The issue:

Over the years, several female Members of Parliament and other Singaporeans have called for women to serve NS.

But so far, the Government has seen no need for it.

Experts say:

It is not a pressing issue yet.

If one day, the country does not have enough men to meet its security needs, then women may have to serve, Prof Tan said. 'But there are economic considerations as it means delaying women's entry into workforce for two years.'

Dr Singh agreed.

'I don't think we have reached a critical stage yet. The best evidence is the cut (of the NS stint duration) from 2 1/2 to two years.'

Dr Chong said the need for women to do NS would become more urgent if dual citizenship is allowed.

But even if women have to do NS eventually, it probably would not be as physically demanding as what the men go through.

Prof Tan said: 'It will be different in terms of duration (shorter) and deployment (service, non-combat roles).'

This article was first published in The New Paper on Aug 25, 2008.