Minister for Trade and Industry Mr Chan Chun Sing, along with some 100 participants at the inaugural Maritime Nation Forum, commemorated Total Defence (TD) Day on its eve this afternoon at the Singapore Maritime Gallery. TD Day is commemorated annually on 15 February to mark the day Singapore fell to the Japanese during World War II in 1942. After the TD Day commemoration segment, Mr Chan held a dialogue session with the participants discussing the challenges that Singapore faces as a maritime nation. Participants at the Maritime Nation Forum included professionals from Singapore's maritime industry and security sectors, students from post-secondary education institutions, and members of the INSPIRIT community¹ from the National Youth Council. Also present at the event were the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) Head Naval Operations Rear-Admiral Ken Cheong, President of the Association of Singapore Marine Industries Mr Abu Bakar Bin Mohd Nor, and Assistant Chief Executive (Development) Miss Tan Beng Tee.

Mr Chan said, "I am heartened to see the coming together of maritime and security agencies, industry partners and young students. Today, we pledge our commitment to play our part in contributing to the continued success and security of our maritime nation and strengthening our connectivity to the world." He added that Singaporeans must remain cohesive in today's challenging external environment. "It is important that all Singaporeans come together and pledge their commitment to play their part for Singapore. When there are external pressures on our country to give in to external demands, Singaporeans must continue to be psychologically resilient and stay together to keep Singapore strong," said Mr Chan. 

The Maritime Nation Forum is jointly organised by Maritime Singapore, Nexus, and the RSN to encourage dialogue on the importance of the maritime industry to Singapore's economic success and to raise awareness on how every Singaporean can play their part to keep our country secure, strong, and cohesive through Total Defence.

¹ The INSPIRIT community is a community of young leaders who advocate and champion national issues.