Minister Edwin Tong: Total Defence is Critical in Keeping Singapore Resilient in the Face of Evolving Challenges

Minister for Culture, Community and Youth and Second Minister for Law, Mr Edwin Tong, delivering his opening address at the Total Defence Day Commemoration Event held at The Float @ Marina Bay this morning.

The Total Defence Day Commemoration Event (TDDCE) was held this morning at The Float @ Marina Bay. Minister for Culture, Community and Youth and Second Minister for Law, Mr Edwin Tong, was the Guest-of-Honour. As part of Total Defence Day commemoration, 60 recruits from Basic Military Training Centre received their Singapore Assault Rifle - 21st Century (SAR 21) in a Weapon Presentation Ceremony against the backdrop of Singapore's city skyline, signifying their transition from civilians to soldiers, and marking their readiness to defend Singapore. The TDDCE this year also marks the 80th Anniversary of the Fall of Singapore when Singapore fell to the Japanese in 1942 during World War II. The TDDCE was streamed live on the We Are Total Defence Facebook page.

In his address, Mr Tong highlighted the continued relevance of Total Defence for Singapore's future. He said, "Total Defence is more than defending our country against armed conflict from external aggressors and provocations. It is also about our people coming together, with a shared spirit, to contribute to the common good, persevering through our challenges, our trials and our threats, and recognising that military might and superior firepower is not our only threat. But through all of this, the spirit of solidarity and strength behind Total Defence has been, and will continue to be, the key to our fight against adversities and our continued thriving as a nation."

Mr Tong also launched the Total Defence Trail as part of the GameOn Nila! Campaign. Jointly organised by Nexus and Sport Singapore (SportSG), the first Total Defence Trail features six locations in Singapore linked to the six Total Defence pillars. Participants can look forward to learning more about the Singapore story at the various locations while deepening their appreciation of Total Defence. A second Total Defence trail featuring other locations will be launched on 1 March 2022.

Total Defence Day is commemorated on 15 February each year, the same day that Singapore fell to the Japanese in 1942 during World War II. It serves as a reminder to Singaporeans of our collective responsibility to defend our nation, and strengthen our resolve to keep Singapore safe and sovereign.

Recruit (REC) Dinesh Allastair Rajandran receiving his SAR 21 from Lieutenant-Colonel Muhammad Ash'Ari during the Weapon Presentation Ceremony.

REC Dinesh leading the recitation of the Weapon Creed.

Mr Tong launched the Total Defence Trail as part of the GameOn Nila! Campaign, jointly organised by MINDEF, Nexus and Sport Singapore.

More Resources

Fact Sheet: GameOn Nila! Total Defence Trail

Fact Sheet: Total Defence Day 2022 Activities

Speech by Mr Edwin Tong, Minister for Culture, Community and Youth & Second Minister for Law at the Total Defence Day Commemoration Event at The Float @ Marina Bay on 15 February 2022