Graduands of the 119/20 Officer Cadet Course,

Parents,

Distinguished Guests,

It is my pleasure to be speaking to you on this special occasion. My heartiest congratulations to all graduands.

A year ago, when I addressed the 115/19 cohort during their graduation, Singapore was a different place. COVID-19 had yet to reach our shores. Since then, it has evolved into a global pandemic, with more than 57 million cases reported around the world.

The pandemic has disrupted many aspects of how we live, work and play. But thanks to the tireless efforts, sacrifices and cooperation of Singaporeans, the situation has improved. We have progressively allowed more social and economic activities to resume, and are reopening our borders in a safe and calibrated manner. But we cannot be complacent. In many parts of the world, we see reminders that this virus is a very difficult one to eradicate. When communities let their guard down, the virus comes back with a vengeance. We have to continue to play our part, and exercise social responsibility, in order to keep this virus at bay and emerge stronger together as a nation.

I want to thank the men and women of the SAF and the wider defence community, for stepping forward to support our nation's fight against COVID-19 from day one. The defence community has made a difference in many ways - from providing medical support, setting up care and recovery facilities, managing migrant worker dormitories, to enhancing national testing and contact tracing capacities, and more. It gives us added confidence, as a government and as a people, to know that we can always count on your expertise, resources, and acumen when we are faced with complex problems like this pandemic.

Even as you supported our nation's fight, the SAF remained vigilant and dealt with the various challenges posed by COVID-19 in the training and operations which are essential to protect Singapore. Our soldiers, sailors and airmen continued to perform critical security functions around the clock. Adjustments were made to training activities so that our soldiers and officers can continue to train effectively, but with a peace of mind knowing that robust safe management measures are in place.

These are important achievements. By its actions, the SAF and the defence community has sent a clear message that it is nimble and adaptable, and that our people have the mettle and resilience in them to overcome any adversity.

The world has changed significantly as a result of COVID-19, and perhaps irreversibly so in some ways. We must be prepared for a more dangerous and less predictable external environment. The pandemic has intensified rivalry and distrust among countries. Many have opted to turn inwards to protect narrow self-interests rather than the common good, and to build barriers rather than bridges. For a small country like Singapore, this is not an option. We must remain connected to the world to survive and thrive. The challenges facing us are real, but there will also be opportunities that avail themselves - as long as we keep our wits about us and are nimble enough to seize them.

In such an uncertain environment, the value of the SAF and the importance of its mission speaks for itself. The SAF must continue to stay ahead of the curve and look forward to the next bound, so that it can remain effective against an ever-expanding array of security threats - whether on land, in the air, at sea, or in cyberspace. The 4th Industrial Revolution, which is already upon us, presents many possibilities for the SAF and the defence technology community to sharpen our edge, leveraging data analytics, artificial intelligence, and robotics. The value of National Service, too, will become even more salient. Our conscription policy is in place, first and foremost because of the existential need to raise a force capable of defending our homeland. But it has, over time, also become a cornerstone of our shared identity as a people, and a key thread of our social fabric. The bonds that are forged through National Service - regardless of race, language or religion - will help us stand firm against the threats of tomorrow that seek to sow discord, distrust, and division.

To our graduands, as Officers of the Singapore Armed Forces, you will be responsible not just to lead the organisation to deal with current and emerging threats, but also, by your words and actions, contribute to strengthening this social fabric. As leaders in these unprecedented times, you must embrace change and uncertainty, know when to discard old assumptions and operating models, and when to stay the course and forge ahead. In everything that you do, always show care and compassion for those around you.

To the family members, friends and loved ones of our graduands, thank you for the constant support, love and encouragement that you have given to them, especially over the past 38 weeks of the Officer Cadet Course.

Congratulations once again to all our graduands. Today marks the start of a meaningful and fulfilling leadership journey for all of you. May the Officer's Creed continue to guide you in your future endeavours: To Lead, To Excel and To Overcome.

Thank you.