World Cup 2018

[kuasimi]

Originally Posted by kuasimi

https://www.change.org/p/mindef-ns-d...ootball-talent


NS Deferment for Ben Davis to Develop Singapore Football Talent






j chan started this petition to MINDEF
“I will enjoy the achievement and success so far, but now it gives me the motivation, drive and desire to push on to achieve the ultimate goal of playing in the Fulham first team in the Premier League,” — Ben Davis

“Ben has been trained here in Singapore and shows to all Singaporeans that you can be coached in Singapore and achieve the highest level for a 17-year-old on the international stage." — Harvey Davis, Ben’s father

Benjamin Davis is the first Singaporean footballer to sign a professional contract with a top-tier English Club, Fulham. He was first awarded a two-year scholarship in July 2017 and due to his outstanding performance on the field, he was among the first 5 scholars to be awarded a pro contract.

As a Singaporean, however, Ben has to enrol for compulsory 2-year National Service. He has applied for long term deferment so that he can continue developing his talent in a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity in one of the best leagues in the world.

This was rejected by the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) on 15 July on the grounds that he "does not meet the criteria for long-term deferment from Full-time NS". In sports, “deferments are granted only to those who represent Singapore in international competitions like the Olympic Games and are potential medal winners for Singapore”. Thus, “it would not be fair to approve applications for deferment for individuals to pursue their own careers and development”.

In the last 15 years, only three have met this criteria, they are Singapore's first Olympic gold medallist Joseph Schooling, fellow swimmer Quah Zheng Wen and sailor Maximillian Soh.

This petition is to appeal against that decision. We believe that Ben Davis should be given the opportunity to develop his talent. Soccer is a sport that is very close to Singaporeans - just look at the current 2018 FIFA World Cup fever in Singapore. In addition, soccer is fundamentally a team sport where a single talent cannot just bring the entire nation to an international stage (unlike Swimming and Sailing, sports which the previous three individuals are from). Being able to play on an international stage would help Ben Davis to not only bring recognition to Singapore as he gets identified as a Pro player hailing from our tiny red dot, he could also help to up the game in Singapore by bringing his learnings from the international arena to his fellow players in Singapore and elevate the sport here.

It can be argued that Fandi Ahmad, a talented Singaporean soccer player who played for Niac Mitra (Indonesian FC) and FC Groningen (Netherlands FC), was able to help Singapore achieve three silver medals in the SEA games because of his international experiences.

“There are no shortcuts to building a team each season. You build the foundation brick by brick.” — Bill Belichick, NFL head coach

Let’s not be unrealistic and expect one player to lift Singapore sports to reach international standards. Instead, let’s invest in our young talents and take our first step towards this goal.

—

Related articles:

MINDEF rejects Fulham signee Ben Davis' application for NS deferment: https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news...or-ns-10530834

NS could hamper Fulham midfielder Ben Davis' progress, say members of football community: https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news...mbers-10532210

Just how difficult is it to get a professional contract at an EPL club: https://mothership.sg/2018/07/just-h...t-an-epl-club/

DPM Tharman praises French football system that produced World Cup winners: https://sg.news.yahoo.com/tharman-pr...062732738.html

3 ongoing petitions with 15,000 signatures test government’s pledge to listen to views: http://theindependent.sg/3-ongoing-p...sten-to-views/

Ben Davis' Fulham contract no different from other pre-enlistees' personal pursuits: MINDEF: https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news...indef-10537186

Ben Davis' NS deferment appeal will be rejected if same facts presented: Heng Chee How: https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news...facts-10537648

Thailand’s lifeline for Singapore’s Ben Davis might be too good to refuse: https://www.fourfourtwo.com/sg/featu...oo-good-refuse

Here’s more info on Ben Davis and his skills:

http://www.sportingnews.com/ca/socce...y1pbu2altzj973
https://www.tnp.sg/sports/singapore-...tch-his-skills
https://mobile.twitter.com/fulhamfc/...831297?lang=en

https://www.facebook.com/TAVSingapor...type=3&theater

[kuasimi]

https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news...ve-ns-10541392


Ben Davis’ father: It’s ‘unfortunate’ that MINDEF thinks my son would not return to serve NS


By Matthew Mohan
18 Jul 2018 08:11PM (Updated: 18 Jul 2018 08:20PM)







SINGAPORE: Harvey Davis, the father of Singaporean footballer Ben Davis, said in a statement on Wednesday (Jun 18) that it is "unfortunate" that the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) has an impression that his son would not return to Singapore to serve his National Service (NS).

This follows a statement from MINDEF, also on Wednesday, which said that the teenager had "no intention" of fulfilling his NS duties. It also said the teenager's actions were meant to "further his own professional career, not national interest".

"There are a lot of variables all dependent on his development and progression, and anyone who understands how professional football and sports works will understand this," Mr Davis said in a media statement.

"In my discussions with SportSG and the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY), I was clear that Ben should do his NS but the question is just when," he added.

"This point was reiterated in an email response which was sent to MCCY on May 15. In that email, I had said very clearly that while renunciation was an option, it is not Ben’s intention at all as he would like to represent Singapore."

Mr Davis also said that he made it clear that he agreed "100 per cent" that his son should do his National Service: "My older boy has already completed his NS and both Ben and his younger brother Jai will also complete their NS. The only question is timing for Ben as we would like to give him the best opportunity to play at the highest possible professional level in the UK and Europe.

"If Ben does not get a renewed contract or new contract by May 2020 then he should return to serve his NS."

Mr Davis said that he has not met with anyone from MINDEF and was not aware of what was presented by MCCY to MINDEF with regard to his son's request for deferment.

The 17-year-old midfielder has signed a two-year contract with Fulham, the newly promoted Premier League (EPL) club. He is the first Singaporean to ink a professional contract with a top-tier English club.

Source: CNA/mt

[kuasimi]

This Ben Davis case is turning ugly.

The authorities are using the same old tried and tested method of character assassination to discredit the Davis family and their integrity which has nothing to do with the core topic of this case. The authorities must always 'look' right I guess.

[Littlewolf]

Originally Posted by kuasimi

This Ben Davis case is turning ugly.

The authorities are using the same old tried and tested method of character assassination to discredit the Davis family and their integrity which has nothing to do with the core topic of this case. The authorities must always 'look' right I guess.

No way they granting him...

He probably change citizenship.. i hope he become a superstar... make them regret

[matey1982]

Originally Posted by Littlewolf

No way they granting him...

He probably change citizenship.. i hope he become a superstar... make them regret

the sticking pt appears to be the supposed non-committal stance of davis's father of when his son is to come back for NS enlistment.

one side says he never committ a comeback date to do his NS enlistment
one side says that is never his decision to ask his son not to serve NS

Under SG law, davis can only relinquish when he's done with his 2 yrs of NS
If he does it now, he can representing England or Thailand in soccer for all he wants as a professional but moment he steps his feet onto any of the Singapore immigration checkpoint, sure to kena tangkap because already tagged AWOL

[matey1982]

Renunciation of citizenship
128.—(1) Any citizen of Singapore of or over the age of 21 years and of sound mind who is also or is about to become a citizen of another country may renounce his citizenship of Singapore by declaration registered by the Government, and shall upon such registration cease to be a citizen of Singapore.
(2) The Government may withhold the registration of a declaration under this Article —
(a) if the declaration is made during any war in which Singapore is engaged; or
(b) if the declaration is made by a person subject to the Enlistment Act (Cap. 93) unless he has —
(i) discharged his liability for full-time service under section 12 of that Act;
(ii) rendered at least 3 years of operationally ready national service under section 13 of that Act in lieu of such full-time service; or
(iii) complied with such conditions as may be determined by the Government.

you can google for singapore statues or constitution of singapore..

[skyleon]

Olympic champion Joseph Schooling tells Ben Davis to 'follow his dreams'

18 Jul 2018 11:32PM (Updated: 19 Jul 2018 10:55AM)


SINGAPORE: Olympic gold medallist Joseph Schooling has told Fulham footballer Benjamin Davis to "follow his dreams ... and do what he needs to do" after the teen's request to defer his National Service (NS) was rejected by the Ministry of Defence.

Speaking on the sidelines of the Singapore Sports Awards held at the Marina Bay Sands, where he was crowned Singapore's Sportsman of the Year for a record-equalling fifth time, Schooling said he "emphathised" with Benjamin.

"It's definitely been a difficult situation for him. My advice to him would be to follow his dreams, follow his heart and do what he needs to do," said the swimmer.

"I come from a different sport, I was in a different situation. I can't advise him on what to do. Obviously, he should get together with his parents, decide what's the best plan for himself and go from there."

Schooli ng, 23, is one of three athletes to have been granted long-term deferment from NS in the last 15 years.

In a statement last Saturday announcing its decision to reject Benjamin's application, MINDEF said that deferments are granted only to those who represent Singapore in international competitions like the Olympic Games and are potential medal winners for Singapore.

Apart from Schooling, swimmer Quah Zheng Wen and Asian Games gold medallist sailor Maximillian Soh are the other two who have been granted deferments in that period.

Asked about his experience in getting his NS deferred, Schooling said it was "tough" not just for him, but his family as well.

"But I believe in what we are trying to do," said Schooling, who made it clear that he was speaking for himself and his family.

"People have all these things in place, everyone wants to do the right thing. But for me, I was very happy so that I can achieve my dreams and my goals.

"I'm very fortunate to have help from MCCY (Ministry of Community, Culture and Youth), MINDEF, SSA (Singapore Swimming Association). Ultimately I achieved my goal, so I'm very lucky in that aspect," he said.

The Football Association of Singapore has backed Benjamin in his request for deferment, saying on Tuesday that the midfielder's case merits serious consideration.

But MINDEF on Wednesday said that the 17 year old has no intention of returning to fulfil his NS duties, and that his father Harvey Davis openly admitted that he is looking out for his son's future, not Singapore's.

Read more at https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news...reams-10541940



Ho say liao the PAP will be losing a few more votes base on this case.

[StealTeam69]

Originally Posted by skyleon

Olympic champion Joseph Schooling tells Ben Davis to 'follow his dreams'

18 Jul 2018 11:32PM (Updated: 19 Jul 2018 10:55AM)


SINGAPORE: Olympic gold medallist Joseph Schooling has told Fulham footballer Benjamin Davis to "follow his dreams ... and do what he needs to do" after the teen's request to defer his National Service (NS) was rejected by the Ministry of Defence.

Speaking on the sidelines of the Singapore Sports Awards held at the Marina Bay Sands, where he was crowned Singapore's Sportsman of the Year for a record-equalling fifth time, Schooling said he "emphathised" with Benjamin.

"It's definitely been a difficult situation for him. My advice to him would be to follow his dreams, follow his heart and do what he needs to do," said the swimmer.

"I come from a different sport, I was in a different situation. I can't advise him on what to do. Obviously, he should get together with his parents, decide what's the best plan for himself and go from there."

Schooli ng, 23, is one of three athletes to have been granted long-term deferment from NS in the last 15 years.

In a statement last Saturday announcing its decision to reject Benjamin's application, MINDEF said that deferments are granted only to those who represent Singapore in international competitions like the Olympic Games and are potential medal winners for Singapore.

Apart from Schooling, swimmer Quah Zheng Wen and Asian Games gold medallist sailor Maximillian Soh are the other two who have been granted deferments in that period.

Asked about his experience in getting his NS deferred, Schooling said it was "tough" not just for him, but his family as well.

"But I believe in what we are trying to do," said Schooling, who made it clear that he was speaking for himself and his family.

"People have all these things in place, everyone wants to do the right thing. But for me, I was very happy so that I can achieve my dreams and my goals.

"I'm very fortunate to have help from MCCY (Ministry of Community, Culture and Youth), MINDEF, SSA (Singapore Swimming Association). Ultimately I achieved my goal, so I'm very lucky in that aspect," he said.

The Football Association of Singapore has backed Benjamin in his request for deferment, saying on Tuesday that the midfielder's case merits serious consideration.

But MINDEF on Wednesday said that the 17 year old has no intention of returning to fulfil his NS duties, and that his father Harvey Davis openly admitted that he is looking out for his son's future, not Singapore's.

Read more at https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news...reams-10541940



Ho say liao the PAP will be losing a few more votes base on this case.

MINDEF can predict the future? I also can say the PAP has no intention to fulfil their duties to care for the people

[mutsalleh]

Originally Posted by sionglim

yeah dog bite dog bone

Where is the little boy who used to stalk you? Has he gone back to school?

I'm sure he'll be back since he has so many "friends" here

[sionglim]

I bite you eat.

[Dtsyl]

I just thought of this too. If MINDEF says singaporeans are all key to the country defences and even sportsmen like ben here must serve then shouldn’t all those sportsman who came from China and became Singapore citizens have to serve the country in military just like any other singaporean??its should be fair both ways right. What do u all think? Contradicting Govt and policies really.

[matey1982]

Originally Posted by skyleon

Olympic champion Joseph Schooling tells Ben Davis to 'follow his dreams'

18 Jul 2018 11:32PM (Updated: 19 Jul 2018 10:55AM)


SINGAPORE: Olympic gold medallist Joseph Schooling has told Fulham footballer Benjamin Davis to "follow his dreams ... and do what he needs to do" after the teen's request to defer his National Service (NS) was rejected by the Ministry of Defence.

Speaking on the sidelines of the Singapore Sports Awards held at the Marina Bay Sands, where he was crowned Singapore's Sportsman of the Year for a record-equalling fifth time, Schooling said he "emphathised" with Benjamin.

"It's definitely been a difficult situation for him. My advice to him would be to follow his dreams, follow his heart and do what he needs to do," said the swimmer.

"I come from a different sport, I was in a different situation. I can't advise him on what to do. Obviously, he should get together with his parents, decide what's the best plan for himself and go from there."

Schooli ng, 23, is one of three athletes to have been granted long-term deferment from NS in the last 15 years.

In a statement last Saturday announcing its decision to reject Benjamin's application, MINDEF said that deferments are granted only to those who represent Singapore in international competitions like the Olympic Games and are potential medal winners for Singapore.

Apart from Schooling, swimmer Quah Zheng Wen and Asian Games gold medallist sailor Maximillian Soh are the other two who have been granted deferments in that period.

Asked about his experience in getting his NS deferred, Schooling said it was "tough" not just for him, but his family as well.

"But I believe in what we are trying to do," said Schooling, who made it clear that he was speaking for himself and his family.

"People have all these things in place, everyone wants to do the right thing. But for me, I was very happy so that I can achieve my dreams and my goals.

"I'm very fortunate to have help from MCCY (Ministry of Community, Culture and Youth), MINDEF, SSA (Singapore Swimming Association). Ultimately I achieved my goal, so I'm very lucky in that aspect," he said.

The Football Association of Singapore has backed Benjamin in his request for deferment, saying on Tuesday that the midfielder's case merits serious consideration.

But MINDEF on Wednesday said that the 17 year old has no intention of returning to fulfil his NS duties, and that his father Harvey Davis openly admitted that he is looking out for his son's future, not Singapore's.

Read more at https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news...reams-10541940



Ho say liao the PAP will be losing a few more votes base on this case.

now schooling also join in the streetfight between davis and Govt
liddat nvr ending one sia

[kuasimi]

Originally Posted by matey1982

Renunciation of citizenship
128.—(1) Any citizen of Singapore of or over the age of 21 years and of sound mind who is also or is about to become a citizen of another country may renounce his citizenship of Singapore by declaration registered by the Government, and shall upon such registration cease to be a citizen of Singapore.
(2) The Government may withhold the registration of a declaration under this Article —
(a) if the declaration is made during any war in which Singapore is engaged; or
(b) if the declaration is made by a person subject to the Enlistment Act (Cap. 93) unless he has —
(i) discharged his liability for full-time service under section 12 of that Act;
(ii) rendered at least 3 years of operationally ready national service under section 13 of that Act in lieu of such full-time service; or
(iii) complied with such conditions as may be determined by the Government.

you can google for singapore statues or constitution of singapore..

The core issue is not about following rules and regulations which we all already know it is there. The core issue is making an exception to any rules and regulations when special situation arises and using common sense.

If Ben Davis follow the above, there would not be any news.

[kuasimi]

Originally Posted by Dtsyl

I just thought of this too. If MINDEF says singaporeans are all key to the country defences and even sportsmen like ben here must serve then shouldn’t all those sportsman who came from China and became Singapore citizens have to serve the country in military just like any other singaporean??its should be fair both ways right. What do u all think? Contradicting Govt and policies really.

http://theindependent.sg/mindef-shou...-davis-family/



Mindef should be careful not to spread falsehoods against Davis family

By Andrew Loh - July 19, 2018






In a statement on Wednesday, the Ministry of Defence (Mindef) accused the family of 17-year old footballer Ben Davis of having “no intention of returning to fulfill their son’s NS duties.”

Mindef went further and charged: “(Benjamin’s) actions are meant to further his own professional career, not national interest. As his father openly admitted, he is looking out for his son’s future, not Singapore’s.”

Mindef’s accusation is baffling, when considered against the correspondences Ben’s family has had with various government departments (where they reiterated that Ben would serve NS), and Ben’s own remarks at different stages of his young footballing career so far.

The ministry’s statement was refuted by Ben’s father, Harvey Davis, later that evening.

Mr Davis said it was untrue that Ben does not intend to return to serve his military obligations. In fact, Mr Davis revealed, the family has always reiterated this in letters to Sport SG and the Ministry of Culture, Community & Youth (MCCY).



“This point was reiterated in an email response which was sent to MCCY on 15 May,” Mr Davis said. “In that email, I had said very clearly that while renunciation was an option, it is “NOT” Ben’s intention at all as he would like to represent Singapore.”

Mr Davis added: “I had also made it clear that for “clarity, and for the record, I agree 100% that Ben should do his National Service. My older boy has already completed his NS and both Ben and his younger brother Jai will also complete their NS.”

Mr Davis already has one son who has done his NS, and has pledged – publicly – that his other two will do the same.

For Mindef to therefore make such a serious accusation against the young man and his family would require concrete evidence, which Mindef has not provided.

To simply conclude from what Mr Davis’ had said – that “renunciation was an option” – as evidence that there was intent is, really, to grasp at straws.

What Mr Davis said must be seen in context.

Here we have a situation which not many people in Singapore would face – a father whose son has been offered (and he has accepted) a professional contract with a Premier League club in England.

To any parent here, especially football-loving ones, nothing is more thrilling.

This presents to the son a unique and indeed precious opportunity to perhaps play with top English players, an opportunity which most can only dream of, not just those in Singapore but anywhere in the world.

Any parent in such a position would be elated, not only that their son is so talented, but the windows which will open up for their child. And there is nothing wrong in feeling so.

At the same time, the parents are also faced with a dilemma, one which they had hoped (and perhaps thought) could be resolved with honest discussion with the authorities.

In such a situation, having to decide between foregoing this golden opportunity and becoming a deserter, all options must naturally be considered. And that was what Mr Davis did, when he said that renunciation (of citizenship) would have to be considered.

But instead of understanding how difficult it is for the Davis family to make this decision, Mindef has chosen to denigrate them, and with nothing more than a presumptuous allegation.

Is Ben so ungrateful to Singapore, a country he has called home since 5, that he would so readily up and leave?

Let’s take a look.

Ben, who became a Singapore citizen in 2009, has represented his country at the Under-13, U-14, and U-16 levels. He has played for Singapore in the U-18s at the AFF U-18 Championships in 2016, and the AFC U-19 Championships qualifiers a month later.

When Ben was offered and signed the deal with Fulham last year, this was what his father said to the media: “It’s fantastic news for Singapore football … It shows that Singapore can produce footballers who can play at the highest level in the UK.”

It was Singapore that he was happy for, besides naturally being thrilled for his boy.

And when Ben himself was called up to the senior national team earlier this year, he too was elated that he could finally play for Singapore.

“I was pleasantly surprised to receive the call up and this moment means a lot to me as I have always wanted to play for the national team,” he said.

“My training at Fulham has been enriching and I am learning all the time. I will be making the most of this opportunity to learn from coach Sundram and the more experienced players whom I will be joining.”

This is hardly someone who would up and leave in a spur of the moment.

Also, as Mr Davis said, the family has kept Mindef and MCCY informed every step of the way on the situation with his son.

Couple this with Mr Davis’ unequivocal affirmation, in his letters and now in his public statements, that Ben would do his National Service, it is hard for any reasonable person to agree with Mindef’s unsubstantiated allegations.

As one person online asked: Can Mindef read minds?

Another said: “Ben Davis nor his father at any point expressed anything about not fulfilling NS duties – it is all conjecture from Mindef and is an unfair statement and add to that the unequal access to the media – this is just bullying.

“Mindef should just restate its stand without the character assassination.”

The Government has been concerned about fake news recently, and had even convened a Select Committee to look into the matter. It is thus necessary that government ministries be mindful that their public statements do not propagate such fake news, or falsehoods.

Or unsubstantiated allegations which are then disseminated by the mass media.

From the evidence presented, the benefit of the doubt, if indeed any is needed at all, must be given to Ben and his family.

They are put in a difficult position by a government policy which, incidentally, most would agree was well-intentioned: to ensure that everyone is treated fairly when it comes to national service.

Nonetheless, leadership demands that Mindef show some empathy, understanding and maturity in how it responds to the family’s concerns and predicament.

The last thing the Ministry of Defence, which is supposed to care for our sons when they are in service, should be doing is to belittle and make baseless allegations against them, they who will give of themselves – and their lives, if necessary – to serve the nation.

Mindef should do better.

[kuasimi]

Originally Posted by matey1982

the sticking pt appears to be the supposed non-committal stance of davis's father of when his son is to come back for NS enlistment.

one side says he never committ a comeback date to do his NS enlistment
one side says that is never his decision to ask his son not to serve NS

Under SG law, davis can only relinquish when he's done with his 2 yrs of NS
If he does it now, he can representing England or Thailand in soccer for all he wants as a professional but moment he steps his feet onto any of the Singapore immigration checkpoint, sure to kena tangkap because already tagged AWOL

http://theindependent.sg/when-ex-pre...-for-12-years/



When ex-President Tony Tan’s son deferred National Service for 12 years


By Jewel Stolarchuk - July 19, 2018






The ongoing Ben Davis-NS Deferment saga has raised many questions over who the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) will grant deferments to and who it will not.

Yesterday, Olympic gold medallist Joseph Schooling shared that he “empathised” with Davis and advised the Fulham footballer to “follow his dreams, follow his heart and do what he needs to do”. Interestingly, Schooling is one of three local athletes who have been granted long-term NS deferment in the past 15 years.

According to MINDEF, deferments are only granted to those who represent Singapore in international competitions like the Olympics and to those who could be potential medal winners for Singapore.

Additionally, short deferments may be considered for NSFs who are newly employed or have newly established a business; NSFs who need to take examinations; newly married NSFs; new parents; and on compassionate grounds.

Long deferments, however, are not the norm. MINDEF states: “As all male Singaporeans liable for full-time NS put aside personal pursuits to dutifully enlist and serve their NS, it would not be fair to approve applications for deferment for individuals to pursue their own careers and development.”



Despite this policy, several scholars have successfully deferred NS for short periods of time. Take, for example, President’s Scholar Samuel Lim who was supposed to serve in 2010. Since Lim was offered a seat at the University of Pennsylvania to pursue a degree in Public Policy, he was allowed to defer his service until 2013.

While significant to some, a three year deferment like the one Lim was allowed is just a quarter of the total time former President Tony Tan’s son was granted to defer his service to pursue medical studies.

While some NSFs are granted deferments to pursue an education in medicine, only one other has received a deferment as long as Tan’s son, Patrick.

Patrick was granted a long deferment way back in 1988. As soon as he completed his Basic Military Training and Officer Cadet Course (Junior Term), Patrick packed off to pursue a pre-medical degree at Harvard University.

Patrick did not return home to complete his service after graduating from Harvard. He, instead, when on to complete his Masters and PhD at Stanford University before finally returning to Singapore 12 years later in 2000.

Patrick served the remainder of his NS as a researcher.