National Service In Singapore

by Shu Huang Ho (Editor)

National Service (NS) is one of Singapore's foundational public policies. First implemented by the British in 1954, amended in 1967 to provide a means to defend a fledgling independent nation, and codified into its present form in 1970, NS is a key pillar of Singapore's defence. Its significance, however, goes beyond defence. With over 1 million male Singapore citizens and permanent residents having served NS, and consequently involving many more — family members, friends, employers and colleagues — in different ways, NS is deeply woven into Singapore's political and social fabric. This volume brings together a range of scholarly perspectives on NS which explore its past, present and future in four The history of NS, NS in practice, debates on NS and an international perspective. Comprising chapters by individuals from varied backgrounds, National Service in Singapore offers a broad account of one of Singapore's oldest public policies.

Genres: Nonfiction

278 pages, Paperback

Published November 29, 2018

Reviews

[Adap Sonam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Edited by Ho Shu Huang and Graham Ong-Webb, National Service in Singapore provides an in-depth exploration of Singapore’s conscription system, which has been a cornerstone of the nation’s security and identity since its introduction in 1967. The book examines the evolution of National Service (NS), its impact on Singapore’s defense, society, and economy, and the challenges it faces in an evolving geopolitical landscape. Through contributions from scholars, military experts, and former servicemen, the book presents a balanced discussion on the significance of NS beyond just military training, highlighting its role in fostering discipline, resilience, and national unity.

This book is particularly relevant in light of Bhutan’s newly launched Gyalsung national service program, which seeks to instill similar values of civic duty, national identity, and preparedness among Bhutanese youth. While Bhutan’s NS is in its early stages, Singapore’s experience offers valuable lessons on long-term sustainability, societal integration, and the balance between military and civilian responsibilities. Readers interested in the broader implications of conscription systems and their application in different national contexts will find this book both compelling and informative.

[Ernest · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the first interdisciplinary anthologies, with a significant number of perspectives beyond the usual SAF (Pointer Journal etc.) articles. I particularly enjoyed the chapter on racial quotas within the SAF (Ch8), and the are substantive theoretical contributions through the lens of securitisation (4) and dual citizenship (9). Crucial for those seeking to understand defence policy in Singapore and the region. However, one significant weakness is the lack of a comparative chapter with ASEAN countries: there is only one chapter for international perspectives, which looks at Taiwan instead. Future volumes in a similar vein could perhaps do with economic or anthropological matters.

[sbs transit · Rating 5 out of 5]

#nsreads 4

An institution with deeply colonial roots co-opted into entrenching neoclassist notions amenable to the nation-building effort. Now where have I seen this before?