In the old days, it was a strategically self-inflicted gunshot wound, self-imposed exile to Canada or maybe a self-styled penchant for cross-dressing that could get you out of the army. These days, in Singapore, at least, playing videogames can net the same results. A recent story on AllHeadlineNews.com reports that a Singaporean has received permission to defer his military obligation (for a couple of months, at least) in order to compete in the World Cyber Games, an annual, international videogame festival of competitions and tournaments hosted in some 70 countries. "In line with the Government's support for sports, culture and the arts," explains one official, "the Ministry of Defense will consider granting one-time deferments for pre-enlistees who are selected to represent Singapore at prestigious international sports and cultural events." Thus, 20-year old Stanley Aw will be postponing his otherwise mandatory national service duty by nearly two months as he competes in the World Cyber Games.
 
 

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