{"id":30226,"date":"2025-02-03T12:00:21","date_gmt":"2025-02-03T04:00:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nsman.safra.sg\/?p=30226"},"modified":"2025-02-04T11:11:35","modified_gmt":"2025-02-04T03:11:35","slug":"lol-mondays-together-for-the-nation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/nsman.safra.sg\/lol-mondays-together-for-the-nation\/","title":{"rendered":"LOL Mondays: Together, For The Nation"},"content":{"rendered":"

Most of us would know February as the month for romance because of Valentine\u2019s Day.<\/span><\/p>\n

But I know it as the month where retailers and restaurateurs rejoice because they get to charge exorbitant prices for meals and gifts.<\/span><\/p>\n

Seriously, how do you justify selling a single rose for $10?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Florists would use the law of supply and demand as an excuse, saying that roses cost significantly more on this day because there is a surge in demand while supply is static.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

But can someone please explain to me why my salary hasn\u2019t increased significantly even though there is a surge in demand for my writing skills while supply is static?<\/span><\/p>\n

I\u2019m sure supply is static. In fact, it might even be dwindling. Have you seen how the young people write these days?<\/span><\/p>\n

This is what my youngest cousin (she\u2019s 22) wrote to me a couple of weeks ago on WhatsApp.<\/span><\/p>\n

Her: Yo bro, what\u2019s the tea?? I heard our cousin Vanessa broke up with her rich bf!<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

Me: What tea? I prefer coffee.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

Her: \u2026.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

Me: To be exact, I prefer kopi peng siu dai.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

Her: Gyatt.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

Me: Do you mean Hyatt? I heard the afternoon tea there quite nice leh.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

So, to my dear wife, I\u2019m afraid I won\u2019t be buying you roses. I\u2019ll still get you flowers, but those that have more practical use.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

I\u2019m thinking chrysanthemums? At least we could make chrysanthemum tea.<\/span><\/p>\n

There is another occasion in February that I find more significant and can resonate with \u2013 Total Defence Day. In fact, it takes place just a day after Valentine\u2019s, and I find this close connection between the two pretty apt.<\/span><\/p>\n

By apt I mean appropriate. Not the song <\/span>APT<\/span><\/i>. Please, please, please. Enough of that already.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

So why is Total Defence Day even related to Valentine\u2019s Day?<\/span><\/p>\n

In the words of MINDEF, \u201cTotal Defence\u00a0involves every Singaporean playing a part, individually and collectively, to build a strong, secure and cohesive nation.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In case you didn\u2019t know, there are six pillars to Total Defence: Military Defence, Civil Defence, Economic Defence, Social Defence, Digital Defence, and Psychological Defence.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

As you can see, jumping to the defence of our dear nation doesn\u2019t just involve taking up arms and defending our nation. It\u2019s a holistic, all-hands-on-deck effort.<\/span><\/p>\n

And yes, even Valentine\u2019s Day can be a tactical opportunity for nation-building. Who knew roses and candlelit dinners could bolster Total Defence? Let us count the ways.<\/span><\/p>\n

Economic Defence: Love is Big Business<\/strong><\/p>\n

Let\u2019s start with the most obvious one. When you\u2019re splurging on that expensive bouquet of roses (because apparently, nothing says love like overpriced flowers), that romantic dinner with a 5-course menu you can\u2019t pronounce, or that shiny piece of jewellery, you\u2019re injecting money into the economy.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Think of the florists, the restaurateurs, the gift shops, and the artisans whose businesses thrive during this season. Your Valentine\u2019s Day spending not only strengthens the economy but also keeps jobs alive. And if you decide to fall in love, get married, and start a family \u2013 guess what? You\u2019re securing Singapore\u2019s future workforce. Double win!<\/span><\/p>\n

Social Defence: Strengthening Ties, One Love Story at a Time<\/strong><\/p>\n

What better way to build a cohesive and harmonious society than by spreading love? Valentines\u2019 Day is the perfect occasion to connect \u2013 not just romantically but with friends, family, and even colleagues. Celebrate platonic love with your besties or plan a group date to foster stronger bonds within your NS buddies and friends.<\/span><\/p>\n

A society that communicates and connects well is one that is resilient in the face of challenges. After all, it\u2019s harder to stir up discord when love is in the air, and everyone\u2019s feeling all warm and fuzzy inside. Cupid: 1, chaos-makers: 0.<\/span><\/p>\n

Psychological Defence: Love and Pride in Our Home<\/strong><\/p>\n

Valentine\u2019s Day is more than just a celebration of love between individuals; it\u2019s a chance to nurture love for the nation and strengthen Psychological Defence. When we show care and appreciation for those around us, we also reinforce our collective identity and pride in Singapore.<\/span><\/p>\n

Our psychological well-being is closely tied to a sense of belonging. When we celebrate Valentine\u2019s Day by cherishing loved ones and taking pride in the beauty of our shared home, we cultivate a stronger, more united spirit.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

So, this Valentine\u2019s Day, remember: love isn\u2019t just about romance \u2013 it\u2019s about appreciating the people and places that make life meaningful. By spreading love and pride, you\u2019re playing a vital role in fortifying Singapore\u2019s Psychological Defence.<\/span><\/p>\n

Digital Defence: Swipe Right for Nation-Building<\/strong><\/p>\n

In today\u2019s hyper-connected world, dating apps are the new matchmakers. With just a swipe, Singaporeans are finding their perfect matches \u2013 and contributing to Digital Defence. How? By using these platforms responsibly and staying alert to scams or cyber threats.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

When you avoid the catfish and report fake profiles, you\u2019re not just protecting yourself; you\u2019re safeguarding the digital spaces where love blossoms. So go ahead, update your profile, but remember: love responsibly, and swipe with vigilance.<\/span><\/p>\n

Civil Defence: Be Your Partner\u2019s Hero<\/strong><\/p>\n

Valentine\u2019s Day is a wonderful reminder that love isn\u2019t just about romantic gestures \u2013 it\u2019s about being there for your loved ones, especially in times of need. After all, Civil Defence starts at home and extends to our communities.<\/span><\/p>\n

Take the opportunity this Valentine\u2019s Day to brush up on your first-aid skills. Knowing how to perform CPR, treat minor injuries, or even recognise signs of distress can be life-saving, whether it\u2019s for your partner or someone in your neighbourhood. Imagine how much more romantic your candlelit dinner would be if you had peace of mind knowing you\u2019re equipped to handle a choking incident (not that we\u2019re wishing for one, of course!).<\/span><\/p>\n

Civil Defence is about being your partner\u2019s and community\u2019s hero, ensuring that everyone feels supported and safe. Because nothing says \u201cI love you\u201d quite like being prepared to save the day.<\/span><\/p>\n

Military Defence: Winning Hearts, Defending Our Nation<\/strong><\/p>\n

Okay, we admit this one\u2019s a stretch. But hear us out: every couple celebrating Valentine\u2019s Day is a testament to peace and stability. After all, it\u2019s hard to woo someone in the middle of a conflict. Our servicemen and women who safeguard Singapore\u2019s peace ensure we have the luxury of planning elaborate date nights and surprise proposals without fear.<\/span><\/p>\n

So, when you clink glasses during your romantic dinner, don\u2019t forget to toast to the NSmen and military personnel who make it possible. Cheers to love and security!<\/span><\/p>\n


\nLOL Mondays is an ongoing series of slice-of-life stories from freelance writer and NSman Ethan Lim.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

Want more fun articles like this, and other lifestyle content right in your inbox? Download the new SAFRA mobile app<\/a><\/span> and opt in for the eNSman Newsletter \u2013 you don’t need to be a SAFRA member to subscribe \u2013 and never miss another story!<\/i><\/b><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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