Graduands of the 53/2022 Specialist Cadet Course,

Parents and loved ones of our Graduands,

Men and women of the Singapore Armed Forces,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Good evening. It is my pleasure to join all of you physically today with the resumption of full graduation parades at the Specialist Cadet School, after two years of COVID-19 safe management measures. Let me begin by offering my heartiest congratulations to the graduands on your successful completion of the Specialist Cadet Course. After 22 weeks of intensive training, you have proven yourselves and now join the ranks of Specialists and Military Experts of the SAF. You will be entrusted to lead men and women to accomplish the SAF's mission of keeping Singapore safe and secure.

TRANSFORMING THE SAF TO MEET EVOLVING CHALLENGES

Having served in the SAF prior to my current appointment, I have seen first-hand how important it is for the SAF to transform and adapt, to ensure that it will continue to accomplish its mission.

The ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict has demonstrated that the threat of conventional conflict remains real today. To sustain a strong and credible military that remains ready in the face of an uncertain geopolitical environment, SAF personnel need to continue to hone their operational competencies. I am glad that SAF overseas training and exercises have progressively resumed. This year, we have seen the first full-scale resumption of Exercise Wallaby since COVID-19 disruptions in 2020. Such opportunities are critical for the SAF to conduct realistic and complex training.

We must also recognise the need to work with like-minded partners to maintain regional and global stability. One example will be the Counter-Terrorism Information Facility (CTIF) that was officially inaugurated recently. Singapore set up the multilateral CTIF to strengthen international cooperation in tackling the transnational challenge of terrorism. It brings together like-minded countries to share intelligence and provide early warning against terrorism in the region.

At the same time, new types of threats have grown in sophistication and scale. The SAF must meet evolving challenges, to safeguard Singapore against both conventional and unconventional security threats. Capabilities are being strengthened to deal with an expanded range of security threats. The establishment of the fourth SAF Service, the Digital and Intelligence Service (DIS), is timely and necessary. The DIS will integrate the SAF's capabilities to defend against attacks in the digital domain, and dedicate efforts towards realising the full potential of digital technology.

The SAF must continue with its transformation efforts to deal with the rapidly evolving strategic environment. As you take on your new appointments, continue to embrace the ethos of adaptability and innovation to meet the challenges of the future.

IMPORTANCE OF NATIONAL SERVICE

Beyond building capabilities, the SAF must continue to leverage its people to stay ahead. Since the introduction of National Service in 1967, generations of National Servicemen have served with unwavering dedication, pride and strength, supported by families, employers and the public. As we celebrate 55 years of National Service this year, it is essential that we recognise the invaluable contributions of past generations of National Servicemen. The SAF would not have been able to successfully secure Singapore's independence and sovereignty without the efforts and sacrifices of all our National Servicemen.

Graduands, the time has come for you to continue this legacy begun by our pioneers who have served National Service. As you lead those under your charge in operations and training, you are taking on the responsibility of defending Singapore and protecting our way of life.

SERVING AND LEADING WITH PRIDE

After today, all of you will step up to serve as leaders of the SAF. I would like to share some leadership lessons from my experiences in the SAF and the public service. As the men and women under your charge will look to you for guidance and leadership, aim to be a role model for them, and anchor your actions to maintain high standards of operational readiness through rigorous training, remember to lead with empathy. Care for your people, and ensure that the necessary measures are in place to ensure their safety and well-being. By so doing, I am confident that you and your teams will achieve mission success and uphold training standards.

CONCLUSION

To all our graduands, today signifies the end of your training in SCS and the beginning of a new chapter as leaders in the SAF. Remember to appreciate the loved ones who have supported you on this journey as you don your new ranks. Here, I would also like to take the opportunity to thank the family and friends joining us today for the constant support you have given to our graduands.

Congratulations once again, graduands, and I wish you the very best in your leadership journey ahead. With Pride We Lead!

Thank you.