Commemorated annually on 15 February, Total Defence Day marks the day that Singapore fell to the Japanese in 1942 during World War II. Total Defence Day reminds us what could happen if we ourselves cannot defend Singapore, and do not strengthen our resolve to keep Singapore safe and sovereign. This year, the Total Defence Day Commemoration Event 2019 (TDDCE19) is held at Fort Canning Green. Apart from the Fort Canning being the heart of the Singapore Bicentennial commemoration, this location was selected for its historical significance, as the British made the decision to surrender to the Japanese in one of the bunkers at Fort Canning Hill. 

This year, the Total Defence Day Commemoration Event 2019 (TDDCE19), organised by the Ministry of Defence, is held at Fort Canning Green. Minister for Communications and Information Mr S Iswaran and Senior Minister of State for Defence Dr Mohamed Maliki bin Osman launched Digital Defence as the sixth pillar of Total Defence at the TDDCE19. It is the first time in 35 years since the introduction of Total Defence that a new pillar is added. A new Digital Defence campaign logo and tagline "Be Secure, Alert, and Responsible Online" were also unveiled. (Refer to Factsheet by MCI for more information on the Digital Defence campaign logo and tagline.)

After the launch of Digital Defence, a Remembrance Ceremony was held, where attendees observed a minute of silence for those who lost their lives in WWII. Recruits from the Commando Training Institute were presented with their weapons during the Weapon Presentation Ceremony (WPC). It is the first time the commandos' WPC is conducted in a public venue. At the end of the programme, Mr S Iswaran, Dr Maliki, SMS for Ministry of Communications and Information & Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth Ms Sim Ann, and attendees visited the newly launched cybersecurity themed "Lab on Wheels" bus stationed on site.