Some Misconceptions about Singaporean Football
NS being a massive issue
This gets thrown around a lot, but there are accommodations provided to let players still train while in NS. They can still play for Young Lions. SPL matches happen at night, usually around the weekend. Plus the clubs here train at night, so while still a major issue, it's not as bad in terms of development. There are also accommodations made within NS to let them continue their career like most athletes.
Ben Davis is a case that gets brought up a lot, but his is a case that proves the government right. He was offered a contract not to Fulham but to their academy. This is an important detail that many people missed and don't understand because it was not clearly mentioned or explained when reported. Academy players have a very small chance of advancement to the main club. There are hundreds of kids there with maybe 1 or 2 players making it. His deferment was rightfully rejected as it was ultimately not an outstanding achievement.
After draft dodging, talking about how he needs to focus on his career and that it was a big chance for him. He got dropped, like most academy players end up at a mid-table Thai club. And guess who was his teammate, Harhys Stewart. A guy who actually did his service, made it to the same club as him, all the while not kicking up a fuss. He is now a consistent starter in our lineup, while Ben has been dropped from Thailand's lineup.
Anywhere in Europe is a big deal
There has been some criticism I have seen of players leaving Europe or rejecting offers from Europe to play ASEAN. This, I feel come from the lack of understanding of wider European football and its culture. Also, a lack of acknowledgement of how competitive football is here. The Fandi brothers get brought up a lot. Irfan for rejecting Braga. Even though the offer was only to their U23 squad which meant he was almost never going to play for them since the most players are professional by 21. If he was still playing for a youth team at that age he was never going to make a Europa league calibre team. It likely would be much benefit and he probably be losing money.
Facilities in the regions are just as and competitive. Just recently JDT drew with Chelsea. Port beat Oxford United just last year. So it not though going into the second division of Europe of the smaller league there is better than playing in Singapore or Thailand. I argue the competition here if the team plays in Asian is better than most leagues in Europe outside of the top 10.
Why this happens
I believe this stems strongly from poor reporting. If you look at the article at the time report on Irfan rejecting Braga. Many of them, even from ST and CNA fail to mention that his offer was a position at Braga's U23 not the main team.
https://www.channelnewsasia.com/sport/irfan-fandi-rejects-braga-football-contract-offer-804801
https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/football/football-spore-billionaire-peter-lim-very-disappointed-with-irfan-fandis-decision-to?xtor=CS1-10 (Only mention that it was the youth team)
Similarly when mentioning Ben Davis they only said he signed for Fulham and that specify that it was the youth team.