SINGAPORE ­— In addition to a series of perks announced earlier this year for national servicemen in celebration of Singapore’s 50th year of conscription, some of those who are in the public service are getting an extra day off from work.

The one-time perk, which was announced through internal memos circulated via email or through office online networks since July, applies only to public servants in certain agencies. Checks with employees in various ministries and statutory boards revealed that so far, the Economic Development Board, the Singapore Tourism Board (STB), the National Parks Board (NParks), the National Environment Agency (NEA) and the Public Service Division ­— parked under the Prime Minister’s Office — are among those to have offered the day off to their employees.

Those eligible must have served National Service (NS) full-time in the Singapore Armed Forces, Singapore Police Force and Singapore Civil Defence Force. In some statutory boards, employees who have served as uniformed regulars in these three forces will also be eligible. 

The day off has to be taken between Aug 1 and Dec 31 this year. 

In response to queries from TODAY, the Ministry of Defence (Mindef) said that, in commemoration of 50 years of National Service (NS50), it has also given a day off to all its non-uniformed employees who are past and present operationally ready NSmen, in recognition of their contributions to NS. They were also given letters of appreciation.

“For 50 years, NS has been the bedrock of the peace and stability upon which we have built Singapore. It is an important milestone in Singapore’s nation-building journey, and a time for us to recognise the contributions of past and present national servicemen,” the ministry said.

“Mindef is heartened that other organisations have also implemented initiatives to recognise the contributions of their NSmen employees ... Public and private sector agencies are encouraged to commemorate NS50 and recognise the contributions of their NSmen,” it added.

NParks, in a memo, stated that both permanent and contract employees are eligible for the day off, and letters of appreciation will also be given to them by the end of this month. The day off, however, cannot be cashed out for those leaving their jobs. Employees will have to use it in one sitting, instead of splitting it into two half-days.

NEA, too, offered appreciation letters to eligible employees.

In STB’s memo, it was stated that new hires and employees serving notice would qualify for this extra day off, which can be taken subject to “exigencies of service”.

Employees in other ministries and statutory boards, including the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth, national water agency PUB, and the Urban Redevelopment Authority, have yet to hear from their human resources (HR) department about the perk.

A 29-year-old public servant, who will get the day off, plans to peg it to his year-end vacation. “I think it’s a good thing that NSmen’s efforts are being recognised, as (doing) reservist does cause us a fair bit of inconvenience,” he said.

Those who have yet to receive the day off are still holding out hope for good news from their HR department. 

“All public servants should receive it. To be fair to everyone, the same treatment should be accorded throughout the whole Government,” said a 31-year-old public servant who did not want to be named, and who has not received the perk.

A marketing manager in the private sector, who wanted to be known only as Mr Loh, was optimistic that some companies might also take their cue from the Government. 

“Usually, the public service leads by example. But so far, in Singapore, private companies have been known to be quite appreciative (of NSmen), so I’m sure (they will soon) follow suit,” the 29-year-old said.

IT consultant Joseph Li, also 29, was nonplussed about the extra day off for public servants. He said that he would commit to NS regardless of any perks, and having extra time off work would not change his perception or attitude towards it. “I don’t feel like I’m disadvantaged just because my company is not offering the same perk,” he added.

As part of the NS50 celebration, a year-long series of events and initiatives have been rolled out to mark the milestone.

Among the perks given to all past and present national servicemen are S$100 worth of NS50 vouchers, which they can use at a wide range of retail and food-and-beverage outlets. Those in service, or have completed their operationally ready NS, are also given an extra one-year membership at either Safra or HomeTeamNS clubs.