NSF who injured spine in Taiwan undergoes successful second surgery: Mindef

SINGAPORE — The full-time national serviceman (NSF) who sustained a cervical spine injury in Taiwan during a unilateral training exercise last month has undergone a second surgery that was successful and without complications, the Ministry of Defence (Mindef) said on Thursday (Jan 2).

Mindef said that Private Joshua Quek Shou Jie, 21, who was injured on Dec 18 during parachute training, underwent this second surgery on Dec 21, two days after his first.

It did not disclose how the accident took place.

The cervical spine injury Private Quek sustained had resulted in “neurological deficits”, including weakness of his hands and legs, Mindef said.  

He has managed to regain some motor functions after the second surgery, but will require continued rehabilitation and physiotherapy for long-term recovery as well as to reduce the damage from the injury, the ministry added. 

Private Quek is breathing without assistance and is conscious, alert and able to converse with his family, who was flown to visit him at the hospital in Taiwan, Mindef said. Chief Commando Officer Colonel Kenny Tay visited and spoke with Private Quek and his family. 

“The family appreciates the concern shown by members of the public but have again requested that their privacy be respected, so that they can focus fully on helping Private Quek in his recovery,” the ministry said. 

“Mindef and the Singapore Armed Forces will continue to render full assistance to Private Quek and his family, and will arrange for (his) return to Singapore when he is medically fit to do so.”