Valet Self-Storage Company Spaceship Launches Buddy Service for Singapore Military Reservists

Spaceship, a Singapore-based business specializing in valet self-storage services, has added a special “buddy” service designed for the country’s national servicemen (NSmen), military personnel who serve similarly to reservists in the United States. In addition to pickup, storage and delivery service, the “Kaki” (Malay for “buddy”) program offers uniform laundry and sewing service as well as equipment replacement for additional fees, according to the source.

Essentially, the program stores and prepares army uniforms and gear before and after NSmen participate in in-camp training, the source reported. NSmen comprise 80 percent of Singapore’s military defense, according to information published by the Singapore government.

Pickup, storage and delivery of army backpacks or duffel bags and their contents is $60 per year. Laundry service is $20 for 10 items, while sewing and equipment-replacement services are at “Beach Road rates,” a reference to prices at military-surplus shops, according to the source. Deliveries are made within 48 hours.

"It is like a butler service,” said Yeo Zhi Wei, 29, co-founder of Spaceship, who is also an NSman. “If we can make things a little easier and more convenient for NSmen, why not?"

Spaceship has had more than 100 NSmen sign up for the Kaki service since launching it last month, the source reported.

Edward Lim, a 29-year-old infantryman who gets called for in-camp training each year, was among the first to pay for the service. “I don't own a car, so it is quite a burden to carry the bulky bag around and travel to and from camp," Lim told the source. "I use the duffel bag only once or twice a year, so it is better to just put it away than let it take up space and collect dust in the house."

Spaceship launched its valet-storage service in January after receiving financial backing from Ardent Capital, a group of entrepreneurs interested in growing and developing technology-related enterprises in Southeast Asia. The company uses an online platform that allows customers to schedule free item pickup, keep track of belongings through a dashboard, schedule delivery of items home, or send items to a friend.