Record number of retailers offering SAF Day promotions
AFP file photo
SINGAPORE — To mark five decades of National Service (NS), more than 300 retailers and firms have stepped forward to offer promotions for national servicemen on Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) Day, which falls on July 1.
This is a “record number” of merchants that are dishing out SAF Day Recognition Promotions since the initiative kicked off in 2013 with just 21 retailers, Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen said.
This year, the promotions have been renamed the NS50 Recognition Promotions to mark 50 years of National Service (NS).
Speaking to reporters ahead of SAF Day earlier this week, Dr Ng said he was “very thankful” for the way businesses had responded. The promotions are aimed at recognising the contributions of national servicemen from the SAF and the Home Team in defending Singapore.
The hospitality sector, for example, has ramped up its support this year, with hotel groups such as Millennium Hotels and Resorts and the Park Hotel Group, as well as mall operators like AsiaMalls in the line-up. For the first time, homegrown brands like NTUC FairPrice, Sheng Siong Supermarket and POSB Bank have come on board.
From July 1 to Aug 10, Resorts World Sentosa, for instance, will offer one-for-one single-day admission for adults at its attractions, Universal Studios Singapore, the Adventure Cove Waterpark and S.E.A. Aquarium.
Among other promotions, it will also offer a S$20 dining voucher for a minimum S$100 spent at any of the eight participating restaurants, said Mr Alan Teo, the integrated resort’s vice-president for business development.
Asked why it was important for the firm to lend its support to NS, Mr Teo said: “When we’re strong in defence, the country can then focus on doing diplomacy in a calm and very firm manner, and thereafter economic stability (will follow).”
The NS50 Recognition Promotions will run until Aug 10.
