Auntie Lay Hoon Wet Market Knowledge Chief

Been in this exact bind. Key points from experience: 1) ICT is a legal obligation, your employer cannot penalise, threaten, or dismiss you for serving NS, that's protected under the law (Enlistment Act / NS protections), so your manager being 'unhappy' doesn't change your rights, 2) deferment is possible but only for genuine, strong reasons and it's approved by MINDEF/NS, not automatically granted, business inconvenience is usually a weak case, apply early through the official channel with supporting justification, 3) make-up pay, your employer pays your salary and claims from MINDEF (or you get the difference), you shouldn't be out of pocket. Practical move: apply for deferment ASAP if the case is genuinely strong, but plan as if it's happening. Hand over your project properly. Document any employer threats. Please verify the deferment criteria and your protections on the official NS portal / with your unit, don't rely on forum advice for something this important.