DPM Lawrence Wong Launches Inaugural Total Defence Exercise to Enhance Singapore's Readiness and Resilience for Crises and Disruptions

Exercise SG Ready was officially launched by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Mr Lawrence Wong via a video message at the Total Defence Day Commemoration Event held at South Beach Tower this morning.

Singapore's inaugural Total Defence Exercise, Exercise SG Ready, was officially launched by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Mr Lawrence Wong via a video message at the Total Defence Day Commemoration Event (TDDCE) held at South Beach Tower this morning. In his Total Defence Day message, DPM Wong urged all Singaporeans to renew and strengthen their commitment towards Total Defence. He said, "The most critical factor in upholding our security is the determination and will of our people. In the end, all of us have a part to play to defend Singapore. Together, we can be ready, resilient and strong."

Speaking at the TDDCE, Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen highlighted the need for Total Defence amid a volatile global security landscape, and the importance of Singaporeans playing their part for the defence of Singapore. Dr Ng said, "This year's Total Defence Exercise, Exercise SG Ready, is a very small slice that tests various pillars of our Total Defence. We know that it will never be like the real threat, but a reminder of what can happen, to disrupt our way of life, if Total Defence fails. As the previous generation did, we must keep Total Defence strong by each doing his or her part, especially in times of peace."

Exercise SG Ready will be held from 15 February to 29 February at various locations on different dates across the island. More than 500 educational, community, commercial and government organisations will simulate disruptions to either power, water, food supply, or digital connectivity for at least one hour, or a civil emergency arising from wide spread cyberattacks, disinformation campaigns and drone attacks from an anonymous actor. The aim of this exercise is to get individuals, communities and businesses to reflect on the question: "Are you ready for disruptions?", and put TD into action through contingency plans for disruptions.

Singaporeans may find out more about the timings and locations involved in the exercise by accessing the SGReadyGoWhere website (https://www.gowhere.gov.sg/sgready/). The public can key in a postal code, street or building name to get information on the duration, type, and location of simulated disruptions.  

About Total Defence Day:

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.

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Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen delivering his speech at the event.

A SATS representative introducing the Ready-to-Eat Meals, which was jointly conceptualised by the Singapore Food Agency and SATS, to Dr Ng, Senior Minister of State (SMS) for Sustainability and the Environment Dr Koh Poh Koon, SMS for Defence Mr Zaqy Mohamad and SMS for Defence Mr Heng Chee How (from left to right).

PUB, Singapore's National Water Agency representative demonstrating the Water Bag Filling Machine to Dr Ng (second from right) and Chairman TD40 Executive Committee Brigadier-General Kelvin Fan (right).

More Resources

Speech by Minister for Defence, Dr Ng Eng Hen, at the Total Defence Day 2024 Commemoration Event at South Beach Tower Courtyard on 15 Feb 2024

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Mr Lawrence Wong's Total Defence Day Message at the Total Defence Day Commemoration Event on 15 February 2024