3 Ways Your Performing Arts Obsession Could Low-Key Protect Singapore

For some of us, our weekend routine probably involves at least one of these things: recording dance transitions in our room, arguing over sound mixing in the latest blockbuster film, or hogging the mic at a family gathering.

Well, if that’s you, put down the ring light. Your creative talents just got scouted (and no, this isn't a scam DM).

The Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) recently announced three new ways to volunteer, expanding the Singapore Defence Volunteer Network (SG Defence) to include people from the performing arts and entertainment world.

Yes, you read that right. Your country needs you (and your theatre-kid energy). Whether your love for performing is a weekend hobby or a full-time career, your creative talents are low-key essential to protecting Singapore's social fabric and telling our national stories. Best of all? You won’t even have to touch a standard-issue field pack! Onz lah.

Okay, decision time – which role is calling your name? Here's a breakdown of what you can sign up for:

1. Volunteer Performer

Perfect for: Dancers, musicians, singers, and emcees with mileage onstage

If you spend hours perfecting choreography or teaching dance classes, you know how to command a room. And guess what: MINDEF wants that energy. The network is officially taking in volunteer dancers, musicians, and singers to perform at major national platforms. Imagine bringing your dance crews or vocal harmonies to the stage at the next National Day Parade!

Or... if you're always the one nominated to give a toast at dinner, or to host your friend's wedding, your ability to speak under pressure is an actual asset. The network is looking for emcees to host official events. Who knew that being the "loud friend" was a transferable skill?

Open to Singaporeans, new citizens, and PRs aged 25-40, who are available for 6 months at a time

2. Show Production Support Volunteer

Perfect for: The ones who actually know what they're doing backstage

Can you spot a bad audio mix from a mile away? Do you know exactly how to position a camera to capture the perfect lighting? Technical crew members are the unsung heroes of any show. SG Defence needs sound engineers and camera operators to run the technical side of massive productions. If you've run a real show before and know your way around a mixing desk to a multi-camera setup, you will be helping to smooth out operations for high-profile events hosting foreign dignitaries, like the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting. Talk about a portfolio upgrade.

Open to Singaporeans, new citizens, and PRs aged 25-40, for a 12-month stretch

3. Event Support Volunteer

Can you handle registration, ushering or crowd control? | IMAGE: SO DRAMA! ENTERTAINMENT

Perfect for: The Type A people among us who keep things moving.

No performance or technical background needed here! Just good energy and a knack for keeping things on track. You'd be on the ground handling the stuff that makes or breaks an event: registration, ushering, crowd flow, guest assistance, wayfinding, queue coordination, event setup, and helping out with interactive activities or handing out event materials. Bonus points if you've got experience in events, hospitality, customer service, or anything people-facing – but what matters most is enjoying the hustle-and-bustle of a "live" event and being someone your team can count on.

Open to Singaporeans, new citizens, and PRs aged 18-50 (NSmen welcome), for a minimum of 6 months, and who are available to work on weekends

The fine print (without the boring legal jargon)

Who is running this?

The initiative is coordinated by Nexus (the team behind Total Defence) and managed alongside So Drama! Entertainment, a local media and entertainment company that is part of the SAFRA group.

What's the time commitment?

This is completely project-based. You sign up per project, making it perfect for freelance hustlers or students balancing a heavy timetable.

Who is joining?

Since launching in May 2026, around 300 people have already applied, closing in on the initial goal of 400 new faces. The crowd spans from eager teenagers to active retirees.

What's the ultimate goal?

MINDEF aims to double its volunteer pool from 1,500 to 3,000 over the next three to five years. Defence Minister Chan Chun Sing even highlighted that the nation increasingly relies on diverse talents from civilian sectors (including law and media) to tackle modern challenges.

Defence is no longer just about uniformed military personnel. It is about a wider circle of citizens bringing their unique everyday skills to the table.

Ready to turn your creative obsession into Singapore's next big vibe? Visit go.gov.sg/sgdefence now to lock in your next project-based flex!

For the latest updates on Wonderwall.sg, be sure to follow us on TikTok, Telegram, Instagram, and Facebook. If you have a story idea for us, email us at [email protected].