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CNA reported : SAFRA to spend more than S$50m to redevelop, strengthen its relevance By Monica Kotwani | Posted: 19 July 2012 2058 hrs SINGAPORE: SAFRA will spend more than S$50 million over the next five years in a bid to redevelop and strengthen its relevance. The move is also to keep up with the changing lifestyles and interests of National Servicemen (NSmen). Defence Minister Dr Ng Eng Hen, who is also the chairman of SAFRA board of governors, said this at the 12th SAFRA Awards on Thursday. As a start, the association will add two more clubs to its current five. The first club, due to begin operations in 2013, will be a six-storey multi-entertainment centre in the town area for NSmen aged 18 to 35 years. It will be located at the former SAFRA Town Club building, which closed last year. The second will cater to NSmen and their families, and will be located at Punggol. The club, to be built on a one-hectare plot of land, will have family lifestyle resort features. The club is expected to cost some S$50 million and will be completed in 2015. SAFRA will also be enhancing its benefits and programmes. This includes looking into a new package for NS units to enhance its programmes in cohesion-building. The new package is expected to be implemented in 2013, benefitting over 100,000 NSmen annually. The initiatives are some recommendations at the end of a year-long review that focused on three areas. They are furthering SAFRA's market reach, strengthening its position as NSmen's choice club and finding ways to better recognise NSmen's contributions. Helmed by Minister of State for Defence, Lawrence Wong, the Strategic Review Steering Commitee held focus group sessions and conducted online and face-to-face surveys with more than 1,800 NSmen who shared their vision for SAFRA. Some 400 SAFRA volunteers and NSmen attended the awards ceremony. Dr Ng said: "I think this was the original idea of SAFRA. The idea was that since we require Singaporeans to do National Service, we must find a way to help them benefit from the progress of the country. "Why not give them access to a range of quality social, recreational, sports and educational facilities that help them experience regularly, what they are protecting. "Even as we focus on facilities, programmes, how we can continue to provide benefits to SAFRA members. "None of us want to forget the founding mission of SAFRA - that while it provides benefits which private social clubs and recreational establishments provide, our critical mission is different, and that is to recognise the vital contributions, to foster cohesion among NSmen, to build SAF as a cohesive fighting force, operationally ready and committed in both heart and mind to defend Singapore." - CNA/ck I was wondering, SAFRA clubs really serve us, NSF or running as just another entertainment hub ? The places are running like a business hub where all entertainment under one roof and furthermore, operates by private companies which only offer discount to NSF. Other eateries elsewhere also offer same or better discount by certain credit card companies. I do miss the 70's where we have the NCO Club at Beach Road where beer is so cheap cos its duty free. At Tampines SAFRA restaurant, there is one run by Sakura and in Clementi Wood branch offer much more varities of food. If really want to help those NSF, build medical facilities at the club houses to cater to their needs. Coming into the workforce after completing NS at the age of 20+ would not earn them much (unless graduates) and had to work its ways up through years in workforce before he can command a good salary. Dental treatment is another way as the cost outside are super expensive and the waiting list at Polyclinic Dental Clinic or at HPB at Outram is at least more than 14 months wait. As stated, serving those age 18 ~ 35, some would want to set up family around age 26 ~ 35, help them to get cheaper HDB flats or reducing their queue number in getting a HDB flat. This is also a way of recognising their NS contribution. Restaurants, Bowling Alley, Jackpot Room can be commonly found everywhere in SG. Those who wants to play Jackpot, can always go to the 2 casinos. Be the first to set up Medical & Dental facilities at all SAFRA clubhouses to cater to NSF and it families at a special price would be very much appreciated. Nowadays, waiting at Polyclinic to see a doctor without appointment is minimum 3hrs. Even with appointment, one have to spend at least 2hrs. at the polyclinic. my 2 cents worth of contributions.