President Tharman Shanmugaratnam hosted over 500 personnel from the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) and the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) to a reception at MINDEF this evening. First held in 1992, the annual reception serves to recognise the commitment of MINDEF/SAF personnel as well as personnel from the Defence Technology Community (DTC), and their valuable contributions towards the defence of Singapore. The reception also recognised the efforts of service personnel who contributed to Total Defence, to ensure that Singapore’s security and its way of life are safeguarded. 

During the reception, President Tharman interacted with Operationally Ready National Servicemen (NSmen), Full-time National Servicemen, Regulars, Defence Executive Officers, SAF Volunteer Corps volunteers, and personnel from DTC. They shared their perspectives on National Service and the need for a strong defence, based on their various experiences and roles in MINDEF and the SAF. These ranged from participation in bilateral and overseas exercises to balancing National Service (NS) duties with personal commitments. 

Guests present at the reception included Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen, Senior Minister of State for Defence Mr Heng Chee How, Chief of Defence Force Vice Admiral Aaron Beng, as well as senior MINDEF and SAF officers. Members of the Government Parliamentary Committee for Defence and Foreign Affairs (GPC-DFA), the Advisory Council on Community Relations in Defence (ACCORD) and the SAF Veterans’ League also attended the reception.