Singapore’s Ministry of Defence launched the Singapore Defence Volunteer Network, or SG Defence, on May 12 to widen community involvement in national defence. [1, 2, 3, 4]
The network aims to grow the pool of about 1,500 military and civilian volunteers to 3,000 within the next 3 to 5 years. It has room at the start for nearly 400 new volunteers. [1, 2, 3, 4]
SG Defence brings together several volunteer options under one platform run by Nexus, including the SAF Volunteer Corps and 10 civilian volunteer schemes. MINDEF said the network is open to people living in Singapore, including men and women regardless of nationality. [1, 2, 3, 4]
Roles will include education, heritage preservation, creative design, direct military support and work linked to the National Service Gallery. The gallery is due for completion in 2027 at NS Square in Marina Bay. [1, 2, 3, 4]
Senior Minister of State for Defence Zaqy Mohamad said wars in the Middle East and Europe have shown how misinformation, supply chain disruptions and hybrid warfare affect society as a whole. He said the response must be “a whole-of-society response” and said, “today, we are changing the paradigm.” [1, 2]
Zaqy first announced the formation of the network during the MINDEF budget debate in February. SG Defence is now open as MINDEF begins taking in new volunteers. [1, 2, 3, 4]
