Close to 287 Operationally Ready National Servicemen (NSmen) from 309 companies and their employers gathered for the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) Day Combined Rededication Ceremonies held at four locations around Singapore this morning to reaffirm their commitment to the defence of Singapore.

Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen officiated at the rededication ceremony held at Temasek Polytechnic, where he delivered the SAF Day message. Dr Ng reminded Singaporeans of the importance of a strong and operationally ready SAF to safeguard Singapore's peace and sovereignty and our way of life. He said, "We have trained hard for many years to become a modern and capable military. Whether for the Army, Navy, Air Force and soon the Digital and Intelligence Service, capabilities have been systematically built up so that we can stand ready and be able to defend all of Singapore's borders – on air, land, sea and in cyberspace."

This year is an important milestone as Singapore celebrates 55 years of National Service (NS). Said Dr Ng, "We take pride that NSmen are the backbone of national defence – ordinary citizens each performing an extraordinary role to defend those they love and our way of life in our home.… I am confident that every man or woman in the SAF will do his or her utmost to assure their family, and members of the public that the SAF can be depended on to defend Singapore and her interests."

In commemoration of NS55, participating businesses and organisations also pledged their support for NS through the NS Mark Accreditation Scheme during the ceremonies. This bears testament to the collective commitment of employers in supporting their NSmen employees as they fulfil their NS obligations.

Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Ms Grace Fu, Minister for Manpower & Second Minister for Trade and Industry Dr Tan See Leng, and Minister for Social and Family Development, Second Minister for Health and Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Mr Masagos Zulkifli Bin Masagos Mohamad officiated at the other three rededication ceremonies held at Procter and Gamble Singapore Innovation Center, Trade Association Hub and Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centre respectively.