President Tony Tan Keng Yam graced the SAF50@Istana event today. The event was held to thank all who have supported the men and women of the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF), and in particular their families. Some 21,000 visitors attended the event.

SAF50@Istana featured exhibits and activities highlighting the SAF's contributions and capabilities, as well as stories of servicemen and women who have built the SAF over the last 50 years. Besides being able to look back at the SAF's rich history through exhibits of the SAF in its early years, visitors were also able to participate in simulator rides, interactive games and activities. In addition, there were shows and performances by the SAF Band and the SAF Music and Drama Company.

During the event, President Tan met with families of servicemen and women to thank them for their strong support for the SAF. He also interacted with Full-time National Servicemen, Operationally Ready National Servicemen, Regular Servicemen as well as the pioneers of the SAF. The servicemen and pioneers shared their perspectives on National Service (NS) and the need for a strong defence for Singapore based on their various experiences and roles in the SAF. These ranged from participation in bilateral exercises and overseas deployments, to balancing their NS duties with their personal commitments.

Also present at SAF50@Istana were Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen, Second Minister for Defence Mr Lui Tuck Yew, Minister of State for Defence Dr Mohamad Maliki Bin Osman, Permanent Secretary (Defence) Mr Chan Yeng Kit, Chief of Defence Force Lieutenant-General Ng Chee Meng, Permanent Secretary (Defence Development) Major-General (NS) Ng Chee Khern and Service Chiefs. Members of the Government Parliamentary Committee for Defence and Foreign Affairs (GPC-DFA) and the Advisory Council on Community Relations in Defence (ACCORD) were also present at the event.