927 Graduate as SAF Specialists and Military Experts

Division Sergeant Major, 9th Division/Infantry, Senior Warrant Officer Yeo Keng Hua (right) presenting the Silver Bayonet to Specialist Cadet (SCT) Santhosh Kumar s/o Selvam from the Singapore Army.

A total of 927 cadets comprising 777 from the Singapore Army, 54 from the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN), 84 from the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF), and 12 from Joint have graduated as Specialists and Military Experts of the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) on 17 May 2021.

In recognition of this significant milestone in the cadets' journey as new commanders in the SAF, the cadets will receive their bayonets at small-scale indoor parades from 17 to 20 May 2021. The cadets also brought home their ceremonial uniforms to capture the symbolic graduation photo where their family members and loved ones affixed their new ranks on them.

Addressing the graduands in a recorded video message as the Reviewing Officer for the proceedings, Minister of State for Education and Manpower Ms Gan Siow Huang spoke about how the graduands had done well in adapting their training modalities to be able to train safely and effectively in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, without compromising on safety nor training standards. She said, "The fight against COVID-19 is far from over. As you deploy into your new roles, remember that we must continue to remain vigilant and adhere to safe management measures. We must continue to give confidence to all Singaporeans that training in the SAF will remain safe. As leaders, you have a duty to uphold this core value of Safety."

Ms Gan also congratulated the graduands on completing their training to join the Specialist and Military Expert Corps, and reminded them of their influential role as leaders in the SAF. "Today, you begin your journey as leaders of this dynamic organisation. As Specialists, you must carry out the roles of Warfighter, Trainer and Leader. As Military Experts, you must take pride in your expertise, knowledge, and professionalism. All of you will bear the honour and responsibility of leading your women and men in training and in operations to protect Singapore and safeguard our way of life. Lead them with purpose, and they will remain committed to serve alongside you," said Ms Gan.

The graduands from the Singapore Army, the RSN, the RSAF and Joint have completed the 22-week Specialist Cadet Course, where they trained under rigorous and realistic conditions to develop leadership and combat skills, and to deepen their respective vocational expertise.

Minister of State for Education and Manpower Ms Gan Siow Huang (on-screen) delivering her speech in a recorded video to graduands of the 47/2020 Specialist Cadet Course (SCC).

SCT Aqil Adli Yashir having his rank affixed in the presence of his parents at home.

ME1T James Lai (left), SCT Jack Lai (centre) and ME1 Joe Lai (right) are triplets who have all decided to sign on as Regulars in the Singapore Armed Forces. ME1T James and SCT Jack are graduands from the 47/2020 SCC. ME1 Joe had graduated from the earlier 46/2020 SCC.

Graduands reciting the Specialist’s Creed at the 47/2020 Specialist Cadet Graduation Parade.

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Speech by Minister of State for Education and Manpower, Ms Gan Siow Huang, at the 47/2020 Specialist Cadet Course Graduation Parade