Two Singapore soldiers were charged in military court Wednesday over the death of a popular actor during reservist training in a case that has sparked calls for changes to the country’s system of conscription. Aloysius Pang , who starred in Singapore-produced Chinese language TV shows and films, was completing compulsory reservist training in New Zealand in January when he suffered serious injuries while repairing artillery. The 28-year-old, who first rose to fame in the predominantly ethnic Chinese city state as a child actor, died later in hospital. Singapore halts military field exercises after death of Aloysius Pang Pang’s death – and those of three other servicemen in the space of 17 months – prompted widespread criticism over safety and calls for changes in the conscription-based system, a major plank of Singapore’s defence strategy since independence in 1965. Male Singapore citizens are required to undergo two years of national service upon turning 18 and are also called up for further training in the following years, which sometimes takes place overseas. Charges were filed before a military court against Ivan Teo, 35, and 31-year-old Hubert Wah, the defence ministry said. Actor Aloysius Pang dies in New Zealand military training Teo, a regular serviceman holding the rank of Military Expert 2, faces three charges, including for disobedience and causing death by a negligent act, which both carry jail terms of up to two years and a fine. Wah, a Third Sergeant who was on reservist training with Pang , was charged with causing death by a rash act, which carries a maximum jail term of five years, and with negligence. The two were in the Self-Propelled Howitzer, a motorised piece of artillery that looks similar to a small tank, with Pang when he was crushed between the gun barrel and cabin while carrying out maintenance work inside. Pang, who was of a lower rank than the two men, died from severe sepsis – a serious complication of an infection arising from his severe chest and abdominal injuries – four days after he was injured. Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen in February insisted Singapore “must never give up on national service” as the backbone of its armed forces. But he also apologised for the deaths and said the armed forces and defence ministry were putting in place additional safety measures. Additional reporting by Today Online Connect with us on Twitter and Facebook