Graduands of the 125/21 Officer Cadet Course,

Parents and loved ones of our Graduands,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Introduction

A very good evening everyone. It is my pleasure to join you and your loved ones on this very special day. Let me begin by offering my heartiest congratulations to all the graduands on completing your training as Officers of the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF).

Months ago, you walked through the gates of SAFTI, as untested but promising trainees. After nine months of intense training, you have proven yourself worthy of your commission. Today’s parade is a recognition of Singapore’s trust in you to become the leaders of tomorrow. As you don your newly minted ranks, your journey to serve and defend the nation in a greater capacity has only just begun.

Transitioning towards COVID Resilience

We have come a long way since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. As a nation, we have demonstrated our resilience and adapted quickly to the changing COVID-19 situation. We have relied on our people’s sense of personal responsibility and civic consciousness to help curb the spread of the disease. I am delighted that today, we are able to welcome back family and friends to the SAFTI Parade Square for the first time since the pandemic begun.

Throughout the pandemic, the SAF maintained a high degree of operational readiness and continued to fulfil its core mission of safeguarding Singapore’s sovereignty. Operations critical to the security of Singapore have continued uninterrupted, and today, training has gradually returned to pre-COVID levels, for all our active and NS units. The SAF did this, even as it answered the call to augment the Whole-of-Government efforts against the virus.

The SAF has also progressively resumed more overseas training and exercises. Such examples include Exercise Forging Sabre in the US and Exercise Wallaby in Australia. As we transition towards COVID resilience, we will work towards a safe resumption of all overseas training and exercises from this year onwards.

Adapting to Evolving Challenges

2022 has presented new challenges. Even as Singapore transitions towards COVID resilience, we are faced with the geopolitical uncertainties caused by the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The conflict has also shown us that digital threats continue to grow in scale and sophistication. Having spent a considerable amount of time with the Ministry of Defence prior to my current appointment, I have seen how the SAF has transformed to adapt to evolving challenges. I am confident that the SAF will continue to rise to meet new challenges. A strong and credible SAF is the sole guarantor for our sovereignty, peace and security.

Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen announced earlier this year the establishment of the fourth SAF service, the Digital and Intelligence Service (DIS). Given the increasing contestation in the digital domain, this is a timely move by the SAF. It will accelerate the SAF’s Next Generation transformation efforts, by integrating the SAF’s capabilities to deal with a spectrum of security threats, and dedicating efforts towards realising the full potential of emerging digital technology.

At the same time, we must never forget our fundamentals. NS has always been a bedrock of Singapore’s defence. Since its inception in 1967, more than a million Singaporeans and permanent residents have served National Service. As we celebrate 55 years of National Service this year, we must remember that our military will not be able to succeed without the contributions of our NSmen.

Conclusion

Graduands, it is now your turn to follow in the footsteps of those before you who had shouldered the responsibility of defending Singapore, our pioneers who served National Service and kept Singapore safe for the last 55 years. As leaders, you are leading those under your charge to protect our independence, our families and our way of life. It is imperative that you never take Singapore’s peace and sovereignty for granted. I am confident that you will do your best and lead your fellow Singaporeans well. Continue to build on the achievements of the generations that have come before us, and ensure that there will always be a Singapore for our descendants.

To all the family members and friends joining us here today, I thank you for your unwavering support and encouragement that you have given to our graduands.

Finally, to all the graduands, I wish all of you success in your appointment as SAF officers. May the Officer’s Creed continue to guide you in your future endeavours, as you uphold your duty to Lead, Excel and Overcome.

Thank you.