Total Defence – comprising the six pillars of Military, Civil, Economic, Social, Psychological and Digital Defence – continues to help Singapore and Singaporeans navigate the evolving security challenges and safeguard our nation's security and sovereignty. Commemorated on 15 February every year, Total Defence Day reminds Singaporeans on the need for everyone to play their part in defending Singapore and our way of life.

As part of Total Defence Day 2022, the refreshed Total Defence Badge Programme for Uniformed Groups (UGs) was announced at a media event held earlier today at Headquarters National Cadet Corps (NCC) in Amoy Quee Camp. This refreshed curriculum provides more opportunities for UG cadets to put Total Defence into action in the community, with a greater emphasis on self-directed learning, practical emergency preparedness skills, and active citizenry through volunteering. There are approximately 30,000 secondary school students between Secondary One to Three across nine UGs who undergo the programme annually.

The Total Defence Gold Badge, which is the highest level of attainment in the programme, will now put emphasis on Total Defence application. UG cadets will need to contribute to the community by joining a volunteer scheme or complete a Values in Action project for those around them. In partnership with Temasek Foundation, the TD Badge Programme will incorporate certifications in lifesaving to equip cadets with emergency preparedness skills. To attain the Gold Badge, UG cadets will need to obtain a cardiopulmonary resuscitation and automated external defibrillator (CPR+AED) certification. Additionally, a pilot of the optional Psychological First Aid (PFA) certification will also be offered to UG cadets who are keen to be certified after they have completed the CPR+AED module. Both the CPR+AED and PFA certification have been introduced by Nexus in partnership with Temasek Foundation.

The refreshed curriculum also aims to deepen UG cadets' appreciation and advocacy for Total Defence. Other than a new self-directed learning module for the Bronze Badge, cadets will submit a storyboard for the N.E.mation! Total Defence animation competition as part of the Silver Badge. This provides opportunities for cadets to reflect on how they can put Total Defence into action in everyday life, encouraging cadets to become advocates for Total Defence.

Director Nexus, Colonel Goh Jerica said, "The nature of threats and challenges that Singapore faces is ever-changing. Our updated Total Defence Badge programme reflects the changing needs of society. Through the programme, we hope that our cadets will become advocates of Total Defence, contribute in the community and play a part for Singapore."

Ms Woon Saet Nyoon, Chief Executive of Temasek Foundation Cares said, "Building community resilience through helping the Singapore community to stay prepared for emergencies has been a key focus area for us at Temasek Foundation. We are glad to partner Nexus to equip young people with first responder skills – perform CPR and provide psychological first aid during a crisis. Learning such essential lifesaving skills from young means we will have better prepared schools and more resilient families."

Tan Zachary, a student from Kent Ridge Secondary School's NCC (Land) said, "With the skills and knowledge I gained from the TD badge, I am better equipped to make a difference in the community. Whether it is through participation in community volunteer schemes or learning life-saving skills such as CPR+AED, I can now be more confident in providing emergency help for those in life-threatening circumstances."

The programme was first introduced in 1995 to promote awareness of and participation in Total Defence among secondary school students in UGs. It was developed based on the Appreciation, Application, and Advocacy model, with lessons designed to help cadets gain a deeper appreciation of Total Defence, put Total Defence into action, and be advocates for Total Defence as they earn the Bronze, Silver and Gold badges. The programme curriculum was last revamped in 2018.

As part of the Total Defence Day commemoration, the public can also look forward to an interesting line-up of Total Defence activities taking place from now until end-February 2022. These include the 80th Anniversary of Fall of Singapore Special Exhibition at the National Museum of Singapore, Digital Defence Webinars hosted by the National Library Board, and Singapore Stories Films screening at the Singapore Discovery Centre.