A 30-year-old Operationally Ready National Serviceman (NSman) collapsed and died outside Maju Camp on the evening of June 30, 2025, shortly after completing a National Service Fitness Improvement Training (NS FIT) session. According to a statement released by the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF), the NSman had participated in the scheduled NS FIT session, which ran from 6:50 PM to 8:00 PM at the Maju Fitness Conditioning Centre (FCC).
After completing the session, the NSman informed the on-site fitness instructors that he was feeling well and had no issues. Based on this self-report, he was cleared to leave the premises. He officially booked out of Maju Camp at 8:11 PM.
Tragically, shortly after exiting the camp gates, the NSman collapsed. A passer-by who witnessed the fall quickly contacted emergency services. The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) was alerted at 8:16 PM, and an ambulance was dispatched to the scene. It arrived at 8:25 PM.
Upon arrival, paramedics began immediate resuscitation efforts. These efforts continued throughout the journey to National University Hospital, where the NSman arrived around 9:00 PM. Despite sustained medical intervention and emergency treatment, he was pronounced dead at 9:54 PM.
Following this incident, the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) has implemented an immediate safety pause on all NS FIT training activities until July 4, 2025. The pause is intended to allow a comprehensive review of existing safety protocols and procedures, and to reinforce safety awareness among participants and instructors.
SAF is currently assisting the family during this difficult period and has expressed its deepest condolences for their loss. The Ministry has confirmed that further investigations will be conducted to determine the cause of death.
The NS FIT programme is designed to help Operationally Ready National Servicemen maintain physical fitness standards through structured and supervised physical training sessions. Safety protocols are usually in place to prevent incidents, and participants are regularly monitored by certified fitness instructors. However, this incident has raised questions regarding the effectiveness of post-session monitoring, especially when a participant self-declares being well but may still be at risk.
There has been no public disclosure of the serviceman’s identity or his specific medical background. The cause of death will likely be determined through a coroner’s inquiry and official autopsy, the results of which are pending.
The SAF’s decision to suspend training nationwide underscores the seriousness with which the organisation is approaching this incident. Emphasis will likely be placed on pre- and post-session health screening, mandatory rest intervals, and the training staff’s response protocol in identifying early warning signs of potential collapse or medical distress.
While rare, such incidents have occurred before in both full-time national service and reservist training settings, sparking calls for improved oversight and medical safeguards in high-intensity physical training programmes.
Investigations into this case will help determine whether more stringent procedures need to be enforced or revised, including possible changes to how servicemen are evaluated for fitness and recovery post-training.
The death of the NSman has reignited public concern over the risks involved in national service-related physical fitness activities. More clarity is expected in the coming weeks once the investigations are completed and recommendations are made.
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