The Total Defence Day Commemoration Event 2021 was held at the Singapore Discovery Centre, and streamed online on the We Are Total Defence Facebook.

The event, organised annually by the Ministry of Defence, was officiated by Senior Minister of State for Defence Mr Zaqy Mohamad this year. In his opening remarks, Mr Zaqy described how Total Defence has guided Singapore's fight against COVID-19, and how our collective efforts have enabled the nation to navigate through the pandemic. He urged Singaporeans to band together and continue to do their part for Total Defence to build a more resilient Singapore.

The online audience joined Mr Zaqy and Singaporean musician and video creator Ms Annette Lee on a virtual tour of SDC's latest permanent exhibition, "Through the Lens of Time". The exhibition highlights key events in Singapore's past, such as the Japanese occupation and various milestones during nation building, as well as some of our future challenges. The virtual tour showcased exhibition highlights such as Augmented Reality games and recounted stories of the resilience and unity that enabled Singapore to emerge stronger from crises.

Mr Zaqy also hosted an online Total Defence for a Future Singapore engagement with 92 youth participants. During the discussion, the participants shared their thoughts on how Total Defence continues to be a relevant unifying call for Singaporeans to stand together and overcome the pandemic as well as other challenges to Singapore's security and way of life. They also brainstormed ideas and initiatives to put Total Defence into action for a future Singapore.