NATIONAL servicemen stand to get $9,000 each in a move to show that citizens come first.

The National Service Recognition Award recognises the contributions and sacrifices of NSmen who serve two years full-time, and then return for reservist while trying to build a career and family, said PM Lee.

The $9,000 for NSmen who are citizens only - and more for commanders - will go into their CPF and Post-Secondary Education Accounts in tranches. Permanent Residents who have done their NS will get the payout only when they become citizens.

This article was first published in The New Paper.

For more stories on the National Day Rally speech, click here.