MINDEF Plans to Enhance NS HOME Milestone Awards, Chan Chun Sing Says

Singapore’s Defence Ministry is considering changes to the NS HOME awards, with Defence Minister Chan Chun Sing saying the scheme should become “more impactful, more meaningful.”

The programme gives national servicemen financial support at three key milestones in their service cycle. The funds are intended to help with housing, healthcare and education. Chan said he had instructed the ministry to examine how the awards could better recognize those who serve.

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more impactful, more meaningful

MINDEF is also exploring ways for national servicemen to stay connected with their former unit mates. Chan said a standing mechanism already reviews the allowances of full-time national servicemen, while the ministry regularly considers what more it can do to support national servicemen.

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Enhancements to our recognition initiatives for our national servicemen such as through NS HOME and standing mechanisms to regularly review how our NSFs will always be supported

“Enhancements to our recognition initiatives for our national servicemen such as through NS HOME and standing mechanisms to regularly review how our NSFs will always be supported,” Chan said. He added that more details would be available next year.

The previous increase in full-time national servicemen’s allowances came in 2025, when monthly payments rose by about 4% to 5%. A recruit or trainee now receives S$790, according to the ministry. That review marked the fourth allowance review in 10 years.

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try and plan something special

Singapore will mark 60 years of National Service in 2027. The National Day Parade will return to the Padang, and Chan said organizers would try to plan something special for people who have served during the past six decades. He also described the parade as a dynamic display of modern warfare, alongside its usual crowd favourites.

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dynamic display