAF Amnesty Scheme allows self-confession once for counselling and rehabilitation without punishment, after which normal penalties apply for drug offenses.
Urine tests are extensively conducted on enlistees, units, overseas bases, and returning personnel, alongside routine spot checks by the Military Police and collaboration with CNB for drug-related arrests.
Positive test results lead to court-martial and detention, with suspected abusers placed on a strict Urine Test Regime involving frequent screening and counseling for up to six months.

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12 Sep 2022

Plans to Mitigate Risk of Severe Transboundary Haze

The Ministry and NEA monitor transboundary haze risks through the ASEAN Specialised Meteorological Centre, which provides regular weather and haze outlooks, satellite imagery, and early warnings to ASEAN member states.
Singapore has formally extended an offer of fire-fighting assistance to Indonesia since 2005 and reinforced it in June 2022 to help address hotspots and fires during the dry season.
Singapore will host the 17th meeting of the Conference of Parties to the ASEAN Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution this year, using its chairmanship to strengthen regional commitment towards a haze-free ASEAN.

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2 Aug 2022

Percentage of Full-time National Servicemen Who Are Permanent Residents Each Year

Leong Mun Wai asked for the percentage of full-time National Servicemen who were Permanent Residents from 2000 onwards.
Ng Eng Hen stated that PRs made up about 1% of full-time National Servicemen in the early 2000s.
The proportion of PRs among full-time National Servicemen has gradually increased over the years.
In 2021, 9% of full-time National Servicemen enlisted were Permanent Residents.

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2 Aug 2022

Constitution of the Republic of Singapore (Amendment No 2) Bill

Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen introduced the bill to amend Article 22(k) of the Constitution, allowing the President to exercise discretionary powers in appointing the new Chief of the Digital and Intelligence Service (DIS), similar to the appointment of the Chiefs of the Air Force, Army, and Navy.
The Second Reading of the bill was put to a vote and passed with 75 "Ayes" and 8 "Noes," meeting the required two-thirds majority of elected and non-constituency MPs.
The bill was committed to a Committee of the whole House, considered, and reported without amendment.
The Third Reading of the bill was also voted on and passed with 75 "Ayes" and 8 "Noes," again meeting the constitutional requirement for passage.
The bill was read a Third time and passed, formally enacting the amendment to the Constitution.

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2 Aug 2022

Singapore Armed Forces and Other Matters Bill

The Ministry of Defence introduced the Singapore Armed Forces and Other Matters Bill to establish the Digital and Intelligence Service (DIS) as a fourth service alongside the Army, Navy, and Air Force, addressing growing cyber and digital threats.
The Bill includes updates to disciplinary processes, such as introducing composition fines for minor offences and adjusting penalties, while also allowing military manoeuvres in PUB catchment areas with approval.
Parliament broadly supported the Bill, with debates focusing on DIS’s role, talent recruitment, inter-agency coordination, and safeguards against misuse of powers, while some members raised concerns about manpower and environmental impacts.

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2 Aug 2022

Liability and Contributions of New Citizens to National Service

The Minister for Defence clarified that the long-standing policy exempts mature adult new citizens from NS while young male new citizens are required to serve, stating that on average 3,400 new citizens annually are enlisted and that new citizens and PRs now comprise about 20% of full-time NS enlistees.
The Minister emphasized that NS liability is universal and equitable for all young male Singaporeans regardless of citizenship mode, and criticized the NMP for making misleading statements that could undermine the equity and morale of NS.
The NMP objected to the Minister’s characterization and sought specific data on new citizens who did not perform NS, asserting the debate was incomplete, but was instructed by the Deputy Speaker to file a separate parliamentary question for further information.

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1 Aug 2022

Non-Warrant Officer Regular Specialists Who Retired by Age 50 and Top Five Jobs Taken Up After Retirement

From 2016 to 2021, about 120 regular specialists (non-Warrant Officers) retired from the SAF each year before age 50, representing 7% of such specialists.
The Ministry provides career transition support including coaching, funds, and time-off for training and job searches to help retirees secure new roles.
Surveys indicate that most retiring specialists who wish to continue working find jobs in fields such as training, security, operations, and administration.
The Ministry does not specifically track the top five jobs taken up by these retirees, but survey data points to common employment sectors.
The support system aims to facilitate a smooth transition into civilian careers for specialists retiring around age 50.

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