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Total Defence Awards 2026: Strengthening our National Resilience Together
12 November 2026
Minister for Defence Chan Chun Sing was the Guest of Honour at the annual Total Defence Awards 2026 held at the Raffles City Convention Centre, Padang/Collyer Ballroom this evening.
Minister for Defence Chan Chun Sing was the Guest of Honour at the annual Total Defence Awards 2026 held at the Raffles City Convention Centre, Padang/Collyer Ballroom this evening. A total of 145 Total Defence (TD) Advocate Awards were presented to 49 Small and Medium Enterprises, 20 Large Companies, 43 Organisations and 33 Individuals. The Total Defence Advocate Award is the highest accolade conferred on businesses, organisations and individuals in recognition of their exemplary support towards Total Defence.
Speaking at the ceremony, Minister Chan underscored the importance of Total Defence amid an increasingly uncertain global security environment, where countries are willing to weaponise their advantages, from geography and supply chains to energy and social divisions. He cautioned against complacency and emphasised the importance of strengthening Singapore’s resilience before crises occur. He said, “Defence requires us to think beyond what is urgent to what is important. Military capabilities take years, often decades, to develop. Trust and cohesion between communities cannot be manufactured after a crisis begins, and the will to defend Singapore cannot be switched on only when dangers arise. We must build these things before we need them.”
Turning to the importance of safeguarding Singapore’s critical systems, Minister Chan highlighted that defending Singapore goes beyond conventional military threats, as disruptions could affect businesses, institutions, homes and essential services. He emphasised that a strong and credible SAF must be complemented by resilient economic and societal systems. He said, “The SAF must be strong, capable, and credible, but military strength alone is never enough. We also need an economy able to withstand disruption, essential services, and systems that can continue to function under pressure. Above all, we need people who remain united, clear-minded and determined when tested.”
Beyond the resilience of critical systems, Minister Chan stressed that the psychological resilience and social cohesion of Singaporeans remain fundamental to Total Defence. He warned that information operations could exploit societal fault lines and undermine national unity. Emphasising the importance of remaining discerning and supporting one another, he said, “The strength of our collective defence is determined by our weakest link. We therefore have to inoculate ourselves by equipping ourselves with the knowledge and training to 2 discern better.” He added that “Resilience is not the absence of pressure. It is our capacity to withstand pressure together.”
Reinforcing the importance of collective responsibility, Minister Chan highlighted that Total Defence rests on the contributions of all Singaporeans, including the everyday actions of individuals, families, employers and organisations in supporting National Service and strengthening Singapore’s resilience. Expressing his appreciation to the Total Defence Advocates, he said, “Tonight’s award recipients demonstrate that Total Defence is not an abstract concept. It is something built through choices made every day by individuals, families, companies, and communities.” He concluded, “Peace is not something we inherit and consume. It is something each generation must protect, preserve and pass on.”
Senior Minister of State for Home Affairs and Social and Family Development Goh Pei Ming, and Minister of State for Defence Desmond Choo were also present at the dinner.
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