377 Commissioned as SAF Officers

President Halimah Yacob inspecting the Officer Cadet contingents at the 107/17 Officer Cadet Commissioning Parade held at SAFTI Military Institute.

President Halimah Yacob reviewed a commissioning parade at the SAFTI Military Institute this evening. A total of 377 cadets, comprising 310 from the Army, 31 from the Navy and 36 from the Air Force, were commissioned as officers of the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF).

Speaking at the parade, President Halimah highlighted the SAF's role in dealing with the terrorism threat. She said, "The SAF has evolved to be adaptive and responsive. After 9/11, the SAF formed high readiness task forces to respond quickly to terror threats from air, land, and sea. The SAF has also been enhancing how it works with Home Team agencies in response to terror attacks… At the international level, the SAF is a valuable partner to many established militaries and organisations around the world… The SAF needs to build strategic partnerships with our regional neighbours and like-minded countries. This is why the SAF plays an active role in regional security institutions such as the ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting (ADMM) and ADMM-Plus, as well as participates regularly in regional military exercises to enhance military-to-military relations and address security issues with our partners through practical cooperation."

President Halimah also reminded the graduands of the important role that SAF officers undertake in leading and inspiring their men. She said "As commissioned officers of the SAF, the task to defend Singapore against the challenges and threats ahead will rest on your leadership. The SAF depends on you to lead by example, with conviction, compassion and confidence… Hold yourself to high standards of moral courage and integrity so that you can discharge your duties honorably."

The parade marked the completion of 38 weeks of rigorous training at the Officer Cadet School. The realistic training conducted during the course sharpened the cadets' combat, planning and leadership skills. The newly commissioned officers will go on to assume command, instructional or staff appointments in the SAF. Also present at the parade were Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen, senior Ministry of Defence officials and SAF officers, as well as families and friends of the newly commissioned officers.

OCT Lee Jie Ying's family affixing the officer rank epaulettes on her.

President Halimah presenting the Sword of Honour to Officer Cadet (OCT) Brendan Teo from the Republic of Singapore Air Force.

The newly-commissioned officers tossing their peak caps to mark the completion of their 38-week course.

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Speech by President Halimah Yacob at the 107/17 Officer Cadet Course Commissioning Parade