Favourite Past Time During Reservist
“Rush to wait, wait to rush.”
This statement is especially true during reservist/ICT when we get to enjoy pockets of free time in between our activities. As efficient soldiers of the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF), we maximise our use of time (and eMart credits) with our yearly visit to the eMart.
Not only is it one of the best bonding activities with our Army buddies, but the eMart is also probably the only few places around the camp with air-conditioning.
Of course, if you are like most of us, waking up for reservist with a uniform that is way too tight for you, the trip to the eMart is a must.
Like a kiasu Singaporean for the past 7 years, I make it a point to fully utilise my eMart credits during my yearly reservist. After all, these eMart credits are the rewards of my long hours under the sun, defending the nation. I earned them!
20 Best Things To Get From eMart With Your eMart Credits?
Allow me to share with you some of the items which are super useful which you can get from the eMart. By being useful, it means that the usage of the item can be extended out of your time in camp, to your civilian life.
Here’s a list of useful items which every Singaporean son with eMart credits should memorise by heart.
Army Dry-fit Tee
The Seedly team calls this the most comfortable piece of cloth to wear ever on Earth. It’s latest dry-fit tech makes the Army dry-fit tee one of the best items to purchase.
Wear it to sleep, work-out or to your nearby coffee shop for coffee. The Army Dry-fit tee will never fail you in terms of how comfy it is, and how the SAF logo brings out the machoness in you!
Cash/Credit required for Army Dry-fit Tee: $4.25 (comes in non-dry-fit ones at $4.81)
Green Towel
What is less water-absorbing than Spongebob Squarepants, but more water-absorbing than most of the towels in the market? The SAF Green towel!
Comes with quick-drying capability to ensure that sweaty Army boys get to shower anytime when called upon.
Cash/Credit required for Green Towel: $5.40
Flashlight/ Torchlight
It is fortunate that Singaporeans do not experience blackout regularly, but prevention is better than cure.
The SAF flashlight is so powerful that you will no longer be able to differentiate day and night during your camping trips. At least for me, it allows me to eat my maggie mee at night.
Cash/Credit required for flashlight/torchlight: $9.63
Running Shoes
Very much like how Louis Vuitton’s collaboration with Supreme, SAF collaborated with New Balance and Adidas to ensure that we stay up to the latest fashion trend.
Comes in bright blue colour and Neon green laces for the Adidas, and grey colour for the New Balance, Singaporeans can now look good while doing the activity they loathe the most. Running.
It is a myth that looking good while running makes you feel good and give you wings. I am still barely passing my 2.4km run, but the shoes are sure comfy as hell.
Cash/Credit required for New Balance Running Shoes: $42.71
Cash/Credit required for Adidas Running Shoes: $35.90
Running Trunk
Nothing complements a nice pair of running shoes for your daily workout than a pair of SAF running trunk. Comes in basic cut and high cut.
Personally recommend the basic cut for aesthetic reason.
Cash/Credit required for running trunk (basic cut): $6.18
Cash/Credit required for running trunk (high cut): $5.59
Running Vest
The OCS pink singlet might have gained quite a bit of popularity on social media, all thanks to a group Singaporeans lowkey flexing it. Instagram accounts such as @hiimfromocs have also proven the singlet to be one of the most comfortable apparels for every occasion. I personally wear them to sleep and to the gym!
Of course, if pink is not really your colour, the singlet comes in various colours!
P.S The vocation badge on your singlet has zero implication on your fitness level
Cash/Credit required for Running vest: $7.65 (The commando ones are of the same price if you wish to flex)
Insect Repellent Liquid Spray
The previous outfield during my reservist, I put a few mosquito repellents to a test.
After comparing mosquito repellents from brands such as Tiger, OFF! and a few other brands I can get my hands on at Watson, the SAF Insect repellent is still the most effective.
Looks like the SAF insect repellent managed to get those mosquitos to “knock it down”!
Cash/Credit required for Insect repellent liquid spray: $2.12
Drinking bag
The last time I did a marathon, I was filled with envy when I saw a couple of runners running and drinking directly from the water bag which they carried with them. I, on the other hand, was stopping at every water point quenching my thirst for the 6 hours run.
I can see how the drinking bag can come in handy for those going on a romantic hiking trip or champagne shower! Why pay so much for a Camelbak water bag when you can get the SAF one with your eMart credit.
Cash/Credit required for SAF drinking bag: $25.95
Thermometer
Throwback to my university cheer which goes like “I got a fever, I’m hot, I can’t be stopped”.
No point wasting so much money on a thermometer when you can grab one from the eMart. It is essential for every household to have one of these. Fever is no laughing matter. So are MCs.
Cash/Credit required for thermometer: $1.62
Socks
On top of cheap office wear, one can save even more by using the black socks available at the eMart for their working needs.
For those working at places which requires safety boots, the SAF green socks are really durable for those situations. Complete the look with the SAF ankle grey socks for the rest of your casual outfit.
Cash/Credit required for ankle grey socks: $1.48
Cash/Credit required for black socks: $3.77
Cash/Credit required for green socks: $3.77
Bag
Like the pouch of Doremon, you will be amazed by how much weight and how many things the SAF pixelated backpack can hold.
Best use for travel, hiking and commuting everywhere around Singapore.
Cash/Credit required for pixelated bag: $30.63
Pocket knife
I consider this a household essential. You get all the tools you ever need, packed into one portable pocket knife.
Of course, the beer bottle opener tool packed in the pocket knife gave it a nice touch.
Cash/Credit required for pocket knife: $10.62
Powder Container
This powder container will come in handy for those with babies at home! Pack your baby powder in it, and you are ready to go!
Cash/Credit required for powder container: $0.33
Net/Scarf
Chanced upon my friend using this as a scarf/mask on his recent vacation to a desert. Thought that was brilliant!
Cash/Credit required for net/scarf: $5.77
Sandals
This durable pair of sandals can walk a thousand miles with you. Thick sole, tough strap, make your presence known with the loud velcro strap.
Cash/Credit required for sandals: $13.61
Ear Plug
If you are a frequent clubber, or simply working in a noisy environment, it is important to protect your ears. The SAF earplug does the job really well, having been tested and proven with decibels produced from your gunshots.
However, do not put them on when your mother is nagging at you. Be respectful! She meant well!
Cash/Credit required for earplug: $1.68
Army No.3 Shoes
If you are looking for a pair of formal shoes at a reasonable price for your office wear, look no further! The Army No.3 shoes can live up to the occasion of your job interviews, or your day to day job at the Central Business District.
Remember to polish it regularly though, in case any Sergeant Major spot you.
Cash/Credit required for Army No.3 Shoes: $46.02
Swimming Trunk
If you are looking to pick up swimming as your regular keep fit exercise, the SAF swimming trunk seems like an affordable option.
Cash/Credit required for swimming trunk: $3.53
SAF Admin Shorts
Be it to the coffee shop or the mall nearby, the general-purpose SAF admin short is the most convenient option. It also comes with pockets for your wallet and handphones.
Cash/Credit required for trunk: $4.55
Water bottle
Suitable for hot and cold water, if you are looking for a bottle to use around the house, the SAF water bottle can come in handy.
The only issue is the need to clean it thoroughly regularly due to the shape of the bottle. The last thing you want is to have mould growing inside while you drink the water you fill it with.
Cash/Credit required for water bottle: $1.38
How To Check eMart Credits?
To check how much eMart credits you have in your account, simply
- Login to Ns.sg with your Singpass
- Select the “Shop At eMart” option
- Select “Credit Details” to find out your eMart credit balance.
How Much eMart Credits You Get Each Year?
If you are wondering how much eMart credits you will be receiving every year, it depends on your vocation.
Here’s how much eMart credits you will receive every year:
Army | eMart Credits Every year |
|---|---|
| Active Combat Vocations | 260 Credits |
| Active Non-combat Vocations | 170 Credits |
| Active Permanent PES E NSF | 120 Credits |
| Active NSmen | 113 Credits every 2 years/ 226 Credits every 4 years |
| Active SAFVC Volunteers | 50 Credits after each year of service |
Airforce | eMart Credits Every year |
| Active Combat Vocations | 260 Credits |
| Active Non-combat Vocations | 200 Credits |
| Active Permanent PES E NSF | 120 Credits |
| Active NSmen | 115 Credits every 2 years/ 230 Credits every 4 years |
| Active SAFVC Volunteers | 50 Credits after each year of service |
Navy | eMart Credits Every year |
| Group A | 210 Credits |
| Group B | 230 Credits |
| Group C | 270 Credits |
| Group D | 300 Credits |
| Active NSmen | 115 Credits every 2 years/ 230 Credits every 4 years |
| Active SAFVC Volunteers | 50 Credits after each year of service |
Unused credits will be rolled over to the next top-up period.
Location of eMarts, How To Get There
Chevrons eMart (Jurong East)
Address: 48 Boon Lay Way, Singapore 609961
Daily: 10.30am to 8.30pm
Tel: 6862 5600
SAFRA Mount Faber
Address: 2 Telok Blangah Way, Singapore 098803
Daily: 10.30am to 8.30pm
Tel: 6272 1269
SAFRA Punggol
Address: 9 Sentul Cres, Singapore 828654
Daily: 10.30am to 8.30pm
Tel: 6243 6505
If you are looking for eMarts that are in camps but near your home, do take note that
- These eMarts located in SAF camps are closed on weekends and public holidays
- There are certain camps which require a higher level of clearance. Do call to check before heading down.
Location Of Tri Service eMarts
Gombak eMart
Mon – Fri: 9am to 5pm
Tel: 6760 0927
SAFTI MI
Tue and Thu: 10am to 3pm
Tel: 9826 6134
Sembawang Camp
Wed and Fri: 10am to 3pm
Tel: 9826 6134
Location Of Army eMarts
Amoy Quee Camp
Tue and Thu: 9am to 3pm
Tel: 6752 4174
Bedok Camp
Tue: 11am to 6pm
Thu: 9am to 4pm
Tel: 6241 1837
Clementi Camp
Mon – Fri: 9am to 4pm
Tel: 6469 2195
Hendon Camp
Wed and Fri: 9am to 4pm
Tel: 6214 3039
Jurong Camp 1
Mon and Wed: 9am to 3pm
Tel: 6261 4552
Jurong Camp 2
Mon: 9am to 7pm
Tues – Thu: 11am to 6pm
Fri: 9am to 1pm
Tel: 6261 6842
Kranji Camp 2
Tues and Thu: 9am to 3pm
Tel: 6465 4387
Kranji Camp 3
Mon – Fri: 9am to 4pm
Tel: 6219 7562
Keat Hong Camp
Tue and Fri: 9am to 3pm
Tel: 6465 8907
Khatib Camp
Mon – Fri: 9am to 4pm
Tel: 6759 1909
Maju Camp
Mon – Fri: 9am to 4pm
Tel: 6468 0255
Mandai Hill Camp
Tue and Thu: 9am to 3pm
Tel: 6465 0813
Nee Soon Camp
Mon – Fri: 9am to 4pm
Tel: 6452 0209
Pasir Laba Camp
Mon – Fri: 9am to 4pm
Tel: 6862 3674
Pasir Ris Camp
Mon, Tue and Thu: 9am to 4pm
Tel: 6581 8046
Pulau Tekong Camp
Mon – Fri: 10am to 5pm
Tel: 6546 7651
Seletar Camp
Mon and Wed: 9am to 3pm
Tel: 6694 1440
Sungei Gedong Camp
Mon – Fri: 9am to 4pm
Tel: 6397 0832
Selarang Camp
Mon, Wed and Fri: 9am to 4pm
Tel: 6214 3117
Stagmont Camp
Mon and Thu: 11am to 5pm
Tel: 6465 8697
Bukit Panjang Camp
Mon: 10am to 3pm
Tel: 9826 6134
Location Of RSAF eMarts
Air Force Training Command (Paya Lebar)
Mon – Thu: 10am to 3pm
Fri: 10am to 2pm
Tel: 6461 8538
Changi Air Base
Mon: 11am to 4pm
Tue – Fri: 11am to 3pm
Tel: 6586 4387
Sembawang Air Base
Mon – Fri: 11am to 3pm
Tel: 6750 8487
Tengah Air Base
Mon: 9am to 1pm
Tue: 10am to 3pm
Wed – Fri: 11am to 3pm
Tel: 6761 2654
Chong Pang Camp
Mon – Wed and Fri: 10am to 2pm
Thu: 10am to 3pm
Tel: 6318 4259
Location Of RSN eMarts
Changi Naval Base
Mon – Fri: 8.30am to 4.30pm
Tel: 6588 1605
Tuas Naval Base
Mon – Fri: 8.30am to 4.30pm
Tel: 6862 6595
Source of above information: Ns.sg
