Speech by Chief of Defence Force, Vice Admiral Aaron Beng, at the 57/2023 Specialist Cadet Course Graduation Parade on 16 November 2023

Graduands of the 57/23 Specialist Cadet Course,

Parents and Loved ones of our Graduands,

Men and Women of the Singapore Armed Forces,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

A very good evening.

INTRODUCTION

I am very glad and it is an honour for me to be with you on this joyous occasion. My heartfelt congratulations to all graduands who have successfully navigated the arduous 22-week journey of the Specialist Cadet Course. As newly-minted Specialists and Military Experts, you bear the responsibility of leading the men and women of the Singapore Armed Forces, as well as safeguarding Singapore's peace and security. With the training you have undergone, I have no doubt that you will do well.

TODAY'S SECURITY LANDSCAPE

The level of uncertainty in the world has steadily increased. Symptoms of this are the proliferation of major regional crises including Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Hamas. Underlying these tumultuous events are deeper shifts in the global geopolitical order – tensions between global powers, the rise of Greyzone conflict, the continued threat of regional and transnational terrorism, and the new conflict-space of the digital domain. Closer to home, we have had security scares such as the bomb threats at the Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment building in August, as well as the Perth-bound Scoot flight. Threats on the cybersecurity front are becoming more diverse and sophisticated, and disruptive technologies will alter the change and nature of warfare. These threats will only grow and continue to grow in scale and complexity.

NEW DEVELOPMENTS IN THE SAF

The SAF is continually having to evolve and remake ourselves to meet these challenges head-on. The Digital and Intelligence Service (DIS) was set up at the end of last year to ensure that we have the capability to defend ourselves against attacks in the cyber and information domains, to help the SAF fight not just better, but also smarter. The SAF has also invested in acquisitions and cutting-edge technologies that will enable us to strike faster and harder, to ensure the safety and sovereignty of our nation. This year, we welcomed home the first of four Invincible-class submarines. In time to come, the SAF will be enhanced with F-35 Joint Strike Fighters, next-generation Howitzers, Armoured Tracked Carriers, and unmanned aerial and ground vehicles for combat units.

Beyond our hardware, the SAF also invests heavily in our training infrastructure to ensure that all of you are trained well. An example of such an investment is the SAFTI City – an instrumented and smart training facility which will include battlefield effects simulators, as well as interactive targets. We are also expanding our overseas training area in Shoalwater Bay Training Area in Australia. This will allow our soldiers to experience more large-scale exercises in an urban environment, ensuring that the SAF remains effective and capable in defending Singapore when called upon.

LEADERSHIP TAKEAWAYS

But we always remember, hardware, infrastructure and training can only be effective because of our people. It is our people – the men and women in uniform – which remain our greatest assets. It is imperative that we have capable and committed individuals serving at every level in the SAF to keep our country safe and secure. As Specialists and Military Experts, you hold the power to inspire and lead the people under you, who will look up to you. Your leadership context – at the frontlines of our units, leading small teams of men and women to achieve their mission, is critical in the larger structure of the SAF. Recent conflicts have reminded us of the continued importance of good leadership which can inspire courageous actions, trigger tactical initiative and overwhelm a better-armed but less tactically adept enemy.

So, the responsibility is on each one of you to lead by example, anchor your decisions on our SAF Core Values, and maintain high standards of operational readiness through tough and realistic training. You bear the solemn responsibility of training everyone under your charge well and safely. And I have unwavering confidence that you will lead with excellence, and inspire future generations of leaders.

CONCLUSION

To the families and loved ones who have stood by the graduands through their journey, your unwavering sacrifice and support have made the difference in their service. You are an integral part of their success, and we thank you for your steadfastness.

To all the graduands, as you embark on this new chapter, remember that you are part of a proud tradition of service and sacrifice. Thank you for serving our country. I wish you all the best, and may you have a fulfilling leadership journey ahead.

With Pride We Lead!

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Speech by Chief of Defence Force, Vice Admiral Aaron Beng, at the 57/2023 Specialist Cadet Course Graduation Parade on 16 November 2023