Announced in March 2022, Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) plans to establish its fourth service: the Digital and Intelligence Service (DIS) by the end of 2022. As part of SAF’s plan to develop the DIS, full-time national servicemen (NSFs) will also have the opportunity to serve as digital specialists through the Digital Work-Learn scheme while earning academic credits.
This first batch of Digital Specialists is expected to enlist in April 2023 and begin their first semester at NTU in August 2023.
If you are an interested pre-enlistee, here’s what you need to know before applying for the Digital Work-Learn Scheme.
What Is The Digital Work-Learn Scheme?
Under the Digital Work-Learn Scheme, NSFs will be selected to join the Digital Specialist (DigiSpec) vocation and serve in specialised digital roles during their service. This would include roles such as data engineering, AI model experimentation, development and evaluation, operational deployment of models, software engineering, user experience and user interface design.
They would undergo a combination of (a) vocational training; (b) On-The-Job Training (OJT); and (c) academic training.
Vocational training will equip them with vocational knowledge and skills that include how AI and digital solutions are applied in MINDEF/SAF’s context.
OJT will come after vocational training where they will be deployed to operational units and receive supervision and guidance to develop software and AI models as well as perform operational tasks.
For academic training, they will undergo an undergraduate Work-Learn Programme (WLP) for DigiSpecs to continuously upgrade their skills and competencies over the 4-year period. This will enable them to earn academic credits, which will contribute to the eventual completion of the degree.
Source: MINDEF
Who Is Eligible For The Digital Work-Learn Scheme?
All NS pre-enlistees (regardless of Physical Employment Status (PES)) are eligible to apply for the scheme and may register your interest by filling up the application form.
You are also required to secure a place in the affiliated university degree programmes on their own merit.
The selection process starts one year before enlistment with the following application window:
You will be assessed on their aptitude and digital skills. Applicants are expected to possess baseline knowledge and have strong interest in Artificial Intelligence and Information Technology. It is also helpful to have prior experience and knowledge of programming, AI and software development.
Successful applicants will be offered the DigiSpec Award before enlistment. Otherwise, you will continue to be enlisted according to standard enlistment procedures.
DigiSpecs Will Be Remunerated For Their Service
Once selected to join the DigiSpec Vocation, all DigiSpecs receive the DigiSpec Award. The award terms include competitive salary and benefits such as leave and medical coverage.
According to MINDEF, DigiSpecs will receive a regular service salary upon the completion of the minimum period as NSFs
MINDEF/SAF will also pay for the tuition fees for the university studies within the time frame of the Work-Learn Scheme.
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DigiSpecs Will Earn Academic Credits
Currently, three degree programmes are eligible for the WLP: (1) NTU Computer Science, (2) NTU Computer Engineering, and (3) NTU Data Science and AI.
DigiSpecs will alternate between studying (for one semester) and working for the remaining period for each year of the programme. Through the WLP, you can earn up to 50% of academic credits that goes towards the fulfilment of an undergraduate degree.
This is important to take note because you will have to take another two more years (on your own expense) to complete your undergraduate degree. However, you are not limited to completing your degree at NTU. Credits earned at NTU may also be eligible for credit transfer to other universities (subject to the academic policies of the universities).
DigiSpecs Will Serve For 4 Years Under Digital Work-Learn Scheme
Unlike regular NSFs, DigiSpecs will serve a 4-year contract. The service period would also count towards your NS obligations.
There is no bond period beyond the 4-year contract. There is also no extension available. Instead, DigiSpecs who are interested to continue service may consider a career in MINDEF/SAF.
As this period of service is not scholarship, you may also apply if they have an existing scholarship/award that comes with a bond. However, they would need to engage their scholarship agencies to clarify the terms and conditions of their bond.
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Digital Work-Learn Scheme Allows You To Serve NS While Studying
During this period of service, your deployment will be based on MINDEF/SAF’s operational requirements. You will be informed of your posting upon completion of BMT. Depending on your unit’s operational requirements, you may be required to perform shift work and stay in.
Similar to other NSFs, you are required to pass the IPPT annually if you are eligible to take IPPT based on your medical status. You will also need to meet BMI requirements.
However, your contract of service is longer than regular NSFs. Instead, you gain the option to earn academic credits and your work experience may also position you well for careers in the data science, software development and the AI industry.
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