Senior Minister of State for Defence Mr Heng Chee How hosted members of the Advisory Council on Community Relations in Defence (ACCORD) to a visit at RSS Singapura – Changi Naval Base (CNB) earlier today. During the visit, the members were briefed on how the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) has transformed and developed new capabilities so that it stands ready to safeguard Singapore's sovereignty and protect Singapore's Sea Lines of Communication (SLOCs). The members also visited the RSN's Formidable-class Frigate RSS Steadfast, the Royal Thai Navy (RTN)'s Krabi-class Offshore Patrol Vessel HTMS Prachuap Khiri Khan, and the Royal Brunei Navy (RBN)'s Darussalam-class Offshore Patrol Vessel KDB Darulehsan. These ships were participating in the Warship Display^[1] as part of the International Maritime Defence Exhibition (IMDEX) Asia 2023.

During his opening remarks, Mr Heng emphasised the importance of the visit by the ACCORD members, for them to understand the role that the RSN plays in defending Singapore. He said, "As ACCORD, we are very much focused on championing and promoting support for total defence and for national service. Within total defence…there will be economic defence and of course, military… Within the economy, trade is very important…a huge part of it is actually done by sea….For this reason, our Navy has to be effective has been making sustained continual investments in their capability…so that they can defend Singapore's paramount interest in the seas around us, keeping those sea lines open."

Ms Trina Liang, Co-Chair of ACCORD Family and Community Council, shared how the visit had given her greater insight into the importance of having a strong maritime capability. She said, "COVID-19 has shown how disruptions to global supply chains has affected the way of life of Singaporeans. With our strong reliance on the sea to bring our daily essentials to Singapore, it is critical that we build a strong maritime force to deter and minimise potential disruptions. Through today's visit, I really found out more of how the Singapore Navy carries out its mission through deterrence and diplomacy. It was interesting to visit warships from the other nations that were here as part of IMDEX Asia 2023. In my interactions with the foreign and RSN personnel, it was clear that IMDEX was a useful platform for them to interact and exchange views on the importance and value of their roles."

Ms Tan See Leng, Executive Director of Heartware Network and also Member of ACCORD Family and Community Council appreciated the opportunity to visit the foreign warships and speak to RSN personnel. She said, "The work of our RSN Servicemen and women at sea are often out of sight and many of us might not be aware of what their job entails. As an island, Singapore's long coastline makes us exceptionally vulnerable to seaborne threats. I am glad that they have been always there to guard against potential aggressors that threaten our existence. I am extremely thankful to have the opportunity to better understand their important roles in safeguarding the security of our maritime home. I also thank them for their sacrifice when they deploy for operations and exercise."

About ACCORD

Established in 1984, ACCORD continues to strengthen support for NS and defence among the education, business and community sectors and to cultivate greater appreciation for the contributions of our national servicemen. In commemoration of NS55 last year, ACCORD launched initiatives such as ACCORD Employers & Business Council's StayFit@Work Challenge, ACCORD Family & Community Council's NS55 Fitness Challenge and ACCORD Educational Institution Council's TikTok Dance Challenge. ACCORD members continues to rally partners within their networks to co-create and co-deliver ground-up initiatives in support of NS and TD.

[1]Delegates and visitors attending IMDEX Asia 2023 were treated to displays and tours of 22 ships from 13 countries between 4 to 5 May 2023. Senior Minister and Coordinating Minister for National Security Mr Teo Chee Hean and other senior officials from the Ministry of Defence and Singapore Armed Forces also visited the Warship Display on 3 and 4 May 2023.