NS45 with SAFRA

Do you know that our Singapore National Service (NS) was established 45th years ago in year 2012? It was not easy back then. During the hare days, everyone thought that there was no need for us to defend our country as the British army will protect us.

At that time of independence in 9th August 1965, Singapore's Army comprised only two regular infantry Battalions, The First, Second Battalions and Singapore Infantry Regiment (SIR). As the The British government impending to withdraw it troops in Singapore in the late 60's.

The National Service (NS) act was passed on 14th March 1967. As Singaporeans have the need to protect it own country and defend on ourselves. Pink enlistment reminder cards were sent to Singaporean males who were born between 1 Jan 49 and 30 Jun 49. On 17 August 1967, Singapore's first cohort of full-time national servicemen were enlisted which also known as First Generation Army.

[My dad told me that since after the Singapore's independence, the government launched it's first volunteer recruitment campaign. My dad actually went forward and wanted to join the army.

But then, he told me that at that time, the Army and the safety was not easily compared to now. The safety and peace was uncertainly. They will each given a card (Life-Death contract) and give them few days to decide if they really wanted to volunteer themselves as they will be the front-liner if Singapore safety was being threaten.

After much consideration, my dad decided not to volunteer himself as my grandmother was against it and worried about the safety. My dad felt disappointed through and he also unable to join the first generation army was he was beyond the date which was called.]

Singapore faced many difficulties when time goes by (Racial Riot, Hotel New World Collapse, SQ117 Hijack, SARS) and now we are in the new era with the 3rd Generation of Army.

As we faced tough and difficulties times, We do have recreation facilitates for us to enjoy, it was known as Singapore Armed Forces Reservists Association (SAFRA). It was inaugurated on 2 July 1972 by Mr Goh Keng Swee.

It was small clubhouse with 1904 members when it started in 1972. It first temporary clubhouse at the Norwegian Seamen’s Mission Home at Prince Edward Lane. After which, SAFRA moved to first permanent club house at Toa Payoh in 1975 at the cost of SGD$2 Million.


In 1982, The second SAFRA clubhouse was opened in Bukit Merah. In  31 Oct 2004, Bukit Merah closed down and was replaced by SAFRA Mount Faber on 1 November 2004.

In 1996, The third SAFRA Town club opened in Wheelock place before it moved to 6-storey club at Carpenter Street. Later this year, the forth clubhouse was opened in Tampines.

In 19 April 2001, the fifth SAFRA Country Club was opened in Yishun. The club also houses Singapore's biggest indoor air weapons shooting range with 42 lanes of World Class Standard!

In 30 May 2009, the Sixth SAFRA clubhouse was opened in Boon Lay. With all the Sixth SAFRA clubhouses throughout island wide, it will not only bring NSmen get closer together, it also a gathering place for their friends and families to use the SAFRA clubhouse facilities!

To commemorate the 45th Anniversary of National Service (NS), the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) and the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) will provide about SGD$100 Million Worth of SAFRA and HomeTeamNS benefits to more than 900,00 National Servicemen!

Not only that, Jack Neo latest movie, 'Ah Boy to Men' also commemorate the 45th Anniversary of National Service! It showcase the importance of the army and the three generation of army in differences era.

As a one-off recognition initiative to thank National Servicemen for their dedicated service and precious time to serve and defence the nation, SAFRA vouchers range from SGD$50 to SGD$100 and FREE 1-year SAFRA membership will be given to everyone if you do not have one.

All you need is follow the four simple steps!

With all the four simple steps, you can share the benefits with your friends and families! Are you Ready?

Here goes:

Type https://ns45.safra.sg/Home.aspx After that click Register Now button.

1. Key in Your NRIC and Birth Date as shown and click GO.

2. Choose the Benefit that you want by clicking the options shown on the screen. After which, click next to preview your selection.

3 Here your Preview of Selection. If you would like to change your selections, click Back button. Otherwise, click the confirm button to proceed.

(Please note that after you click confirm button, you are no longer able to amend any changes)

4. Last step: The site will bring you to Confirmation Page as shown above. It will takes about 2-3 weeks time for them to deliver it to you via mail.

Soon, you will receive your SAFRA Voucher in SGD$10 denomination. I am very excited that I can use the SAFRA Voucher and the free membership at any of the sixth SAFRA clubhouses in Singapore!

I can bring my families to SAFRA Mount Faber and treat them to eat Thai food at Porn's! After delicious Thai Cuisine, We will head down to Superbowl to play bowling game using SAFRA member card for special price! Last stop, we will visit to KBox for a Karaoke Session! Especially my mum like to sing 甜蜜蜜 (Tian Mi Mi)!

Since I received Free one year SAFRA membership card, I have no excuses but to ask my friend along to use the sport facilities at SAFRA clubhouse!

I always wanted to learn Fencing, I will ask my best buddy to accompany me to SAFRA Toa Payoh and learn fencing with me at Z Fencing. At Z Fencing, they conduct beginner lesson for Adult to learn! If not, we can visit to EnergyOne Gym to exercise and to get fit and healthy with my buddy!

There are so many difference facilities in each SAFRA clubhouses for you to explore. If you have special function, you also can book their function room in the clubhouses.

What are you waiting for? It is time for you to relax yourself with your friends and families with SAFRA!

Happy 45th Anniversary of National Service (NS)!