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Encounter Defence Seminar 2008 On 30th April 2008, NYJC held the Encounter Defence Seminar 2008. This year’s seminar was graced by BG Tsoi Mun Heng, an ex-NYJCian returning to his alma mater. The program kicked-off with a skit performed by the SAF MDC (Singapore Armed Forces Music and Drama Company). The Hossan Leong-directed skit was thoroughly entertaining and brought bursts of laughter from students and tutors alike. The light-hearted skit revolved around a casual conversation between five students on their concept of the National Service (NS), highlighting their fears and expectations of the impending enlistment. The skit poked fun at the various misconceptions that many have of NS and was done in good humor. The skit was followed by a dialogue session between the student body and the panel which comprised our guest, BG Tsoi, as well as NYJC’s very own Physics tutor, Mr. Low Chee Wai. BG Tsoi gave a brief introduction of himself before the MC proceeded to the first part of the dialogue on “Defence Capabilities of the SAF”. The response from the students was overwhelming, with various questions asked such as basic ones seeking insight on the concept of a 3G Army to the relatively exploratory ones on SAF’s intention to purchase new and advanced air defence fighter planes such as the F35. For the second part of the dialogue on “The Role of National Service”, Mr. Low Chee Wai shared with the student his experience in the National Service and gave students seven pointers to help them better understand the path the guys would soon be treading. Students were given firsthand tips such as the importance of keeping fit and how to manage a romantic relationship when while serving NS. The final section of the dialogue, on “Total Defence”, saw yet more questions from the student body. When asked who the main threat to Singapore is, BG Tsoi gave an intelligent and diplomatic answer, “To name an enemy is to make an enemy”. With this, he further emphasized that Singapore does not have enemies and does not intend to make any. However, this could only be made possible with total defence which all citizens play a vital role in. The informative session was soon concluded and the students left with a better understanding and clear insights on the NS and our nation’s defence.