Safe environments and secure borders are fundamental to the existence and progress of any nation. Our external environment is more complex because of shifting big-power dynamics and growing transnational security threats. Crime is increasingly cross-boundary. A more diverse society and more strident advocacy on divisive issues that impact on religion, race and social values may create tensions and affect social harmony. To meet these challenges and stay safe and secure, we must stay united as one people and continue to invest and build capabilities for a strong and capable SAF, an effective Home Team, and a top-notch Foreign Service.

Singapore needs effective diplomacy to safeguard and advance our interests abroad, enhance cooperation with other countries, and enlarge our international space. We will contribute to ASEAN's regional integration efforts, maintain good relations with our immediate neighbours, build links with key partners, and participate in International Organisations.

The SAF is the ultimate guarantor of Singapore's sovereignty and independence. A strong security force also complements our diplomatic efforts to safeguard and advance Singapore's interests abroad. The SAF will continue to make steady and prudent investments in advanced platforms and systems to build an effective force that can deter aggression and deal with a wide spectrum of threat and mission scenarios. We will also work with regional partners to address common security challenges.

On the homefront, we will acquire new capabilities and expand our ability to respond to the wide range of threats. We will expand the Community Policing System to all Neighbourhood Police Centres by 2015. We will strengthen throughcare to discourage re-offending, by implementing the Conditional Remission System and Mandatory Aftercare Scheme. We will also make much greater use of technology to sharpen sense-making and Command, Control and Communications through initiatives such as body-worn cameras for police officers, cameras in all HDB blocks by 2016, and greater use of biometrics and automation to clear heavy flows of people and vehicles at our land checkpoints. SCDF will also deploy unmanned fire-fighting machines.

In both homeland security and defence, our full-time and operationally ready national servicemen play crucial roles. We will implement recommendations from the Committee to Strengthen National Service (CSNS). The SAF and the Home Team will establish professional cadres of trainers to strengthen NS training. We will optimise the contributions of national servicemen and improve administration to make the most of their time and provide a positive NS experience. We will enhance recognition benefits in the areas of healthcare, housing and education. To strengthen the broader community's support for defence and NS, we will restructure the Advisory Council on Community Relations in Defence (ACCORD) and set up an SAF Volunteer Corps.