Graduands of the 136/24 Officer Cadet Course,

Parents and Distinguished Guests,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

INTRODUCTION

The men and women gathered on the parade square this evening are officers-to-be. You have completed 38 weeks of demanding training. You have developed as leaders, and now stand ready to lead the men and women of the SAF in the defence of our nation.

This parade is special in a couple of ways. First, it is taking place during SG60, which marks 60 years of Singapore’s independence, as well as 60 years of the SAF’s establishment. The two numbers are not similar by coincidence, but by conviction. Because we have always believed that the prerequisite of an independent country is the ability to defend ourselves.

60 years after independence, Singapore is a thriving economy, connected to the world by air, sea, the global information highway and also international talent flow. We have maintained, with a lot of hard work, a stable society where different communities live together in harmony; where the more well-off extends help to the poor and less fortunate; where workers, employers and the Government work constructively together.

Our sense of nationhood continues to mature and strengthen, as Singaporeans become more confident being who we are, and identify ourselves first, as Singaporeans.

Much like Singapore, the SAF has transformed significantly over the past six decades. Since the early days of independence, we have conscripted our young men to serve National Service. We have been consistently devoting 3 to 4% of our GDP every year to train our people, invest in platforms, and build capabilities.

The transformation has been phenomenal. In 1965, we had only two Infantry Battalions, two ships and no Air Force. Today, the SAF is a highly professional military force. The traditional three Services have become four, equipped with advanced platforms capable of carrying out a spectrum of operations across both physical and digital domains. This includes the CH-47F heavy-lift helicopters, Invincible-class submarines and the V15 Unmanned Aerial Vehicles.

We know we have made the right investments whenever the SAF is called into operations. The SAF has extended humanitarian assistance to our neighbours in the region on various occasions, supported maritime security operations in the Red Sea, and most recently, delivered humanitarian aid to Gaza. Each time the SAF enters a live operating theatre, it delivers results.

Back home, we see the SAF working closely with the Home Team agencies to safeguard homeland security. When a major crisis like the COVID-19 pandemic broke out, the SAF was there to help organise massive operations, such as vaccinating the population and implementing home recovery for infected patients. I was Minister for Health during the pandemic years, when MOH benefitted from the help of the SAF. I can fully appreciate the sentiment that when the SAF is there, problems will be solved, and everything will turn out alright.

Uncertain Global Environment

Today’s parade is also special because it is taking place while the world is becoming more uncertain. We are all used to an existing global order that emerged after World War II, when Europe and Asia were liberated from Nazi aggression and the Japanese Occupation respectively.

Then, the United Nations was established to promote peace and security around the world, where national borders and sovereignty are respected. There was a new Western alliance between the US and Europe, to jointly defend against any future common enemy. In Asia, the US’ presence became a stabilising force, most notably when American forces held the line in Southeast Asia against Communist forces in North Vietnam, and prevented our region from turning red.

This security backdrop precipitated an era where trade flourished, businesses internationalised, and economies became more integrated. The World Trade Organization was established, China joined it in 2001, free trade agreements proliferated, and tariffs and trade barriers were dismantled over many years.

But things have changed in recent years. We have witnessed a rise in nationalism and protectionism, and the new US administration is taking a different approach to foreign policies. More than ever, we must renew the conviction we had when Singapore first became independent – that Singapore must be successful in order to be secure, we must make as many friends around the world as possible, and only we can defend ourselves.

The major difference between 60 years ago and now is that first, we have a far more capable SAF. Second, earlier generations have accumulated significant reserves that we can tap on during a crisis or emergency. Finally, Singaporeans are much more united and cohesive in the defence of our country. So if we can succeed then, we can all the more succeed now as we have enhanced the ballast of our nation considerably.

With every new capability we acquire, every joint exercise with a foreign force, every new recruit we enlist, every new officer we commission, we add to that Singapore ballast. Every single officer-to-be before us today, is therefore a reason why Singapore exists and can be successful.

Closing

So to our graduands today – I addressed you as officers-to-be at the beginning of this speech. In a few moments, you will be commissioned and become officers. It is a position of leadership with significant responsibilities. I hope it also marks a defining and pivotal point in your life.

From here, you will need to step forth; to initiate and drive change and transformation; to care for and lead your men and women; to perpetuate the values of discipline, professionalism and integrity in the SAF. But your role goes beyond that of nation-building and defending Singapore. As you become an officer and a leader, you are also a better person, be it son or daughter, brother or sister, neighbour or friend.

I will end by thanking the families and friends of those who are commissioning today. You are often the key motivation why our young men and women are prepared to join the SAF, and to journey through the gruelling challenges of military training. I hope they in turn become your reason to always give the SAF and the defence of our nation, your unwavering support.

I look forward all your contributions and difference you will make to Singapore in the years ahead. Thank you.