Mindef Clears Up the Confusion About Esports Player Figo Chua
So the word got out that Figo Chua – better known in the gaming world as Azalea – didn’t actually get a front‑row seat to the Overwatch World Cup by dodging national service (NS). Turns out the “deferment” was all about school, not the screen.
What the Ministry Says
A spokesperson from the Ministry of Defence (Mindef) set the record straight: Figo’s deferment was to enroll in a Nitec course, not to play in a global esports tournament. The deputy explained that the policy allows NS enlistees to pursue education up to the equivalent of a polytechnic diploma – and that includes Technical Education courses.
- He was offered a deferment in January 2020 to study at the Institute of Technical Education.
- Full‑time National Service can be paused for schooling up to A‑levels, polytechnic diplomas, or the National Institute of Technical Education (Nitec).
History of Deferments for Sports and Games
Ever wondered who else has been granted an NS pause?
- In 2005, 20‑year‑old Stanley Aw received one to play Counter‑Strike at the World Cyber Games.
- Fast forward to 2013, where swimmers Joseph Schooling and Quah Zheng Wen were granted deferments to train for the 2016 Olympics. Schooling’s dream came true with Singapore’s first Olympic gold.
- Both athletes even got their deferments extended to the 2020 Olympics in Japan.
Figo “Azalea” Chua’s Journey
At 18, Azalea was announced as a key player for Singapore’s squad heading to the Overwatch World Cup in Anaheim, California (Oct 31 – Nov 2). Overwatch, for those of you not in the know, is a team‑based shooter where two squads of six battle it out, each picking characters with unique powers. This year marks the fourth edition of the World Cup, with tough competition from nations like the US, China, and the reigning champs South Korea.
He was originally shortlisted by the Singapore Overwatch World Cup Committee. But a mix‑up regarding his enlistment date saw him dropped when the committee realized he would still be in school.
- His initial enlistment was slated for Aug 14, a date that would have clashed with the tournament.
- He didn’t throw in the towel. Instead, he reached out to the Central Manpower Base (CMPB) and applied for a deferment.
- He even took a trip down to Depot Road to hand over all the paperwork: endorsement letters from the Overwatch Committee and the event organizers.
CPMB’s “Creative” Twist
Last Friday, a CMPB officer suggested that Figo tweak the reason for his deferment from “sports” to “academics.” He complied, shooting an email to make the switch.
Meanwhile, Mr. Nicholas Tay, the social media and community outreach lead for the team, confirmed over the phone on Tuesday that the tournament was, at least partially, the reason the deferment was granted. The official paperwork now cites education.
Looking Ahead
Mr. Tay shared his vision for the Singapore squad: “We hope our players come away with exposure and experience that could launch them into professional e‑sports leagues. We give it our all, so we’re satisfied with the outcome no matter the score.”
In the world of esports, the fusion of grit, game skills, and a pinch of academic ambition might just be the winning formula.
— A short note of gratitude, inspired by The Straits Times, where this story first appeared.
