Graduands of the 60/2024 Specialist Cadet Course,

Parents and loved ones,

Ladies and gentlemen,

INTRODUCTION

It is my pleasure to join you this evening for this happy occasion. My heartiest congratulations to all graduands for your successful completion of the course. Congratulations. You stand here proudly today, having persevered through 22 weeks of rigorous training and trials, and having proved that yourself ready to lead your fellow servicemen and women in defending our country, Singapore, as Specialists and Military Experts in the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF).

OUR SECURITY CHALLENGES

You are assuming this mantle of leadership at a challenging time, amid many uncertainties in the global security landscape. The conflicts between Russia and Ukraine, as well as Israel and Hamas rage on with no end in sight, bringing with them huge disruptions to global trade and economics, and polarising effects on communities around the world, including in Singapore. Geopolitical tensions arising from great power rivalries and territorial disputes threaten to unravel the regional stability which we rely on for continued peace and prosperity. Transnational terrorism, radicalism, and extremism remain salient threats with deep ramifications for our multi-racial and multi-cultural society.

Furthermore, security threats are no longer confined to the physical world. Threats in the digital domain can also have profound implications. The recent IT outage involving cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike has demonstrated how exposed we are to vulnerabilities, as we inevitably adopt digital technologies for greater productivity and convenience. CrowdStrike’s flawed software update for Microsoft Windows resulted in widespread disruptions, severely impacting critical infrastructures and networks such as airport operations, banking and healthcare systems. Imagine how much worse the consequences would be if it was a premeditated malicious attack. The need for robust cybersecurity measures and heightened vigilance in the digital space is an irrefutable reality.

BUILDING A STRONG AND FUTURE READY SAF

In the face of such high geopolitical tensions and uncertainty, we can place our confidence on the SAF as the bedrock of Singapore’s defence and security.

Over the years, the SAF has undergone significant transformation and made continuous investment to address evolving security threats. Today, the SAF is a modern and capable defence force, well-trained and equipped with advanced warfighting doctrines and arsenal. In the coming years, the SAF is set to operate new capabilities such as the F-35 Joint Strike Fighters, Invincible-class submarines, Multi-Role Combat Vessels and Next-Generation Howitzers. With the establishment of the Digital and Intelligence Service two years ago, the SAF will be better able to defend Singapore against digital threats and operate as a networked and integrated force. These advancements will bolster the SAF's operational readiness and effectiveness in safeguarding Singapore's security.

Beyond defending Singapore across the air, land, sea, and digital domains, the SAF has also repeatedly demonstrated its ability to support other government agencies in times of national crisis, and contribute in international security operations as well as humanitarian assistance and disaster relief efforts. Most recently in March this year, the SAF carried out airdrop operations to deliver emergency supplies for civilians in Gaza. Missions like this demonstrated the SAF's mettle as a credible defence force, and underscored our operational readiness to respond swiftly to a full spectrum of needs.

IMPORTANCE OF LEADERSHIP

But despite its impressive weaponry and technology, it would do us well to remember that the strength of the SAF resides fundamentally in the strength and character of our people. It is the collective commitment, resilience and will to fight in our people that assures us that Singapore can remain safe and secure. As leaders in the SAF, it is essential that you possess the mental fortitude to persevere through difficult times, the gumption to make hard decisions when needed, and ability to rally and inspire people when the going gets tough.

Graduands, as you embark on your new roles as Specialists and Military Experts, keep in mind the core values that have been impressed upon you. Let them guide you as you lead with integrity, inspire through your discipline, embrace innovation, and remain open to continuous learning. Seize every opportunity to pursue professional and individual growth. Become the leaders that navigate uncertainty with confidence and make a positive difference in the lives of those around you. I have full confidence that you will carry out your responsibilities with honour and distinction.

CONCLUSION

At this point, I would like to take the opportunity to acknowledge and thank the families and loved ones of our graduands. Dear family members and loved ones of our graduands, thank you very much for your unwavering support. Your unwavering support and belief in them have been crucial in providing strength and encouragement to help them succeed in the NS journey thus far. It is with your sacrifices and support that we are able to keep the institution of NS strong, such that every member of the SAF is ready to take on the rigours of defending our home and way of life. I have been meeting many family members and loved ones in my work. In fact, I have attended quite a number of these events and one thing that touched me is the strong belief among the family members and loved ones about the need to defend Singapore, the need for us to build Singapore as a sovereign nation, and that is why it is in our interest for us to play our part. If it is not us, who else will defend Singapore. So, time and time again I attend these events and I feel very happy of the commitment, not only of our graduands but of our family members and loved ones.

Let me also express my appreciation to the instructors of the graduands for your effort in nurturing the next generation of leaders for the SAF here today. I must say, not easy to train our specialists, but these instructors and trainers do their part, so that we can build our next generation to what they are, to the potential that they can be, to help defend Singapore and continue protecting the lives of fellow Singaporeans.

Turning back to the Graduands here today, congratulations once again for achieving this significant milestone. I wish you the very best in your new leadership journey ahead, and as you step into your new leadership roles, may you embody the enduring values and traditions of those who have led before you.

I wish you all the best and I will end by saying, With Pride, We Lead!

Thank you!