Try GOLD - Free
131 awards given out for contributions to Total Defence
The Straits Times
|November 07, 2025
SAF Volunteer Corps member among people, firms and organisations honoured
At the awards dinner on Nov 6, Defence Minister Chan Chun Sing spoke about the importance of resilience, and how fast Singapore can bounce back and recover in the event of an attack.
Over the years, Ms Sheila Manokaran has supported and uplifted young people as a volunteer and co-founder of River Valley Irregulars, a platform that organises workshops for young people.
She also helps protect Singapore's seas for a week each year as a member of the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) Volunteer Corps.
Ms Sheila, 30, was among 131 recipients of the 2025 Total Defence Advocate Award, which recognises companies, community organisations and individuals for their strong commitment and contributions to Total Defence.
The awards dinner, held on Nov 6 at the Singapore Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel, was attended by Defence Minister Chan Chun Sing, Senior Minister of State for Defence Zaqy Mohamad, Minister of State for Defence Desmond Choo, and Minister of State for Home Affairs and Social and Family Development Goh Pei Ming.
Speaking to The Straits Times before the dinner, Ms Sheila, who was recognised for her contributions to economic, social and civil defence, said she joined the SAF Volunteer Corps in 2016 after organising several initiatives as a leader in Youth Corps Singapore.
This story is from the November 07, 2025 edition of The Straits Times.
Subscribe to Magzter GOLD to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 10,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
MORE STORIES FROM The Straits Times
The Straits Times
Scams 16-year-olds should not be able to open multiple bank accounts
While deterrence is certainly an appropriate means of countering scam syndicates, the financial sector should likewise be held accountable, particularly when it concerns young people, who are often easy prey for unscrupulous networks (Give your bank account and get $1,500: Why 16-year-old became a money mule for scammers, Nov 9).
1 min
November 12, 2025
The Straits Times
Russian forces roll Mad Max-style into battered Ukrainian city of Pokrovsk
Russia said its forces had pushed deeper into the eastern Ukrainian cities of Pokrovsk and Kupiansk on Nov 11, with one video showing Russian soldiers rolling into Pokrovsk on motorcycles and even sitting on the roofs of battered cars and vans.
2 mins
November 12, 2025
The Straits Times
ALL EYES ON LEONG MA BISCUIT, MAN OF ACTION
Lightweight duo set for Gl Coronation Cup, Wilamara spot-on for S’pore Pools Trophy
3 mins
November 12, 2025
The Straits Times
Rohingya survivor recounts boat tragedy; death toll climbs to 26
The death toll from the sinking of a boat carrying members of Myanmar’s persecuted Rohingya Muslim minority climbed to 26 on Nov 11, as a survivor recounted a harrowing journey that left him floating for days in the Andaman Sea.
2 mins
November 12, 2025
The Straits Times
Catch K-pop's Super Junior at New Year countdown show and fan sign event
K-pop boy band Super Junior have added more events to their Singapore stopover in January 2026.
1 min
November 12, 2025
The Straits Times
In Wicked: For Good, pop star Ariana Grande solidifies herself as a dramatic actress
“Would you like a lozenge?” Ariana Grande asked, trilling her question as though it were the opening salvo to a song.
5 mins
November 12, 2025
The Straits Times
David Szalay wins Booker Prize for tortured tale of masculinity
British-Hungarian writer David Szalay won the Booker Prize on Nov 10 for his novel Flesh, a tortured story of a Hungarian emigre who makes and loses a fortune.
1 mins
November 12, 2025
The Straits Times
Jail for ex-director of shell firms used to receive scam proceeds
He tried to deposit a cashier's order for over $7m in scam proceeds for one firm
4 mins
November 12, 2025
The Straits Times
Former loan shark convicted over fatal stabbing after 33 years on the run
A former loan shark who was on the run from the authorities for 33 years was convicted on Nov 11 for fatally stabbing a debtor in 1990.
2 mins
November 12, 2025
The Straits Times
New plant on Pulau Bukom to produce sustainable aviation fuel
It will supply up to 50 barrels a day when ready in 2028; SIA and JetBlue set to be early users
3 mins
November 12, 2025
Listen
Translate
Change font size