DR NG ENG HEN
MINISTER FOR DEFENCE

The security landscape Singapore faces today is more complex than ever before. Many countries in our region are modernising their militaries against a backdrop of growing nationalism, difficult maritime and territorial disputes, and persistent threats from terrorists and cyber attacks. In the past year, attacks in Sydney, Paris and Ankara underscore the challenges of keeping Singapore safe and secure. A strong and credible defence remains crucial for Singapore's security, independence and sovereignty.

Preparing for a Wider Range of Threats to Singapore's Security

Today, the SAF is a full-spectrum, networked force that is effective and flexible. Its operational readiness has been validated by deployments around the world to support regional and international operations, such as our deployments to the anti-ISIS coalition in the Middle East, the anti-piracy forces in the Gulf of Aden, and to various countries for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations. The SAF will continue to participate in such deployments as part of its efforts to contribute to international peace and stability.

However, the operating environment for MINDEF and the SAF is changing rapidly. Technologies that used to be the domain of professional militaries are becoming cheaper and easier to obtain and used by less advanced militaries and non-state actors. As our economy and society rely more on technology that allows us to function with ease and efficiency, cyber criminals and attackers have more avenues to disrupt and destabilise Singapore.

To guard against the wider range of threats, the SAF will develop new fighting concepts and pursue technological advancements in areas such as unmanned systems and robotics to make the SAF more potent and flexible. Such technologies have the added benefit of greater precision while using less manpower, enabling the SAF to adapt to a shrinking workforce. MINDEF and the SAF will also develop new capabilities to defend against threats in the cyber domain.

MINDEF recognises the importance of good stewardship in ensuring prudent spending. MINDEF takes a long-term view in developing the SAF's capabilities and will spend only what is needed to build up the SAF's capabilities to defend Singapore's sovereignty and security in an evolving and uncertain security environment.

Strengthening the National Service System

National Service (NS) remains the cornerstone of Singapore's defence and security. MINDEF has therefore invested significant effort into improving the NS experience. Over the past year, half of the 30 recommendations made by the Committee to Strengthen NS (CSNS) were implemented. Enlistment wait-time was reduced to allow more full-time national servicemen (NSFs) to enter the workforce or further their studies earlier. Career fairs were enhanced to include a wider range of companies and institutes of higher learning. NSFs who are interested in a science and engineering career in the SAF can consider the enhanced Science and Engineering Scholarships.

This year, we continue the CSNS implementation efforts by launching initiatives that support our national servicemen and celebrate key milestones in their lives. Gifts will be given to active national servicemen who are newly married or have babies. We will provide basic life and personal accident insurance coverage for our national servicemen. More national servicemen who perform well during their NS training will receive gift vouchers to enjoy with their families. To encourage employers and businesses to step up support for their NSman employees, we will launch the \"NS Mark\", an accreditation scheme to recognise companies with supportive human resource practices.

NS has provided the backbone for Singapore’s fighting force, ensuring that we have the security and stability necessary for Singapore’s progress and prosperity. In 2017, we will celebrate the 50th anniversary of NS. We will plan a series of \"NS50\" activities to show appreciation and recognise the contributions of national servicemen past and present, as well as the wider community. Singaporeans' continued support for NS is instrumental to ensure the peace and security of our country for the next 50 years and beyond.

There is broad-based societal support for NS and the launch of the SAF Volunteer Corps (SAFVC) has enabled the broader community, including women, first generation permanent residents and new citizens, to contribute to Singapore's defence. The inaugural cohort of 226 SAFVC volunteers completed their Basic Training in 2015, and some have been deployed as Auxiliary Security Troopers and as Bridge Watchkeepers for navigational duties on board Landing Ships Tank (LSTs). We are heartened by the positive response and will expand our efforts for the SAFVC.

Deepening Bilateral Relationships and Strengthening the Regional Security Architecture

Singapore will continue to work closely with our neighbours and regional partners to enhance regional stability and deal with common security challenges. As part of our efforts to deepen our network of bilateral partnerships, we will strengthen our cooperation with China through the 2014 Four-Point Consensus, implement the recently enhanced and revised Defence Cooperation Agreements with the US and India respectively, as well as conclude defence cooperation agreements with Australia as part of our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. These partnerships help the SAF secure access to advanced defence technology as well as realistic and demanding training areas around the world.

An open and robust regional security architecture is key to enhancing strategic trust and regional cooperation, to ensure continued peace and stability in our region. Singapore is not a claimant in the South China Sea territorial disputes, but our interest is to ensure all claims are settled peacefully and in accordance with international law. To this end, we will continue to work with partners to grow multilateral platforms, such as the Shangri-La Dialogue and the ASEAN Defence Ministers Meeting (ADMM) – Plus for strategic dialogue and practical cooperation. In May this year, Singapore will co-host the ADMM-Plus Maritime Security and Counter Terrorism Exercise involving all 10 ASEAN countries and eight key partners. The exercise will strengthen the region’s capability in combating terrorism and practise the Code for Unplanned Encounters at Sea to reduce the risks of maritime incidents. We will also leverage on operational platforms such as the Information Fusion Centre and the Changi Regional HADR Coordination Centre, as well as use our Chairmanship of the ADMM in 2018, to foster a rules-based security architecture that underpins the peace and stability in our region.

With the support and partnership of all Singaporeans, MINDEF and the SAF will continue to provide a strong defence to ensure our nation's peace and prosperity.