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New recruits keen to contribute to S’pore’s defence

SINGAPORE — While she was growing up, Ms Arlene Pang would often hear relatives and friends talking about how they had benefited from National Service, such as making friends from different walks of life, developing a sense of discipline, and having pride in one’s vocation.

SINGAPORE — While she was growing up, Ms Arlene Pang would often hear relatives and friends talking about how they had benefited from National Service, such as making friends from different walks of life, developing a sense of discipline, and having pride in one’s vocation.

Intrigued by their experiences, Ms Pang, whose father served in the Republic of Singapore Navy, signed up for the SAF Volunteer Corps (SAFVC) on the day applications opened last October, opting for the bridge watchkeeper role in the Navy.

She felt it was a good time to contribute to Singapore’s defence.

“I am at the age where I think I am still basically fit and able to contribute to the aspect of military defence,” said the 32-year-old, who currently works at the Ministry of Education.

“As a Singaporean, I guess it is a sense of rootedness that you feel towards the country. There comes a point in life where you feel this is really the place that you belong, and you call home. If somewhere is home, you want to play a part in defending it.”

Ms Pang was one of 68 Singapore citizens and permanent residents (PRs) who began training with the SAFVC on Tuesday, after taking an oath of allegiance at Maju Camp.

Another volunteer, Chinese national Jiang Hong, has been living in Singapore for nine years. The 28-year-old, who became a PR in 2012, said he joined the volunteer corps as a security trooper to help protect his new home.

“I can say I’m a half-Singaporean, and I studied and worked here, and my family is here. I think I should protect my family and protect Singapore,” said Mr Jiang, who is currently working as a logistics officer in an American firm. He hopes to become a citizen one day.

For Ms Khadijah Abdul Rahim, her passion for diving influenced her decision to sign up as a naval volunteer. “I have been trying my best to do a bit of reading up … but I don’t think there is enough preparation per se,” said the senior occupational therapist, who will be serving as a bridge watchkeeper.

The 28-year-old also likes the flexibility offered by the corps, where volunteers undergo up to three to four weeks of training, and serve up to seven days for at least three years, compared to full-time National Service and the 10-year NS Unit Training Cycle.

“I can still concentrate on my career and yet contribute to my country’s defence,” said Ms Khadijah.

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