News
NSF who wrote article about SAF's role in Taiwan-China relations had submitted article pre-enlistment: MINDEF
He had submitted the article to the publication pre-enlistment.
An active Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) serviceman, who authored an article about Singapore's military presence in Taiwan, had submitted the article pre-enlistment.
Siddharath Bhowmick appeared on news platform Asia Times after his article on Singapore's role in China-Taiwan relations was published on Jan. 19, 2026.
This led to speculation online about the author's rank in the SAF, with opposition politician Goh Meng Seng claiming that the individual was an "officer".
But in response to Mothership's queries, the Ministry of Defence (Mindef) clarified on Jan. 24 that Bhowmick had not been a recruit in the SAF at the time of the article's submission in December 2025.
He is currently a full-time national serviceman (NSF) and had enlisted in January 2026 at age 18.
Singapore's role in Taiwan
The Asia Times opinion piece is titled, "Singapore holds keys to deterring a China-Taiwan war".
In the article, the author highlighted the 40-year-old Project Starlight, a bilateral defence agreement signed in 1975 between Singapore and Taiwan.
It noted that there are approximately 3,000 SAF personnel "rotationally stationed" on the island each year, the largest military presence among all foreign nations.
Bhowmick argued that Singapore could use its military training presence in Taiwan to influence it to pursue improved relations with China.
He also opined that Singapore's servicemen risk becoming "bargaining chips" in the event of a surprise invasion by China on Taiwan.
Mindef's response
A disclaimer at the end of the article previously read: "Siddharath Bhowmick is currently serving in the Singapore Armed Forces. The views expressed here are the author’s and do not represent those of the SAF."
It has since been amended to show that Siddharath wrote the article before entering the service.
In its statement, Mindef confirmed that the views in the article are "solely the personal views of Mr Bhowmick prior to his enlistment".
He had written and submitted the article in his personal capacity, and the views expressed there do not represent Mindef or the SAF in any way, the spokesperson said.
Top image from BMTC/Facebook
