On 1 Jul, SAF servicemen can enjoy a free upsize with every extra value meal when they visit any McDonald’s outlet in uniform or present their SAF Identification Cards at the point of purchase
At Mr Ong’s Kampong Cafe, NSmen visitors can enjoy 15 percent off the total bill when they visit on 1 Jul.
Mr Nicholas Lim (sitting) and LTC (NS) Tan at NEX shopping mall’s Pastamania outlet, where the interview was held.
Mr Baumgartner, founder of Swissbake Bakery, said that participating in this effort to recognise NSmen was his way of giving back to NS.
If the men are feeling a little left out as their ladies bag discounts and bargains at the Great Singapore Sale, here's something that might cheer them up.
Come 1 Jul, which is Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) Day, servicemen will have their own exclusive promotions to boast about.
SAF Full-time National Servicemen (NSFs), SAF Regulars, Operationally-Ready National Servicemen and those who have completed their NS cycle will enjoy discounts from 21 retailers. And all they have to do is to show their SAF identification cards or be in their SAF uniforms.
The retailers include Mr Bean, Ya Kun Kaya Toast, Sakae Sushi, Golden Village and Singapore Petroleum Company. (For updates on the retailers and their terms and conditions, please check the Singapore Army's Facebook page.)
This effort to get the public and companies to recognise national servicemen's contributions on SAF Day was a ground-up initiative by a group of NS commanders inspired by stories of ordinary Singaporeans showing their appreciation to men in uniform through acts of kindness.
"We hope with this initiative, more employers and companies will come forward to recognise NSmen's contributions in their unique and meaningful ways... We hope this initiative will take root and grow over the years," said Director National Service Affairs Brigadier-General (BG) Tung Yui Fai.
McDonald's, which joined in the effort more recently, is offering a free upsize of extra value meals at all outlets across Singapore on 1 Jul.
"This is one way of showing our thanks to all the brave men and women who help to keep our nation safe," said McDonald's senior communications manager Kevin Lim.
Kampong Cafe is another of those that came forward in recent weeks. The halal-certified restaurant located in Joo Chiat Road serves traditional Chinese, Malay and Indian cuisine. On 1 Jul, SAF servicemen can enjoy a 15 percent discount on their total bills.
Founder Michael Ong said that as someone who had gone through NS and stayed on to serve in the SAF as a Regular, he understands the sacrifices that NSmen had to make.
The 53-year-old former armour officer said: "When you issue an order to an SAF soldier, they don't ever say 'no' to you. Sometimes, they are required to do the things that they don’t naturally like or enjoy but they still carry on. This requires a lot from a person. I always look at people who have served with respect."
One of the NS commanders who got this effort going was Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) (NS) Derek Tan. The Commanding Officer of the 761st Battalion, Singapore Infantry Regiment, had mooted the idea of encouraging NSmen to wear their uniforms to work on SAF Day.
"We don't usually get to see SAF men in uniforms outside of camp. When they do (wear their uniforms to work), it becomes a significant picture because it goes to show that NSmen, other than their civilian work, also have that duty and service to the nation."
Companies like Resorts World Sentosa and Singapore General Hospital are encouraging their NSmen employees to wear their uniforms on 1 Jul.
Children-At-Risk Empowerment Association has taken it a step further and all 14 of its NSmen will be given half a day off work on 1 Jul. The not-for-profit organisation works with 13- and 14-year-old at-risk youths from eight schools.
Assistant Director Nicholas Lim explained: "We thought that it was logical to give them the half-day. They (the NSmen staff) go to the schools at about 8am and the day doesn't usually end until 6pm. By the time they leave, when are they going to go to enjoy the benefits?"
