NATIONAL SERVICE TRAINING FOR STUDENTS IN HIGHER INSTITUTIONS OF LEARNING

Mr Low Guan Onn asked the Minister for Defence whether he will consider allowing Pre-University students and students in institutions of higher learning to do part of their two-year National Service training during the long holidays and to complete the remainder of their training period after graduation, so that they can be available to industries earlier, as the Republic is in need of trained men during the crucial years ahead.

Mr Lim Kim San: Sir, my Ministry is exploring the possibility of providing military training during the long holidays for men studying in higher institutions of learning. But it must be stressed, however, that the training given on the basis of disconnected periods, such as during long vacations only, cannot be as effective or as comprehensive as that given during full-time service.