409 Operationally Ready National Servicemen (NSmen) from 339 companies and organisations, and their employers gathered for the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) Day Combined Rededication Ceremonies (CRCs) held at five locations around Singapore this morning to reaffirm their commitment to the defence of Singapore.

Minister for Defence Mr Chan Chun Sing officiated at the rededication ceremony organised by the Singapore Business Federation, at Capital Tower, where he delivered the SAF Day message. Mr Chan highlighted the crucial role that familial support plays in the success of the SAF. Mr Chan said, “the SAF is not just about the 50,000 high-readiness core, it is not just about the 250,000 full-force potential that we can mobilise, but it is also the 750,000 NSmen who have served the 1.5 million families who are behind all these people who have served.

Mr Chan also emphasised that our people were the critical contributing factor to the SAF’s success. He said, “When people look at Singapore, and people want to know whether Singapore has a strong and credible defence force, they do not look at just the machines that we have… But when they talk to our people, when they talk to our NSmen, when they talk to the employers of the NSmen, and talk to the families of our NSmen, only then will they truly understand the strength of our defence. The strength of our defence is drawn from all walks of society. Every man, every family member, every family, who has served is part of our defence.”

A commemorative SAF60 video was screened, encapsulating the SAF’s 60-year journey of its transformation and highlighting its continued commitment to remain operationally ready and able to meet future challenges.

Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, Minister for Manpower and Minister-in-charge of Energy, and Science & Technology Dr Tan See Leng, Acting Minister for Culture, Community and Youth and Senior Minister of State for Education Mr David Neo, and Senior Minister of State for Defence Mr Zaqy Mohamad officiated at the other four rededication ceremonies organised by Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Singapore Manufacturing Federation, Association of Small and Medium Enterprises, and ST Engineering respectively.

As the bedrock of our national security, strong societal support for NS is critical for the continued survival and success of Singapore. First held in 1987, the SAF Day CRCs serve as an opportunity for NSmen and their employers to reaffirm their commitment to defence and reflect on their roles and responsibilities in the defence of Singapore.