Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen hosted the annual Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) Volunteers' Dinner this evening to recognise the contributions, support and commitment of 362 volunteers serving on 38 MINDEF boards and committees. Dr Ng also presented certificates of appointment and re-appointment to 50 volunteers at the dinner. Held annually since 1998, the MINDEF Volunteers' Dinner serves to thank volunteers for their invaluable contributions and support for MINDEF and the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF).

Speaking at the dinner, Dr Ng acknowledged the important role played by the volunteers. He said, "The entire SAF order of battle has a few hundred thousand men and women together with thousands of armoured platforms and vehicles, ships, planes, and communication devices. It only works because we have high calibre people who we can trust, who are committed [and] personally motivated to give of themselves because each believes that Singapore, our home is worth defending."

Dr Ng also emphasised the need to remain adaptable and prepare for challenges ahead amid geopolitical uncertainty. He said, "How do you prepare any organisation for these uncertainties whether they are internal or external? There is only one formula and that is people. People who are adaptive humans that can change your organisations to meet these disruptive forces. I am assured that MINDEF and the SAF working with volunteers like yourselves will provide us with the wherewithal to ensure that we will continue to have a strong SAF that can protect Singapore and our loved ones for this generation and the next."

The volunteers serving on MINDEF boards and committees are industry experts in both the private and public sectors. Their contributions in diverse sectors areas such as law, medicine, counselling, engineering, science and strategic communications allow MINDEF to stay updated on industry best practices and organisational processes. Through their extensive networks, the volunteers also serve as the link between MINDEF and the public by promoting public awareness on defence and inspiring support for National Service.

Also present at the dinner were Senior Ministers of State for Defence Mr Heng Chee How and Mr Zaqy Mohamad, as well as senior officials from MINDEF and the SAF.