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Total Defence, PCK style

Story by Felix Siew
Pictures by Chua Soon Lye

15 Feb is Total Defence (TD) Day. But what exactly does TD entail? And how can you play your part in it? PIONEER visits a well-known Singaporean family to find out how much they know about TD.

Phua Chu Kang

Complete with his trademark yellow rubber boots and a perm, Phua Chu Kang is the proud owner of a construction firm, PCK Pte Ltd, which he claims is "the best in Singapore, JB, and some say Batam". Chu Kang also claims to fully understand TD...

"I already know everything about Total Defence - it means in front got defence, behind got defence, sides also have defence! Er… you mean this is not it?
Oh, I know! Total Defence means you got the Army, Navy, Air Force. Singapore got very good defence! Don't play-play with us, Singapore very hard to attack!
Hah? This is only Military Defence? Oh… ya, ya, ya! I've seen the National Day Parade when they got talk about… er… Psychological Defence. This means the citizens must think that they can defend the country, that they believe in the country!

And also normal citizens can actually help in defence… ah! That is what you call Civil Defence! That means inside the country, citizens also help if got emergencies.

Am I good friends with people of other races and religions? Got! Got! My friends and customers lor! You mean this is Social Defence? Aiyah! Singapore so many races, if you don't friend friend with them, it's not good for you, your business and your family! And during their holidays, I can visit them and even try their food! That one I like, heh heh heh…

And you mean by looking at new ways to improve my business, I'm actually contributing to Economic Defence? Then I must make more money, to help Total Defence!"

Chu Kang is right, there are five pillars to TD - Psychological Defence, Social Defence, Economic Defence, Civil Defence and Military Defence.
For a self-made businessman like him, Economic Defence is most relevant, especially with the current global economic slowdown.
Economic Defence calls for the Government, businesses and industries to work together to ensure that our
economy does not break down in a war or during times
of economic recession.

Workers can better prepare themselves to contribute to the economy by upgrading and re-training. By picking up new skills, they can also take on new jobs. Meanwhile, businessmen like Chu Kang can be creative and look for
new and innovative ways to improve their businesses.

Phua Chu Beng

The younger brother of Phua Chu Kang, an architect, is also a National Serviceman (NSman) who takes his NS duties seriously.

"My role in Total Defence? I was a very 'seow on' officer and instructor at Officer Cadet School and I know a lot about Total Defence.

Total Defence is about everyone supporting the SAF to secure and protect Singapore. Do I support IPPT and in-camp training? Obviously!"

People commonly mistake TD to mean just Military Defence. This is just one aspect of TD, but a very important one nonetheless, especially in the current environment of security uncertainties following last year's terror attacks in the US.

Military Defence is the ability of our NSmen, NSFs and Regulars to provide a credible military deterrence against any threats to Singapore's sovereignty. The SAF will also act effectively and decisively should deterrence and diplomacy fail.

And though Singaporeans should be aware of the potential dangers, it is comforting to know that the SAF and other relevant security agencies have already set in place strong security measures, some to deal specifically with unconventional threats like terrorism.

Rosie Phua

"I know Civil Defence! I've learnt the basics before, like how to tie bandages. Because last time, my Ma forced me to go to the community centre to learn lor! Also, I've gone for water rationing exercises. I'm very good at water rationing, not like Margaret and Ah Beng, who always use a lot of
water! I must control them and get them to practise rationing.

Think about it! With all the money saved from water rationing, I can use it for more shopping! I like living in Singapore. Besides good shopping, Singapore also got a lot of good food, and is very safe. I would like to live here forever! Next life, I also want to live here!"

Margaret Phua

"Civil Defence? I know everything about it that was stated in the Civil Defence Emergency Handbook. I read everything there, word for word, very useful information, might I add.

Truthfully, I didn't really understand the importance of Total Defence until the world situation started becoming so precarious! And suddenly, I started feeling that everything was very uncertain. And so, instead of just worrying about it, I decided that we should get up and do something about it.

We must always be prepared for the worst! We must be psychologically and physically prepared! Take for example, in good times, we should always keep two
of every item. Like two lipsticks in our make-up kit!"

Keeping two lipsticks for emergencies? Well, at least Margaret got the concept right - Civil Defence is about being prepared and ready.

Civil Defence is the ability of our population to safeguard lives and minimise damage in emergencies. By participating in Civil Defence exercises and learning basic survival skills like first aid, all Singaporean can do their part by being prepared and ready for any emergencies.

Ah Loon

Rosie's mother, Ah Loon, loves the fact that she has many close friends of other races.

"It's great! They're my mahjong kakis! It's good to have them as friends! Sometimes, we can share recipes and go to each other's house to cook.
Like that day lor, Cik Hasnah asked me to go to her house to make kueh-kueh to sell during Hari Raya. So I went, and even earned some pocket money for myself!

Food is a very good way to get to know people of other races and religions. Through eating, you can learn about the customs and practices of others. And if I have grandchildren, they can also help to take care. After all, all cultures teach you good things, like respecting your elders! Sigh! It's just that my Rosie doesn't have any children yet!"

With people of different races, religions and languages, Singapore is truly a multi-racial
country. Most significantly, Singaporeans are able to live and work together in harmony. Such cohesiveness is the nation's strength.

This ability to work, play and live harmoniously together as a community, and the willingness of Singaporeans to help each other, is Social Defence. It is also the willingness of citizens to help each other for the overall interest of the community and nation.

		Total Defence, PCK style Story by Felix Siew Pictures by Chua Soon Lye 15 Feb is Total Defence (TD) Day. But what exactly does TD entail? And how can you play your part in it? PIONEER visits a well-known Singaporean family to find out how much they know about TD. Phua Chu Kang Complete with his trademark yellow rubber boots and a perm, Phua Chu Kang is the proud owner of a construction firm, PCK Pte Ltd, which he claims is "the best in Singapore, JB, and some say Batam". Chu Kang also claims to fully understand TD... "I already know everything about Total Defence - it means in front got defence, behind got defence, sides also have defence! Er… you mean this is not it? Oh, I know! Total Defence means you got the Army, Navy, Air Force. Singapore got very good defence! Don't play-play with us, Singapore very hard to attack! Hah? This is only Military Defence? Oh… ya, ya, ya! I've seen the National Day Parade when they got talk about… er… Psychological Defence. This means the citizens must think that they can defend the country, that they believe in the country! And also normal citizens can actually help in defence… ah! That is what you call Civil Defence! That means inside the country, citizens also help if got emergencies. Am I good friends with people of other races and religions? Got! Got! My friends and customers lor! You mean this is Social Defence? Aiyah! Singapore so many races, if you don't friend friend with them, it's not good for you, your business and your family! And during their holidays, I can visit them and even try their food! That one I like, heh heh heh… And you mean by looking at new ways to improve my business, I'm actually contributing to Economic Defence? Then I must make more money, to help Total Defence!" Chu Kang is right, there are five pillars to TD - Psychological Defence, Social Defence, Economic Defence, Civil Defence and Military Defence. For a self-made businessman like him, Economic Defence is most relevant, especially with the current global economic slowdown. Economic Defence calls for the Government, businesses and industries to work together to ensure that our economy does not break down in a war or during times of economic recession. Workers can better prepare themselves to contribute to the economy by upgrading and re-training. By picking up new skills, they can also take on new jobs. Meanwhile, businessmen like Chu Kang can be creative and look for new and innovative ways to improve their businesses. Phua Chu Beng The younger brother of Phua Chu Kang, an architect, is also a National Serviceman (NSman) who takes his NS duties seriously. "My role in Total Defence? I was a very 'seow on' officer and instructor at Officer Cadet School and I know a lot about Total Defence. Total Defence is about everyone supporting the SAF to secure and protect Singapore. Do I support IPPT and in-camp training? Obviously!" People commonly mistake TD to mean just Military Defence. This is just one aspect of TD, but a very important one nonetheless, especially in the current environment of security uncertainties following last year's terror attacks in the US. Military Defence is the ability of our NSmen, NSFs and Regulars to provide a credible military deterrence against any threats to Singapore's sovereignty. The SAF will also act effectively and decisively should deterrence and diplomacy fail. And though Singaporeans should be aware of the potential dangers, it is comforting to know that the SAF and other relevant security agencies have already set in place strong security measures, some to deal specifically with unconventional threats like terrorism. Rosie Phua "I know Civil Defence! I've learnt the basics before, like how to tie bandages. Because last time, my Ma forced me to go to the community centre to learn lor! Also, I've gone for water rationing exercises. I'm very good at water rationing, not like Margaret and Ah Beng, who always use a lot of water! I must control them and get them to practise rationing. Think about it! With all the money saved from water rationing, I can use it for more shopping! I like living in Singapore. Besides good shopping, Singapore also got a lot of good food, and is very safe. I would like to live here forever! Next life, I also want to live here!" Margaret Phua "Civil Defence? I know everything about it that was stated in the Civil Defence Emergency Handbook. I read everything there, word for word, very useful information, might I add. Truthfully, I didn't really understand the importance of Total Defence until the world situation started becoming so precarious! And suddenly, I started feeling that everything was very uncertain. And so, instead of just worrying about it, I decided that we should get up and do something about it. We must always be prepared for the worst! We must be psychologically and physically prepared! Take for example, in good times, we should always keep two of every item. Like two lipsticks in our make-up kit!" Keeping two lipsticks for emergencies? Well, at least Margaret got the concept right - Civil Defence is about being prepared and ready. Civil Defence is the ability of our population to safeguard lives and minimise damage in emergencies. By participating in Civil Defence exercises and learning basic survival skills like first aid, all Singaporean can do their part by being prepared and ready for any emergencies. Ah Loon Rosie's mother, Ah Loon, loves the fact that she has many close friends of other races. "It's great! They're my mahjong kakis! It's good to have them as friends! Sometimes, we can share recipes and go to each other's house to cook. Like that day lor, Cik Hasnah asked me to go to her house to make kueh-kueh to sell during Hari Raya. So I went, and even earned some pocket money for myself! Food is a very good way to get to know people of other races and religions. Through eating, you can learn about the customs and practices of others. And if I have grandchildren, they can also help to take care. After all, all cultures teach you good things, like respecting your elders! Sigh! It's just that my Rosie doesn't have any children yet!" With people of different races, religions and languages, Singapore is truly a multi-racial country. Most significantly, Singaporeans are able to live and work together in harmony. Such cohesiveness is the nation's strength. This ability to work, play and live harmoniously together as a community, and the willingness of Singaporeans to help each other, is Social Defence. It is also the willingness of citizens to help each other for the overall interest of the community and nation.