Desmond Choo wants Safra to bring defence closer to the community

As part of its interview series with new political office-holders, The Straits Times speaks to Mr Desmond Choo and Mr Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim, two former backbench MPs who are now part of the Government.

- Samuel Devaraj

Those waiting to be called up for national service may soon get to shoot air rifles at Safra Yishun's indoor air weapons range even before they shave their heads for basic military training on Pulau Tekong.

Besides weapons handling, pre-enlistees may also get a preview of NS life through a confidence-building programme, as part of Safra's new initiatives to bring defence closer to the community.

Safra is reorganising its role — from being a network of clubhouses for operationally ready national servicemen to being a movement that sustains Singaporeans' collective will to defend the country, said Minister of State for Defence Desmond Choo on Aug 22.

Following the 2025 General Election in May, Mr Choo was one of two backbench MPs that Prime Minister Lawrence Wong appointed to the Cabinet, with the other being Mr Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim.

In a wide-ranging interview with the media on Aug 22 about his new roles, the long-time unionist said he also intends to bring together resources from the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) and Ministry of Defence to help uniformed regulars find a good second career after they retire from the Singapore Armed Forces.

Mr Choo, 47, took over as Safra president from Senior Minister of State for Defence Zaqy Mohamad in July.

He also became co-chairman for the Advisory Council on Community Relations in Defence, and took on greater responsibilities in the labour movement as NTUC deputy secretary-general. These were roles previously held by Mr Heng Chee How, who retired from politics at GE2025.

Mr Choo said a focal point of his role in Mindef is to be the bridge to the larger community. Hence, he is making "a big push" to bring defence closer to Singaporeans through Safra.