Graduands of the 49/2021 Specialist Cadet Course, parents and loved ones of our Graduands, men and women of the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF), ladies and gentlemen.

Introduction

It gives me great pleasure to address our newly minted Specialists and Military Experts. Firstly, I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations on your successful completion of the Specialist Cadet Course. The past 22 weeks might have been challenging and rigorous, but with your focus, tenacity and commitment, you have made it to this momentous milestone. As a professional Warfighter, Trainer and Leader of the SAF, there is no doubt that your responsibilities are tremendous. However, with the rigorous leadership training that you have completed, I am confident that you will be able to forge ahead with unwavering fighting spirit and excel in your future undertakings as leaders.

Current COVID-19 Situation and the SAF's Role

Since the onset of COVID-19, businesses and industries have been disrupted, lives and livelihoods have been lost, and our sense of normalcy has been upended. The pervasive impact of COVID-19 has been challenging for all segments of our society, from our healthcare workers in hospitals, to the migrant workers who built our skyscrapers. Nonetheless, the pandemic has shone a spotlight on the resilience and adaptability of the SAF. When I addressed your seniors at the 34^th Specialist Cadet Course Graduation Parade in 2018, I highlighted how the SAF has constantly adapted to stay sharp in an evolving security landscape and volatile world. This holds true even in our present climate. COVID-19 or not, the SAF's mission remains clear, to enhance Singapore's peace and security. To uphold the mission, training and exercises of the high standards have continued within the SAF, to maintain Singapore's operational edge. The training tempo was constantly recalibrated to balance operational readiness with the necessary health and safety measures, including the testing of servicemen on a regular basis. During your Specialist Cadet Course, you would have witnessed first-hand how your commanders and trainers had to balance training standards with evolving safety measures, while complying with the stringent demands of leadership training. Their leadership and dedication should serve as inspiration for you to remain adaptable and undeterred by obstacles, as you embark on your leadership journey.

Even though Singapore has achieved high vaccination rates, the fight against COVID-19 is not over. The battle against the virus cannot be fought by just our healthcare workers alone. Everyone in our society has to do their part to bring our nation closer to a new normal. I am proud to say that the SAF has constantly stepped up to provide resources and expertise in the fight against COVID-19. Last April, when hundreds of daily infections were reported among migrant workers, 600 SAF personnel set up community recovery facilities in a matter of two weeks to house recovering migrant workers. Meanwhile, at the Community Care Facility in the EXPO, NSmen from the 2nd and 8th Combat Support Hospital were activated as part of their ICTs to care for more than 5000 COVID patients. Most recently, more than 450 SAF personnel rose to the occasion to assist the Ministry of Heath (MOH) with the home recovery programme. From where I am in MOH and the Ministry of Manpower, it is clear to me that the support of the SAF has fortified our national efforts in the fight against COVID-19, and has helped ensure that the sacrifices of our healthcare workers are not in vain.

Leaders of the SAF

Graduands, you are becoming SAF leaders at a time when the world is in crisis. The virus will have a long-lasting impact on our geopolitical and security environment. As leaders in the SAF, you must remain resilient and ready to serve in the face of these complexities. When the going gets tough, remember that you are not alone. "For the strength of the section is the sergeant, and the strength of the sergeant is the section." Lead those in your care well and guide them to become stronger leaders than yourselves. Remember that you have been entrusted with their lives and it is your duty to uphold their safety. Lead your charges with compassion and show empathy in your decision making. The best leaders inspire their charges to believe in themselves and recognise the importance of service to their nation. The difference you make in the lives of your men and women will be the most fulfilling aspect of your journey as leaders.

Closing

As you celebrate another milestone of your national service journey, do not forget to thank your families, loved ones and your trainers for their unconditional support and dedication. Finally, I welcome all of you into the ranks of the Specialists and Military Experts of the SAF. I trust that you will do your utmost to take care of the SAF's mission, and your servicemen and women. Once again, congratulations. Go forth in your leadership journey with pride and confidence.

With Pride We Lead! Thank you very much.