Quah Zheng Wen allowed to extend National Service deferment

SINGAPORE — National swimmer Quah Zheng Wen has been allowed to extend his National Service deferment until after the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. 

Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen announced on Facebook that the ministry has granted Quah’s application. 

“Zheng Wen got close to a medal, having reached semi-finals in 100m and 200m in Rio,” said Dr Ng. “For the first time ever, we now have two Olympics medal prospects – Zheng Wen and Joseph Schooling – who are exceptional sportsmen and meet all the existing criteria for deferment. This speaks well of our sporting talent in our younger generation. I hope their achievements will encourage many more sportsmen and women to excel.”

This is Quah's second deferment. He was previously granted long-term NS deferment in July 2015 to train for the 2016 Rio Olympics.

The Armed Forces Council (AFC) deliberated and approved Mr Quah’s application of extended deferment received this month, said Mindef in a statement.

“The AFC noted that Mr Quah had been granted deferment in 2015 to compete for the 2016 Olympics as he had fulfilled standing criteria,” said the statement. The council also noted that Quah qualified for the semi-finals in the 100m and 200m butterfly events in the Rio Olympics and the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth supported Quah’s application to continue training and to compete in the next Olympics.

“The AFC has therefore approved Mr Quah’s request for extension of his deferment and for him to be enlisted for National Service after the 2020 Olympic Games,” said Mindef.