National Servicemen Who Have Applied for Redeployment under Enhanced Expertise Deployment Scheme and Work-learn Schemes
Ministry of DefenceSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns Mr Gerald Giam Yean Song’s inquiry into the application numbers and success rates for the Enhanced Expertise Deployment Scheme and work-learn schemes, including criteria limiting redeployment for tech experts. Coordinating Minister for Public Services and Minister for Defence Chan Chun Sing explained that the Enhanced Expertise Deployment Scheme optimizes National Servicemen (NSmen) deployment based on civilian expertise in domains like digital and cyber. He stated that around 1,000 NSmen indicate interest annually, with a 20% success rate following a selection process that matches specific skillsets to available openings within the Singapore Armed Forces. Minister Chan Chun Sing clarified that the Work-Learn Scheme is not a redeployment scheme but instead combines full-time National Service with Regular service. He noted that because the expertise deployment scheme is relatively new, the numbers have yet to stabilize, and redeployment depends on matching appropriate skillsets to existing needs.
Transcript
6 Mr Gerald Giam Yean Song asked the Coordinating Minister for Public Services and Minister for Defence (a) how many National Servicemen have applied for redeployment under the Enhanced Expertise Deployment Scheme and work-learn schemes in each of the past three years; (b) what is the success rate of these applications; and (c) what specific criteria or skill gaps currently limit the redeployment of these National Servicemen with private sector tech expertise.
Mr Chan Chun Sing: We introduced the Enhanced Expertise Deployment Scheme in 2022 to optimise the deployment of our Operationally Ready National Servicemen (NSmen). Under the scheme, suitable NSmen can be redeployed from their existing Operationally Ready National Service roles if they have acquired specialised civilian expertise that the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) requires. NSmen have been redeployed to support the SAF in existing and emerging domains such as Medical, Legal, Digital, Cyber, and Communications.
As it is a fairly new scheme, the numbers have yet to stabilise. In the past three years, about 1,000 NSmen have indicated interest in the scheme annually through direct applications or via our units who proactively identify suitable NSmen. Interested NSmen undergo a selection process to determine if they have the appropriate skillsets matched to the available openings. Thus far, about 20% of interested NSmen have been redeployed under the scheme.
The Work-Learn Scheme is not a redeployment scheme. Servicemen who sign up for such schemes undergo a combination of full-time NS followed by Regular service.