Reddit post sparks questions over transparency in NSmen make-up pay adjustment

Online Citizen​

27-05-2025

SINGAPORE: A Reddit user has sparked public concern over a lack of transparency surrounding recent changes to the Make-Up Pay (MUP) scheme for Operationally Ready National Servicemen (NSmen).
The user, who had recently completed a two-week In-Camp Training (ICT) in May, noticed a significant discrepancy in his MUP despite a civilian pay increment.
The post on 19 May 2025 raised questions about the communication and fairness of the policy change.
Well-Publicised NSF Pay Hike vs. Silent NSman Adjustment
The user highlighted the stark contrast in how two major policies affecting national servicemen were communicated.
In March 2025, the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) publicly announced an increase in the monthly allowance for full-time National Servicemen (NSFs), ranging from S$35 to S$75, set to take effect in July 2025.
The announcement was widely covered by the media.
In contrast, the user pointed out the lack of any official communication regarding a revision to the MUP formula for NSmen, which took effect in February 2025.
He noted that there were no press releases, government announcements, or media reports concerning the change, which he found troubling.
Bonuses Excluded Under New Make-Up Pay Formula
The Reddit user shared his experience of receiving a lower MUP than expected, despite having received a pay increase in his civilian job.
Upon contacting the NS hotline, he was informed that his Additional Wage (AW) was recorded as '$0' under the new MUP formula, as bonuses were excluded.
According to the explanation provided by MINDEF, the exclusion of bonuses was based on the assumption that employers are unlikely to reduce bonuses when employees take short absences due to NS activities.
MINDEF explained that the revised MUP calculation, which took effect in February 2025, adjusts the AW component by removing the two highest AW months, typically bonuses.
The aim was to better estimate income loss for NSmen when attending Operationally Ready National Service (ORNS) activities.
This change was introduced after feedback from employers and NSmen.
'Unjust and Unjustified': Redditor Calls for Reversal
The Reddit user expressed strong dissatisfaction with the policy change, calling it 'unjust and unjustified.'
He argued that the rationale behind the exclusion of bonuses was illogical and unfair.
The user pointed out that someone has to bear the cost of the compensation shortfall—either the reservist employee, who would receive a smaller bonus, or the employer, who would have to pay the same bonus despite fewer work weeks.
The user also criticized the lack of transparency in the implementation of the policy change.
He noted that while the NSF pay increase had been publicly announced months in advance, the MUP revision affecting NSmen had not been disclosed or discussed in public.
What Does This Mean for NSmen?
The Reddit post included a detailed FAQ section to explain the potential consequences of the MUP changes.
The user highlighted that for NSmen whose bonuses form a significant portion of their income, the exclusion of bonuses during reservist training could lead to substantial pay cuts.
For example, missing out on one month's performance bonus could result in a 7% pay cut, and missing two months could lead to a 14% cut.
The FAQ also addressed concerns from those under the Direct scheme, where MUP goes directly to the employer.
The user warned that employers might become less inclined to pay the same bonus to reservist employees if they are absent for two weeks a year, making them less cost-efficient compared to other employees.
In response to the unannounced policy change, the Reddit user encouraged others to express their concerns.
He provided several ways to raise the issue, including filling out the official feedback form on the NS website, calling the NS hotline, emailing MINDEF, or writing to Members of Parliament (MPs) during Meet-the-People sessions.
The user also suggested reaching out to both soial and traditional media outlets to bring more attention to the issue.
He emphasized the importance of accountability for the changes and called for the revision to be reversed and backpaid.
Reddit Users Weigh In on Silent Make-Up Pay Change
Following the Reddit post, several users echoed concerns about the revised Make-Up Pay (MUP) scheme for Operationally Ready National Servicemen (NSmen), calling for a broader public discussion on what they viewed as a significant and troubling policy shift.
They questioned the rationale behind the exclusion of bonuses from the MUP calculation, particularly the assumption by authorities that employers are unlikely to reduce bonuses for employees taking short absences for National Service.
One user highlighted the lack of public communication surrounding the change, describing it as 'extremely poor'.
Another Redditor shared a personal account, stating, 'I completed my ICT recently and noticed the slight drop compared to last year as well—thanks for bringing this up.'
The comment reflected a growing chorus of dissatisfaction over the silent policy adjustment and calls for greater transparency.
Following the Reddit post, The Online Citizen (TOC) sent a formal letter to MINDEF on 20 May, seeking clarification over the recent changes to the MUP scheme for Operationally Ready NSmen.
TOC asked why the change—implemented in February 2025—was not formally announced or communicated to the public, noting that the revised method could significantly affect payouts.
TOC also asked whether the exclusion of bonuses—achieved by removing the two highest Additional Wage (AW) months from the 12-month average—marked a shift in policy.
It questioned the rationale behind no longer including bonuses as part of income loss calculations.
TOC further asked about the basis for MINDEF's claim that bonuses are excluded because employers are 'not likely to reduce these' during short absences for NS.
It requested evidence supporting this assumption and whether there had been any consultation with employers, unions, or employee groups.
TOC also asked how MINDEF assessed the potential long-term impact on employability and equity, warning that the change could lead to unintended consequences such as reduced bonuses, hindered career progression, or added burdens for employers.
TOC raised concerns over the DIRECT scheme, where employers continue paying full salaries and claim reimbursement.
It asked if these employers are now under-compensated and whether they were informed about the change.
TOC has since reviewed past public documentation and noted that the change appears inconsistent with previously published calculation methods.
As of 27 May 2025, MINDEF has not responded to TOC's queries.