WP's Kenneth Foo named 2026 NSman of the Year as Pritam Singh praises his service and leadership
Workers' Party Deputy Organising Secretary Kenneth Foo has been named the 2026 NSman of the Year at the SAF Day Parade. WP chief Pritam Singh congratulated Foo, describing him as a role model, while Foo paid tribute to his family and fellow national servicemen for their support.
- Kenneth Foo received the 2026 NSman of the Year award at the SAF Day Parade.
- Pritam Singh praised Foo's service and described him as a role model.
- Foo dedicated the recognition to his family and fellow NSmen who supported his National Service journey.
SINGAPORE: Workers' Party (WP) Deputy Organising Secretary Kenneth Foo has been named the 2026 NSman of the Year in recognition of his outstanding National Service (NS) performance and contributions during this year's Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) Day Parade.
Foo, who contested Tampines Changkat SMC under the WP banner in the 2025 General Election, was among 20 national servicemen honoured for their sterling contributions to National Service.
Pritam Singh congratulates Foo
In a Facebook post, WP chief Pritam Singh congratulated Foo on receiving the award and thanked him for his service to Singapore.
Singh described Foo as "a role model for so many of us, and anyone in uniform", recognising his commitment to National Service alongside his public and political responsibilities.
Foo reflects on National Service journey
In a LinkedIn post, Foo said SAF Day is an opportunity to celebrate Singapore's commitment to national defence while reflecting on the purpose of National Service and expressing appreciation to those who have supported servicemen throughout their journey.
He paid tribute to his wife, Soh Ai Ling, for her unwavering support over the years.
"I go missing for two weeks or more each year," Foo wrote, referring to his annual in-camp training commitments.
He also acknowledged the many meetings, dinners and coffee sessions he arranged with fellow NSmen outside camp.
"Sometimes, I even dragged you along to army events and ended that you are left alone as I go around engaging fellow friends," he said, thanking his wife for her understanding and support.
Long record of National Service
According to Foo's profile published by the Workers' Party, he serves under the Reservist on Voluntary Extended Reserve Service (ROVERS) scheme, through which Singaporeans voluntarily extend their National Service beyond mandatory obligations.
He is also a recipient of the Singapore Armed Forces Long Service and Good Conduct (20 Years) Medal.
In an interview with The Straits Times in 2022, Foo said he served as a full-time national serviceman from 11 June 1998 to 10 December 2000. During that period, he held the rank of lieutenant and served as an artillery officer with the 21 Singapore Artillery Battalion.
Outside National Service, Foo is the Head of Governance & Risk at the Singapore Cancer Society.
He also holds an Honours degree in Psychology, which the Workers' Party says informs his approach to understanding and addressing community needs.
SAF Day recognises outstanding units and NSmen
The Singapore Armed Forces commemorated SAF Day on 1 July with a parade officiated by President Tharman Shanmugaratnam at SAFTI Military Institute.
Defence Minister Chan Chun Sing presided over the presentation of the Best Unit Competition awards and the NSman of the Year awards.
The awards recognised 12 active units, 18 National Service units and 20 NSmen for their outstanding achievements and contributions.
Among the other recipients were Corporal First Class (NS) Toh Sin Yi from Headquarters Commandos and Second Sergeant (NS) Abdul Basit Bin Abdul Hamid, Platoon Sergeant from the 1st General Supply Transport Battalion.
