131 awards given out for contributions to Total Defence

SAF Volunteer Corps member among people, firms and organisations honoured

- Samuel Devaraj Correspondent

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.