Singapore defence minister launches celebration to commemorate 50 years of National Service | Focus

By Xinhua

Singapore’s Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen on Tuesday witnessed the oath-taking ceremony of new enlistees on Pulau Tekong, and launched a year-long celebration entitled “NS50” to commemorate 50 years of National Service (NS).

Addressing 100 new enlistees and their families at Basic Military Training Center (BMTC), Minister Ng reiterated that NS is the milestone for the country’s strong defence.

As part of Tuesday’s launch, Ng opened and toured the new NS Gallery, a permanent interactive exhibition at BMTC which showcases the evolution of NS and various aspects of the NS experience.

Themed “From My Generation to Yours,” the year-long celebration pay tribute to more than 1 million national servicemen who have contributed to the defence and security of Singapore.

Singapore’s Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen speaks at the oath-taking ceremony for the new National Service enlistees held at the Basic Military Training Centre on Singapore’s Pulau Tekong, Feb. 7, 2017. Singapore’s Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen on Tuesday witnessed the oath-taking ceremony of new enlistees on Pulau Tekong, and launched a year-long celebration entitled “NS50” to commemorate 50 years of National Service. (Xinhua/Then Chih Wey)

All male Singaporean citizens and second-generation permanent residents are statutorily required to undergo a period of compulsory service in the uniformed services.

The theme will be represented in events such as Chingay Parade, Army Open House, NS50 Showcase and NS50 Week throughout this year.