People dodge national service because they feel that it is a waste of time and an obstacle which hinders them from pursuing their dreams. However, Singapore is the only SEA country with a non-muslim majority and it is important to have a strong military in order for Singapore to be invulnerable to attacks. Therefore, there is a need for national service. If people like to dodge it, how are we able to change the mindset of Singaporeans such that they serve the country willingly.
Unlike other countries, there is a lack of Singaporean pride. Many of those who were on scholarships migrated to other countries because they feel that the environment there is more comfortable, where there is a better pay or living conditions. If Singaporeans choose to stay out of the country, then why should we even bother talking about Singaporeans going for national service? Furthermore, you can hear people saying, "Singapore sucks." on the MRT, and taxi drivers complaining about the government. Therefore, if the government can do something to make Singaporeans feel proud of their country, there would naturally be less people who dodge national service.
Now it boils down to feeling Singaporean pride, but what can Singaporeans be proud of? Living in a tropical country? Speaking Singlish? No, those are part of Singaporeans culture. In fact, most people only feel the pride when Singapore has something that is better than other countries. However, no one actually feels proud when Singapore has the best airport and airlines, the top university in Asia, the highest standards of living in Asia, etc. This may be because people do not really value these things but value feats that normal people are not able to perform. For example, winning prizes at international competitions or designing a new technological device that is far better than the existing ones. In a small island of 4.5 million people, there is not enough competition for the country to pick out the talented among the talented. Therefore, it is rather difficult to create a sense of nationalism.
How about reducing the amount of time in national service? Currently, Singapore has the longest conscription period and it takes 2 years for a typical young Singaporean to complete his national service. Furthermore, students are unable to enter university immediately after national service and that takes up more time. Why should Singapore have such a long conscription period if it does not plan to invade other countries? Moreover, how long would it take for another country to wipe out the whole of Singapore with modern technology? Therefore, it would be wise to shorten the period of conscription. 1.5 years would be wise as students would be able to go to university one year earlier.
In conclusion, national service has to be amended to appease Singaporeans more so that less people dodge it.
Unlike other countries, there is a lack of Singaporean pride. Many of those who were on scholarships migrated to other countries because they feel that the environment there is more comfortable, where there is a better pay or living conditions. If Singaporeans choose to stay out of the country, then why should we even bother talking about Singaporeans going for national service? Furthermore, you can hear people saying, "Singapore sucks." on the MRT, and taxi drivers complaining about the government. Therefore, if the government can do something to make Singaporeans feel proud of their country, there would naturally be less people who dodge national service.
Now it boils down to feeling Singaporean pride, but what can Singaporeans be proud of? Living in a tropical country? Speaking Singlish? No, those are part of Singaporeans culture. In fact, most people only feel the pride when Singapore has something that is better than other countries. However, no one actually feels proud when Singapore has the best airport and airlines, the top university in Asia, the highest standards of living in Asia, etc. This may be because people do not really value these things but value feats that normal people are not able to perform. For example, winning prizes at international competitions or designing a new technological device that is far better than the existing ones. In a small island of 4.5 million people, there is not enough competition for the country to pick out the talented among the talented. Therefore, it is rather difficult to create a sense of nationalism.
How about reducing the amount of time in national service? Currently, Singapore has the longest conscription period and it takes 2 years for a typical young Singaporean to complete his national service. Furthermore, students are unable to enter university immediately after national service and that takes up more time. Why should Singapore have such a long conscription period if it does not plan to invade other countries? Moreover, how long would it take for another country to wipe out the whole of Singapore with modern technology? Therefore, it would be wise to shorten the period of conscription. 1.5 years would be wise as students would be able to go to university one year earlier.
In conclusion, national service has to be amended to appease Singaporeans more so that less people dodge it.
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