Defence & foreign affairs — Topics

1 Aug 2022

Provision of Further Clarity on National Service Enlistment Dates

Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim asked the Ministry for Defence to provide clearer advance notice on National Service enlistment dates, specifically to avoid short notices of two weeks.
Minister Ng Eng Hen explained that most pre-enlistees are informed of enlistment within four to six months after education, and over 80% receive more than two months’ notice, with appeals allowed for shorter notices.
About 1% get notices less than two weeks before enlistment due to medical or logistical reasons, and CMPB contacts them to confirm availability before issuing the notices.

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1 Aug 2022

Male Children of New Citizens Who Did Not Serve National Service Subsequently

Leong Mun Wai asked how many new citizens' male children who were under 18 when their parents obtained Singapore citizenship or permanent residency have not served National Service after turning 18 since 2000.
Ng Eng Hen responded that from 2000 to 2021, about 60,000 new citizens sponsored their children for citizenship or permanent residency.
Among the male children who were under 18 when sponsored and have since turned 18 or older, around 3% were exempted from National Service, primarily due to medical unfitness.
This exemption rate mirrors the overall exemption rates for each enlistment cohort in Singapore.

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1 Aug 2022

Replacement Sites for Lim Chu Kang Farms

The Ministry for National Development stated that the western part of Lim Chu Kang will be needed for Singapore Armed Forces training, with development works commencing in two phases later this year and next year.
Agencies have provided support since 2014, including facilitating tendering for new plots, funding for technology adoption, and regulatory expediting, with 24 of the 62 remaining farms having secured replacement sites.
The remaining 38 farms are still seeking sites or winding up, and the development timeline cannot be delayed further to replace land given up for Tengah New Town.

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1 Aug 2022

Policy on Allowing Foreigners Wanted By Their Governments to Transit or Enter Singapore Temporarily

The Minister for Home Affairs stated that foreigners with valid travel documents and who meet entry requirements are generally allowed into Singapore, but the government reserves the right to deny entry if it is deemed not in the national interest.
If a foreigner is wanted by their government and a request is made, Singapore will assist in accordance with its laws, and for those transiting without clearing immigration, the government may still take action if undesirable persons are identified.
The government ensures the general safety and security of all visitors in Singapore and may provide additional security based on the individual's status and the risks posed to the person and the public.

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1 Aug 2022

Privileges, Immunities and Hospitality Accorded to Former Heads of State or Heads of Government Visiting or Transiting Through Singapore

Gerald Giam asked about the privileges, immunities, and hospitality given to former heads of state or government visiting or transiting through Singapore, whether public resources are used, and specifically about the former Sri Lankan President.
Vivian Balakrishnan stated that Singapore generally does not grant privileges, immunity, or hospitality to former heads of state or government.
He confirmed that former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa was not accorded any such privileges, immunity, or hospitality.

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5 Jul 2022

Clarification by Minister for Defence

Long-term deferments from full-time National Service are exceptional and granted only to athletes with potential to win medals at top-tier international competitions like the Olympics.
Swimmers Joseph Schooling and Quah Zheng Wen were granted deferments of seven years and six years respectively for the 2016 and 2020 Olympics, as clarified by the Minister for Defence.
The Minister for Defence provided a factual correction to his earlier parliamentary reply, specifying the exact deferment periods granted to the athletes.

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5 Jul 2022

Proportion of Non-officer versus Officer-level Personnel Supported by Career Transition Resource Centre

The Career Transition Resource Centre supports all SAF military officers, warrant officers, and specialists in their transition to a second career upon retirement.
Over 80% of both officer and non-officer personnel secured jobs within six months, and over 90% within a year.
MINDEF provides career coaching, job referrals, networking events, and funds for courses, interviews, and internships to aid this transition.

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5 Jul 2022

Males who Become Singapore Citizens by Registration and Percentage of Those Not Required to Serve National Service

The debate focuses on the percentage of male Singapore citizens by registration who are exempt from National Service and their alternative contributions to the country's defence.
Under the Enlistment Act, all male citizens and permanent residents aged 18–40 are liable for National Service, but those who receive citizenship as mature adults (typically in their 30s and 40s) are not enlisted as they are unsuitable for full-time service and did not benefit from citizenship beforehand.
New male citizens who stayed in Singapore when young are enlisted when they turn 18 or older, averaging 3,400 per year, which is about half of all new male citizens registered annually.

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5 Jul 2022

Relevance of Shangri-La Dialogue in Easing Ongoing Geopolitical Tensions and Meeting Other Objectives

Mr Alex Yam questioned the effectiveness of the Shangri-La Dialogue in meeting its goals, the potential impact of US-China tensions on Singapore, and the forum’s continued relevance for participating countries.
Minister for Defence Ng Eng Hen directed him to a previously submitted written reply from July 2022 that addressed these points, referencing official parliamentary records.
The exchange highlights ongoing parliamentary interest in Singapore’s role in regional security dialogues amid great-power competition.

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5 Jul 2022

National Dialogue and Review of Policy Regarding National Athletes Serving National Service

Defense Minister Ng Eng Hen affirmed that National Service (NS) remains a universal and equitable obligation for all eligible male Singaporeans and PRs, with strict enforcement against defaulters, while allowing only sparing, justified deferments or disruptions for national athletes competing at top-tier international events.
Deferments for athletes are granted exceptionally based on merit and potential to bring national glory, but recipients must still fulfill all NS duties and training, a policy that has faced public criticism over perceived unfairness and personal gain.
The government will incorporate diverse views, including both supporters and critics of athlete deferments, in future NS policy reviews, emphasizing that NS duties always take precedence over personal pursuits.

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4 Jul 2022

Operation Date of Foreign Interference (Countermeasures) Act 2021

Leong Mun Wai asked whether there was any delay in the operation of the Foreign Interference (Countermeasures) Act 2021 and, if so, the reasons.
K Shanmugam stated there was no delay and that the Act would be progressively operationalised from 2022.
He explained that the Act was passed in October 2021 and required further work like drafting subsidiary legislation and setting up systems.
This includes creating processes for the Reviewing Tribunal and issuing Directions, as well as appointing experts and establishing IT systems.
The operationalisation is proceeding as planned without any postponement.

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4 Jul 2022

Inclusion of More Singapore Institutes of Higher Learning in UK's High Potential Individual Visa Scheme

Desmond Choo asked if the Ministry of Foreign Affairs requested the UK to include more Singapore universities in its High Potential Individual visa scheme.
The Ministry has not made such a request and has no plans to do so.
The government does not intervene in other countries' immigration criteria, as nations set their own immigration rules based on specific needs.

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4 Jul 2022

Use of Seat Belts and Other Measures for Safety of Personnel Seated at Back of SAF Tonners

Louis Ng Kok Kwang asked the Minister for Defence about the introduction of seat belts and other safety measures for personnel at the back of SAF tonners, and the reasons for these improvements.
Ng Eng Hen stated that since 2011, all SAF tonners have been equipped with safety lap belts for rear passengers.
Other measures introduced since 1985 include protective side boards, railings, canopies, and rear safety straps from 2000, along with seating capacity and speed limits.
SAF transport operators are trained to enforce safety and can halt vehicles if needed, with periodic reviews updating measures.
The SAF periodically reviews and updates safety measures in training and operations.

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4 Jul 2022

Key Takeaways from Recent Shangri-La Dialogue Regarding Geopolitical Dynamics and Maintenance of Peaceful Relations in Asia

The Shangri-La Dialogue (SLD) reaffirmed the importance of face-to-face defence diplomacy, with strong participation from 37 ministerial-level delegates and 42 countries, including key speeches from leaders of Japan, Ukraine, China, and the United States.
The event served as a platform for significant sideline meetings, such as the first in-person US-China and Australia-China defence minister meetings in years, and facilitated bilateral and multilateral engagements among participating nations.
Feedback from delegates indicated that the SLD effectively addressed both traditional and non-traditional security challenges, providing a neutral forum for open discussions on issues like US-China relations, maritime cooperation, and climate change.
The SLD's extensive media coverage and positive reception underscore its role as a premier defence conference in the region, enhancing Singapore's contribution to international diplomacy and regional stability.

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4 Jul 2022

Singapore Armed Forces and Other Matters Bill

The bill amends the Singapore Armed Forces Act to establish a digital and intelligence service, increase maximum fines for disciplinary offences, and allow for the composition of military offences.
It also updates the Military Manoeuvres Act to permit military manoeuvres in catchment areas with Public Utilities Board approval.
The bill amends the Civil Defence Act and Police Force Act to provide for the composition of service and disciplinary offences, and includes related amendments to other Acts.
The Senior Minister of State for Defence presented the bill, which was read for the first time and scheduled for a second reading in the next sitting.

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9 May 2022

Plans to Assist Singapore Companies in Managing Myanmar Junta's New Regulation on Exchange of Foreign Currency According to Mandated Rate

The debate concerned a Myanmar Central Bank directive requiring foreign currency conversion at a mandated rate, which prompted concerns from Singapore companies operating there.
The Singapore Embassy in Yangon has expressed concerns, sought clarification, and requested exemptions for Singapore firms but is still awaiting a response from Myanmar authorities.
The Minister emphasized that due to heightened uncertainty, Singapore companies must make their own commercial assessments about continuing operations in Myanmar.

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9 May 2022

Proposal to Allow Full-time National Servicemen to Pursue Part-time Courses Relevant to Future Employment or Education during National Service

Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim proposed that full-time National Servicemen (NSFs) be allowed and encouraged to pursue part-time courses relevant to their future employment or education during service.
Minister Ng Eng Hen affirmed that military duties remain the priority but highlighted existing support initiatives like SkillsFuture@NS, which provides $350 credits for over 3,000 courses, and Enhanced Career and Education Fairs for NSFs nearing the end of service.
MINDEF/SAF has launched five Work-Learn Schemes since 2018 in fields like Cybersecurity and AI, enabling NSFs to earn diplomas or credits while serving.
The Ministry remains committed to supporting NSFs’ transition to higher education or the workforce while meeting operational needs.

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9 May 2022

Assessment of Disinformation Campaigns on Russia-Ukraine Conflict and Measures to Safeguard Singaporeans against Such Efforts

The Minister confirmed that no coordinated hostile information campaign has been detected specifically targeting Singapore in relation to the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
The government remains vigilant against online efforts to influence or divide Singaporeans through rumors, half-truths, and misleading statements.
Public education and media literacy efforts are ongoing to help Singaporeans discern the veracity of information encountered online.

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9 May 2022

Considerations in Singapore's Abstention on Suspension of Russia's Membership in UN Human Rights Council

Singapore condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, imposed sanctions, and supported UN resolutions on aggression and humanitarian consequences, while co-sponsoring a Human Rights Council resolution to investigate human rights violations.
Singapore abstained on the UN General Assembly vote to suspend Russia’s Human Rights Council membership due to procedural concerns, preferring that such a decision follow the findings of the newly established UN Commission of Inquiry.
The abstention reflects Singapore’s commitment to due process, the rules-based multilateral system, and principles of international law, rather than taking sides in the conflict.
Singapore expressed deep concern over the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine and urged full cooperation with the UN Commission to ensure credible investigations and accountability for any violations.

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9 May 2022

Full Scope of Economic Sanctions Imposed by Singapore on Russia for Invasion of Ukraine

Singapore imposed sanctions on Russia due to its violation of international law and the UN Charter, aligning with global efforts to uphold sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The sanctions include export controls banning military goods and dual-use items like electronics and telecommunications that could aid Russia’s war efforts.
Financial measures target designated Russian banks, restrict transactions related to controlled exports, prohibit funding the Russian government, and ban dealings with breakaway regions.
All financial institutions in Singapore must comply with these rules, including freezing assets and preventing digital payment transactions that could circumvent sanctions.

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