Graduands of the 50/2021 Specialist Cadet Course,

Parents and loved ones of our Graduands,

Men and women of the Singapore Armed Forces,

Ladies and Gentlemen.

INTRODUCTION

Congratulations to the graduands on your successful completion of the Specialist Cadet Course. It is my honour to address you today, our newly minted Specialists and Military Experts. After undergoing 22 weeks of rigorous training, you have proven yourselves worthy of your new rank. Besides extending my congratulations to all of you, I would like to acknowledge the dedication and commitment of your commanders and trainers, and the unwavering support from your families and loved ones.

Going forward, as commanders of the SAF, you carry important responsibilities on your shoulders. I believe you will lead your men and women well in accomplishing missions safely and successfully, to protect Singapore's sovereignty, our home, our family and our way of life.

GIVING STRENGTH TO SINGAPORE

Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, the SAF has continued to be a reliable pillar of strength for Singapore and Singaporeans. The SAF has supported a range of national efforts in the fight against COVID-19, such as mask distribution, contact tracing, dormitory management, and provision of medical services. More recently, the SAF's assistance in the COVID-19 Home Recovery Programme has also alleviated the load on our national healthcare system. The SAF stepped up when duty called, without affecting your primary duty of keeping Singapore safe and secure. Throughout this period, units maintained high readiness and effectively carried out critical operations such as island defence, protection of key installations, maritime security, air defence and counter-terrorism. Training courses, including those at the Specialist Cadet School, adapted with the necessary health and safety precautionary measures to ensure the well-being of our servicemen and women.

It is critical that we continue to stay vigilant and united. The SAF's mission remains clear; to enhance Singapore's peace and security through deterrence and diplomacy, and should these fail, to secure a swift and decisive victory over the aggressor. To uphold this sacred mission, the SAF has continued to train, exercise, and conduct operations, while maintaining safety and high standards of proficiency and readiness.

LEADERS OF THE SAF

As commanders, your leadership abilities will be called upon. Although many uncertainties lie ahead, I am confident that the training you have received will enable all of you to remain resilient and ready to lead during these challenging times. As a leader, your soldiers, sailors, and airmen will look to you for guidance and inspiration. Do your best to train and guide them in everything they need to excel in their military service. Lead your men and women with compassion and empathy, take care of their safety, and inspire them to become leaders like yourself. There will be great joy in seeing the impact that your leadership has, on the lives of the servicemen and women under your charge.

It is only in our darkest days that we discover the true strength within ourselves. When you feel challenged, recall the rigorous training that you have gone through, and how you have persevered to graduate as a professional Warfighter, Trainer and Leader of the SAF. May you all continue to press forward and strive for the mark set before you.

CLOSING

Graduands, today is a day for us to celebrate the dedication and hard work that each and every one of you have put in for the past 22 weeks. Remember to also convey your appreciation to your families, loved ones, trainers as well as fellow graduands who have gone through this journey with you. All your efforts have contributed greatly to the strength of the SAF.

Congratulations once again, and all the best as you step into the ranks of Specialists and Military Experts of the SAF.

With Pride We Lead!

Thank you.