Celebrating 50 years of Police National Service and the contributions of PNS officers.
For five decades, Police National Service (PNS) has been a cornerstone of Singapore’s security, integral to Singapore Police Force (SPF)’s mission to uphold law and order. From patrolling streets and securing major national events like the National Day Parade and Singapore Formula 1, to safeguarding critical military and civilian installations, PNS officers have played a pivotal role in ensuring the nation’s safety and stability.
The first batch of national service officers joined the Singapore Armed Forces in 1967. That same year, the Singapore Police Force introduced part-time units — the Vigilante Corps (VC) and the Special Constabulary (SC). However, it wasn’t until 24 July 1975, eight years after the launch of national service, that the first intake of full-time Police National Service officers was enlisted.
Today, there are roughly 28,000 operationally ready PNSmen, each making invaluable contributions to Singapore’s security. To honour their dedication, each SPF unit regularly organises initiatives to recognise their commitment to protecting the community. One such initiative was the Police National Service Department’s PNSmen Appreciation Day.
PNSmen scaling the climbing walls at Adventure HQ during the PNSD Appreciation Day event
On 5 February 2025, over 20 PNSmen gathered at HomeTeamNS Adventure HQ for a day of fun and camaraderie at the 2,800 sqm indoor adventure hub.
Kicking off the event, Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police SAC K Puvenesveran, Director of PNSD and General Secretary of HomeTeamNS, expressed his gratitude to the PNSmen for their unwavering commitment. “I wanted to give them a specific day and time that they can put work aside just for a little while and to have a fun time together. For me to say ‘thank you’ to you, and for you to be appreciated for what you’ve done for us,” he shared.
With enthusiasm running high, the PNSmen wasted no time diving into Adventure HQ’s most thrilling obstacles. They soared across the first-of-its-kind indoor Roll Glider, navigated the 2-tiered, 16 elements indoor challenge ropes course, and tackled the challenging climbing walls, testing their agility, balance, and courage. The celebration wrapped up with a sumptuous buffet lunch, closing the day on a high note — a perfect blend of adventure, appreciation, and brotherhood.
From left to right: SGT (NS) Ilyia Hazraly, SC/CPL Ramesh S/O Nagandran, Director of PNSD SAC K Puvenesveran, and SGT (NS) Victor Ng
For SGT (NS) Victor Ng, National Service (NS) was more than just a duty — it was a transformative experience that shaped both his personal and professional growth. Having completed his service in January this year, he is now awaiting admission into the law programme at the National University of Singapore.
Victor played a key role in SPF’s human resource functions, where he honed essential skills like teamwork and perseverance. “There was an instance where we had to work late through the night to rush out a report,” he recalled. “My colleagues and I banded together even though we were tied down with other commitments. The fact that they dropped everything to help me really inspired me to pay it forward.”
Looking back, Victor believes that the lessons of unity and service have left a lasting impact. “Our Director always emphasised that we are One PNSD — no matter which department we are in, we are serving the same mission. That has stuck with me for life,” he shared.
SGT (NS) Ilyia Hazraly, who completed his NS in 2018, found his time in the service equally rewarding. Having served as a staff assistant to PNSD’s Assistant Director of Policy and Planning, he had the unique opportunity to work behind the scenes for NS50, the year-long commemoration of 50 years of National Service in 2017. “Supporting the planning division during NS50 enabled me to pick up skills such as multi-tasking and handling a diverse range of stakeholders. I learnt to work with many different departments and government agencies,” he reminisced.
Meanwhile, SC/CPL Ramesh S/O Nagandran, who is currently serving his NS, has found that effective communication is one of the most valuable skills he has developed.
His role in PNSD involves managing communications and feedback from PNS officers, an experience that has reinforced the importance of clear and empathetic communication. “Communicating effectively will definitely help me in the future. These skills will be useful in my interactions as it can help to minimise misunderstandings and errors, leading to more efficient workflows.” he said.
PNS officers bonding over icebreaker games at the PNSD Appreciation Day event
Many young men may find committing two years to NS daunting. But the Director of PNSD encouraged new enlistees to view it as an opportunity for growth. “My national service was critical in teaching me lessons that made me what I am today, and made me a better person,” he said.
He acknowledged that though the value of NS may not be immediately apparent, he still assures young officers that the experience will shape them in ways they may only realise later in life. “I always tell this to my national servicemen – you may not understand the value of it now. But as you go down the road, you will realise it was an opportunity to learn and improve and become a better version of yourself.”
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