Latest news with #NSmen
AsiaOne
6 days ago
- Business
- AsiaOne
Khatib Camp to make way for housing, with its functions moving to Amoy Quee Camp, Singapore News
SINGAPORE — Khatib Camp in Yishun will make way for new homes, with the camp's functions to be relocated to Amoy Quee Camp, which is currently undergoing redevelopment. Responding to queries from The Straits Times, the Ministry of Defence said on July 23 that the redevelopment of Amoy Quee Camp and its supporting infrastructure and facilities started in April 2024, with completion targeted for 2030. The ministry said Amoy Quee Camp, located in Ang Mo Kio, will have its land use intensified to accommodate the relocated units, assets and facilities from Khatib Camp. The camp will also house other operational units, along with their maintenance and administrative entities, to ensure the Singapore Armed Forces' operational readiness, said Mindef, which added that Khatib Camp will be returned to the state for residential development. Khatib Camp currently occupies about 29ha of land and is next to the upcoming 70ha Chencharu estate that is part of Yishun town. Reusing the camp's land for housing will add to the planned 10,000 homes that are slated for development in Chencharu by 2040. Based on the Urban Redevelopment Authority's (URA) Draft Master Plan 2025 that was released on June 25, the camp has been zoned for housing but has yet to be assigned a gross plot ratio — a figure that determines the maximum floor area of a development. Assuming it is given a plot ratio of 2.8 — similar to that of neighbouring residential plots - property analysts said it can yield more than 6,000 public flats or more than 9,000 condominium units. Alan Cheong, executive director of research and consultancy at Savills Singapore, said the large site provides urban planners the flexibility of incorporating a housing mix that includes private homes, condominium units and commercial amenities. Christine Sun, chief researcher and strategist at Realion Group, added that the transport network surrounding the camp site may also need to be improved for future residents. Currently, the end of the camp closest to Khatib MRT station is about 400m away, while its farthest end is about 1.2km from the station. Sun said there is a higher chance that public flats will be built on the site, which will be consistent with the neighbourhoods that currently surround it. Built at a cost of $90 million in 1983, Khatib Camp occupies an area that was previously used by the Royal Malaysian Navy from 1970, and handed over to Singapore in February 1982. The camp initially housed the SAF Boys' School, the air defence unit and five other artillery units. It has long served as the headquarters of the Singapore Artillery, and is currently one of four SAF camps where NSmen can take their Individual Physical Proficiency Test. As for Amoy Quee Camp, it was among the properties handed over to Singapore as part of the withdrawal of British troops in 1971. Information from the British archives shows the Royal Air Force (RAF) Amoy Quee base was established in mid-1968 and operated until July 1971. It housed the RAF's 1003 Signals Unit. Amoy Quee Camp in 1976 had the biggest pineapple farm in Singapore, occupying 6ha, as part of efforts to grow food for soldiers and also as an experiment to see if enough fruit could be harvested and sold for profit. Since 2001, Amoy Quee Camp has housed the headquarters of the National Cadet Corps, and the camp's size has been reduced drastically in recent years from about 89ha to 52ha to make way for new homes. According to URA's Draft Master Plan 2025 exhibition, the area will have a new park, commercial amenities and healthcare facilities. Its development has begun, with the ongoing construction of the 1,068-unit Pine Ville @ AMK project by the Housing Board, where replacement flats are being built for residents of an Ang Mo Kio Avenue 3 Selective En bloc Redevelopment Scheme project that was announced in April 2022. Selective En bloc Redevelopment Scheme project that was announced in April 2022 To be developed next to Pine Ville @ AMK soon is a Build-To-Order project, comprising 1,420 units, which will be launched in October. Elsewhere within the about 37ha of land that Mindef has ceded in Amoy Quee, HDB is currently preparing the site for future developments, such as constructing new roads and sewers. These works are slated to be completed by end-2025. According to URA's draft masterplan, at least three other housing sites are available for development in the area. The first is about 3ha, which is located next to a planned park. Analysts said it can hold about 1,200 condominium units, or about 800 flats. The second is about 6.2ha and is located across the road from Amoy Quee Camp. Analysts said it could yield about 1,400 flats, or about 2,200 condominium units. Savills' Cheong noted that it is large enough to be used for a mix of public and private homes, with some commercial amenities. The third plot is about 5.2ha, which has not been given a plot ratio in URA's draft masterplan. It stretches along the eastern boundary of Nanyang Polytechnic. Sun said the plot may not be attractive to developers because of its elongated shape. Assuming it has a plot ratio of 3.5 — the nearby housing plots have plot ratios ranging from 3.0 to 3.8 — it can hold about 1,400 flats, or about 2,100 condominium units, she said. As for the camp, a construction notice states that 48 blocks will be demolished and 35 blocks will be built, along with a football field and running track. This is slated for completion in the fourth quarter of 2029. [[nid:720521]] This article was first published in The Straits Times . Permission required for reproduction.
Business Times
6 days ago
- Business
- Business Times
Khatib Camp to make way for housing, with its functions moving to Amoy Quee Camp
[SINGAPORE] Khatib Camp in Yishun will make way for new homes, with the camp's functions to be relocated to Amoy Quee Camp, which is currently undergoing redevelopment. Responding to queries from The Straits Times, the Ministry of Defence said on July 23 that the redevelopment of Amoy Quee Camp and its supporting infrastructure and facilities started in April 2024, with completion targeted for 2030. The ministry said Amoy Quee Camp, located in Ang Mo Kio, will have its land use intensified to accommodate the relocated units, assets and facilities from Khatib Camp. The camp will also house other operational units, along with their maintenance and administrative entities, to ensure the Singapore Armed Forces' operational readiness, said Mindef, which added that Khatib Camp will be returned to the state for residential development. Khatib Camp currently occupies about 29 ha of land and is next to the upcoming 70ha Chencharu estate that is part of Yishun town. Reusing the camp's land for housing will add to the planned 10,000 homes that are slated for development in Chencharu by 2040. A NEWSLETTER FOR YOU Tuesday, 12 pm Property Insights Get an exclusive analysis of real estate and property news in Singapore and beyond. Sign Up Sign Up Based on the Urban Redevelopment Authority's (URA) Draft Master Plan 2025 that was released on June 25, the camp has been zoned for housing but has yet to be assigned a gross plot ratio – a figure that determines the maximum floor area of a development. Assuming it is given a plot ratio of 2.8 – similar to that of neighbouring residential plots – property analysts said it can yield more than 6,000 public flats or more than 9,000 condominium units. Mr Alan Cheong, executive director of research and consultancy at Savills Singapore, said the large site provides urban planners the flexibility of incorporating a housing mix that includes private homes, condominium units and commercial amenities. Ms Christine Sun, chief researcher and strategist at Realion Group, added that the transport network surrounding the camp site may also need to be improved for future residents. Currently, the end of the camp closest to Khatib MRT station is about 400 m away, while its farthest end is about 1.2 km from the station. Ms Sun said there is a higher chance that public flats will be built on the site, which will be consistent with the neighbourhoods that currently surround it. Built at a cost of S$90 million in 1983, Khatib Camp occupies an area that was previously used by the Royal Malaysian Navy from 1970, and handed over to Singapore in February 1982. The camp initially housed the SAF Boys' School, the air defence unit and five other artillery units. It has long served as the headquarters of the Singapore Artillery, and is currently one of four SAF camps where NSmen can take their Individual Physical Proficiency Test. As for Amoy Quee Camp, it was among the properties handed over to Singapore as part of the withdrawal of British troops in 1971. Information from the British archives shows the Royal Air Force (RAF) Amoy Quee base was established in mid-1968 and operated until July 1971. It housed the RAF's 1003 Signals Unit. Amoy Quee Camp in 1976 had the biggest pineapple farm in Singapore, occupying 6ha, as part of efforts to grow food for soldiers and also as an experiment to see if enough fruit could be harvested and sold for profit. Since 2001, Amoy Quee Camp has housed the headquarters of the National Cadet Corps, and the camp's size has been reduced drastically in recent years from about 89ha to 52ha to make way for new homes. According to URA's Draft Master Plan 2025 exhibition, the area will have a new park, commercial amenities and healthcare facilities. Its development has begun, with the ongoing construction of the 1,068-unit Pine Ville @ AMK project by the Housing Board, where replacement flats are being built for residents of an Ang Mo Kio Avenue 3 Selective En bloc Redevelopment Scheme project that was announced in April 2022. To be developed next to Pine Ville @ AMK soon is a Build-To-Order project, comprising 1,420 units, which will be launched in October. Elsewhere within the about 37 ha of land that Mindef has ceded in Amoy Quee, HDB is currently preparing the site for future developments, such as constructing new roads and sewers. These works are slated to be completed by end-2025. According to URA's draft masterplan, at least three other housing sites are available for development in the area. The first is about 3 ha, which is located next to a planned park. Analysts said it can hold about 1,200 condominium units, or about 800 flats. The second is about 6.2 ha and is located across the road from Amoy Quee Camp. Analysts said it could yield about 1,400 flats, or about 2,200 condominium units. Savills' Mr Cheong noted that it is large enough to be used for a mix of public and private homes, with some commercial amenities. The third plot is about 5.2 ha, which has not been given a plot ratio in URA's draft masterplan. It stretches along the eastern boundary of Nanyang Polytechnic. Ms Sun said the plot may not be attractive to developers because of its elongated shape. Assuming it has a plot ratio of 3.5 – the nearby housing plots have plot ratios ranging from 3.0 to 3.8 – it can hold about 1,400 flats, or about 2,100 condominium units, she said. As for the camp, a construction notice states that 48 blocks will be demolished and 35 blocks will be built, along with a football field and running track. This is slated for completion in the fourth quarter of 2029. THE STRAITS TIMES
Straits Times
6 days ago
- Business
- Straits Times
Khatib Camp to make way for housing, with its functions moving to Amoy Quee Camp
Find out what's new on ST website and app. Khatib Camp was built in 1983 and is the headquarters of the Singapore Artillery. SINGAPORE – Khatib Camp in Yishun will make way for new homes, with the camp's functions to be relocated to Amoy Quee Camp, which is currently undergoing redevelopment. Responding to queries from The Straits Times, the Ministry of Defence said on July 23 that the redevelopment of Amoy Quee Camp and its supporting infrastructure and facilities started in April 2024, with completion targeted for 2030 . The ministry said Amoy Quee Camp, located in Ang Mo Kio, will have its land use intensified to accommodate the relocated units, assets and facilities from Khatib Camp. The camp will also house other operational units, along with their maintenance and administrative entities, to ensure the Singapore Armed Forces' operational readiness, said Mindef, which added that Khatib Camp will be returned to the state for residential development. Khatib Camp currently occupies about 29ha of land and is next to the upcoming 70ha Chencharu estate that is part of Yishun town. Reusing the camp's land for housing will add to the planned 10,000 homes that are slated for development in Chencharu by 2040 . Based on the Urban Redevelopment Authority's (URA) Draft Master Plan 2025 that was released on June 25, the camp has been zoned for housing but has yet to be assigned a gross plot ratio – a figure that determines the maximum floor area of a development. Assuming it is given a plot ratio of 2.8 – similar to that of neighbouring residential plots – property analysts said it can yield more than 6,000 public flats or more than 9,000 condominium units. Khatib Camp, which occupies about 29ha of land, can yield a few thousand homes. ST PHOTO: SHINTARO TAY Mr Alan Cheong, executive director of research and consultancy at Savills Singapore, said the large site provides urban planners the flexibility of incorporating a housing mix that includes private homes, condominium units and commercial amenities. Ms Christine Sun, chief researcher and strategist at Realion Group, added that the transport network surrounding the camp site may also need to be improved for future residents. Currently, the end of the camp closest to Khatib MRT station is about 400m away, while its farthest end is about 1.2km from the station. Ms Sun said there is a higher chance that public flats will be built on the site, which will be consistent with the neighbourhoods that currently surround it. Built at a cost of $90 million in 1983, Khatib Camp occupies an area that was previously used by the Royal Malaysian Navy from 1970, and handed over to Singapore in February 1982 . The camp initially housed the SAF Boys' School, the air defence unit and five other artillery units. It has long served as the headquarters of the Singapore Artillery, and is currently one of four SAF camps where NSmen can take their Individual Physical Proficiency Test. Then Brigadier-General Lee Hsien Loong, an artillery officer, waving at a farewell parade held in his honour at Khatib Camp on Sept 19, 1984, two days before he left the SAF to join politics. PHOTO: ST FILE As for Amoy Quee Camp, it was among the properties handed over to Singapore as part of the withdrawal of British troops in 1971. Information from the British archives shows the Royal Air Force (RAF) Amoy Quee base was established in mid-1968 and operated until July 1971. It housed the RAF's 1003 Signals Unit. Amoy Quee Camp in 1976 had the biggest pineapple farm in Singapore , occupying 6ha, as part of efforts to grow food for soldiers and also as an experiment to see if enough fruit could be harvested and sold for profit. Since 2001, Amoy Quee Camp has housed the headquarters of the National Cadet Corps, and the camp's size has been reduced drastically in recent years from about 89ha to 52ha to make way for new homes. According to URA's Draft Master Plan 2025 exhibition, the area will have a new park, commercial amenities and healthcare facilities. Its development has begun, with the ongoing construction of the 1,068-unit Pine Ville @ AMK project by the Housing Board, where replacement flats are being built for residents of an Ang Mo Kio Avenue 3 Selective En bloc Redevelopment Scheme project that was announced in April 2022 . To be developed next to Pine Ville @ AMK soon is a Build-To-Order project, comprising 1,420 units, which will be launched in October. A new Build-To-Order project comprising 1,420 units will be launched in October. It will occupy the empty field next to the Pine Ville @ AMK project (right) that is currently being built by the Housing Board. ST PHOTO: CHONG JUN LIANG Elsewhere within the about 37ha of land that Mindef has ceded in Amoy Quee, HDB is currently preparing the site for future developments, such as constructing new roads and sewers. These works are slated to be completed by end-2025. According to URA's draft masterplan, at least three other housing sites are available for development in the area. The first is about 3ha, which is located next to a planned park. Analysts said it can hold about 1,200 condominium units, or about 800 flats. The second is about 6.2ha and is located across the road from Amoy Quee Camp. Analysts said it could yield about 1,400 flats, or about 2,200 condominium units. Savills' Mr Cheong noted that it is large enough to be used for a mix of public and private homes, with some commercial amenities. The third plot is about 5.2ha, which has not been given a plot ratio in URA's draft masterplan. It stretches along the eastern boundary of Nanyang Polytechnic. An elongated plot of land (middle, along white hoarding) in the Amoy Quee area has been earmarked for new homes. ST PHOTO: CHONG JUN LIANG Ms Sun said the plot may not be attractive to developers because of its elongated shape. Assuming it has a plot ratio of 3.5 – the nearby housing plots have plot ratios ranging from 3.0 to 3.8 – it can hold about 1,400 flats, or about 2,100 condominium units, she said. As for the camp, a construction notice states that 48 blocks will be demolished and 35 blocks will be built, along with a football field and running track. This is slated for completion in the fourth quarter of 2029.
AsiaOne
19-07-2025
- Politics
- AsiaOne
'We must be quietly confident to handle emerging threats': Defence Minister Chan Chun Sing on SAF's operational readiness, Singapore News
Defence Minister Chan Chun Sing said that the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) is constantly seeking to improve its operational readiness against emerging threats. Chan, 55, was speaking to the media during a visit to a mobilisation exercise conducted by the Singapore Army at Selarang Camp on Saturday (April 19), and shared that he had been visiting various units in SAF for the past two months. Chan, who succeeded Dr Ng Eng Hen as Minister of Defence in May, said: "I can see that SAF is continuously trying to improve what it has. It has certainly improved from when I was in the SAF, and I'm sure they will continue to improve going forward. This spirit of unceasing desire to improve is what keeps SAF at the forefront." He also highlighted the need for SAF to constantly "look at the lessons learnt and lessons to be learnt" from the world, including the crisis in the Middle East, and to reflect, anticipate and prepare for emerging threats. Chan also pointed to the cyberattack on Singapore's critical infrastructure by a threat actor named UNC3886, which was first revealed on Friday by Coordinating Minister for National Security K Shanmugam, as an example of the type of emerging threats that SAF has had to handle. "We don't necessarily have to show everyone what we have and what we do, but we must be quietly confident that we are able to handle the emerging threats," he said. During his visit to Selarang Camp today, Chan witnessed a mobilisation exercise where more than 2,000 operationally ready national serviceman (NSmen) from the 23rd Singapore Infantry Brigade were present. AsiaOne observed that he spoke to SAF personnel and observed them going through equipment inspections and refresher training, including weapons technical handling and combat medical aid. He was also briefed on advancements and developments to SAF's mobilisation systems, including the digitalisation of the mobilisation process through the OneNS platform, known as SmartMob, where soldiers can take their attendance and scan QR codes from the app every time they have completed one of the three stations required during mobilisation. SmartMob was introduced in April and will be progressively rolled out by SAF till the end of 2025. On the digitalising of the Army's mobilisation process, Chan said that with the new function, NSmen, who usually required about three to four hours to complete the whole process previously, would be able to complete the stations within two hours. He added: "In terms of the design of how the entire experience is, it's much more efficient. And of course, from the SAF perspective, we're also very happy to see improvement in the operational readiness and how we can shorten the line." Chan also expressed his appreciation towards NSmen for their dedication. He said: "The most critical component of our defence is the fighting spirit of our men. And to see the men being prepared to spend time and effort to maintain their fitness, to maintain their operational currency. That, to us, is the greatest deterrence that we can have. "We are constantly looking at ways to see how we can continue to strengthen deterrence, but most importantly, strengthen operational readiness." Among the NSmen present at the exercise was Captain Jeremy Ang, who shared the benefits of the digitalised mobilisation process. The 46-year-old, who is a secondary school principal, said: "I think with the new technologies, what we have is real-time information... What are some of the challenges that we can try to fix ahead of time? I think it made things a lot smoother and better for us as well, and also for the men, it's faster in and faster out." [[nid:720363]]
International Business Times
01-07-2025
- Health
- International Business Times
Singapore: 30-Year-Old NSman Dies in Hospital After Collapsing Near Maju Camp
An operationally ready national serviceman (NSman) died after collapsing outside Maju Camp on the evening of June 30, the Ministry of Defense (Mindef) said in a statement on July 1. Between 6:50 and 8 pm, the 30-year-old finished a National Service Fitness Improvement Training (NS FIT) session at Maju Fitness Conditioning Center. Mindef said that he reported feeling well to the fitness instructors and was cleared to leave the center after the session. He booked out of Maju Camp by 8:11 pm. However, he passed out outside the camp not long after departing. A bystander saw this and called for an ambulance. According to Mindef, the Singapore Civil Defense Force was informed about the incident at 8:16 pm and an ambulance arrived at 8:25 pm. Resuscitation procedures were carried out on the spot and continued on the way to the National University Hospital, Mindef added. About 9 pm, he arrived at the hospital. At 9:54 pm, he was declared dead despite urgent medical attention. In order to review safety procedures and protocols and to remind soldiers of the importance of safety, the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) have put in place a safety pause on NS FIT training until July 4. The 10-session NS FIT program encourages NSmen to make regular exercise and fitness a part of their lives. It has taken the place of the individual physical proficiency test's remedial and optional preparatory training components since 2021. The statement said, "The SAF is rendering support to the family in their time of grief. We extend our deepest condolences to the family." The cause of death will be investigated further. Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong expressed his sadness in a Facebook post and said that he was saddened by the death, which occurred on the eve of SAF Day on July 1. SM Lee said, "While we commemorate the unwavering commitment of our servicemen and women in defending Singapore, we also want to protect their lives, and training safely remains a top priority." In addition, he urged Singaporeans to honor the sacrifices and contributions made by NSFs, regulars, NSmen, and their families in maintaining the Republic's security, saying that only a robust and secure SAF can shield Singapore from possible threats and help it endure in a volatile and increasingly complex world.
