Speech by Assoc Prof Koo Tsai Kee, Minister of State For Defence, at Committee of Supply Debate 2009

Mr Speaker Sir, I would like to thank Dr Maliki Osman and Ms Indranee Rajah for asking how Total Defence has helped Singapore cope with security challenges such as the threat of global terrorism. Total Defence began as an effort to rally the nation behind the defence of Singapore. Since the 9-11 attacks in the US, Total Defence public outreach efforts have increasingly focused how every Singaporean can play a part in dealing with terrorism. They can help security agencies by being alert for anyone or anything suspicious and by knowing what to do during emergencies. Emergency exercises and other programmes have also been regularly conducted to familiarise the public with contingency measures and to equip them with life-saving skills.

Mr Speaker Sir, our efforts over the years have paid off in helping Singaporeans and their employers appreciate their role in Total Defence. For instance, the response rate during mobilisation is usually very high - close to 100%. This indicates that Singaporeans understand the need for defence and their role through National Service. Army Guards officer 2LT Muhammad Faris Sufi bin Zainol is such a Singaporean. He is an NSF, and will be signing on with the Army. Since young, he has had a keen understanding of the role of the military in defence. In his words: "This passion drove me to join National Cadet Corps (NCC) as a cadet lieutenant and subsequently realising my childhood dream of becoming a commissioned officer in the Army."

Employers also understand the need for National Service. Many of them, for instance, make it a point to release their male employees for in-camp-training (ICT) and discourage requests for deferment. Take MAJ (NS) Danny Lien, managing director of Amos International - he is a firm believer in ICT and in the need to maintain national security. He says: "When an organisation discourages deferments and includes ICT performance as one of the appraisal components of its NSmen employees, it will encourage the NSman to be more conscientious and diligent in performing their roles during their ICT." I am happy to note that the number of Small and Medium Interprises (SMEs) that have participated in the Total Defence Awards has been increasing - from 97 in 2006 to 129 in 2008.

Families also give important support to husbands and sons who do National Service. Ms Evelyn Loh is married to CPT (NS) Louis Tan. They have a daughter, Faith. Evelyn tells of how they miss him whenever he goes in-camp. But she is encouraged by the fact that "Louis and his bosses have always viewed NS positively. As a family, we recognise that the adjustments we make during this period are not just good for the country, but good for Louis and for the family".

Even with the reduction in NS duration, MINDEF continues to ensure that our servicemen remain committed to defence. There are programmes and activities for units aimed at imparting a deeper understanding of military history and security policies. MINDEF also recognises the contributions of our NSFs and regularly reviews the recognition provided to them. For example, the rank of Specialist Cadet was created recently for those undergoing training to become specialists. This rank recognises the increasingly challenging roles and greater responsibilities of our specialists in the 3rd Generation SAF. NSFs wearing the new rank also receive a higher allowance.

Dr Maliki asked how MINDEF has engaged young Singaporeans on defence and security issues, while Ms Indranee broached the broader question of whether we have sufficiently engaged the spectrum of Singaporeans to embed Total Defence in the nation's psyche. Sir, let me preface my answer to Dr Maliki by saying that young Singaporeans do not like to be preached to. They prefer to discover things for themselves. MINDEF has thus been moving towards creative, experiential programmes to engage our youth. They provide opportunities for self-expression and discussion as well as a good measure of enjoyment.

A very good example is the popular N.E.mation competition, which provides a platform for students to express their ideas on Total Defence through animation. Now, in its 3rd season, the students blog actively, canvassing for fans online. Remarkably, the number of visitors to the N.E.mation website has increased 25 times to 25,000 visitors this January when compared to last year's competition. Ms Kimberly Ho, a student from CHIJ Toa Payoh, took part in this year's competition, and she came away with a new appreciation of National Education and Total Defence. This is what she said: "This project has helped students think of National Education as a fun subject, through animation rather than speeches and boring lectures..." and "I learnt many new things about Total Defence and what I would want to defend".

Mr Speaker, Sir, the Total Defence outreach efforts have increasingly taken on a bottom-up grassroots approach. To mark 25 years of Total Defence this year, a multiplatform, multi-channel programme has been rolled out to elicit participation from different sectors of society. Singaporeans are more deeply engaged to reflect on what Total Defence means to them by being asked the question, "What Will You Defend?". And there are various channels for them to share their responses - through an online video competition, radio call-in contests, and even ZoCards. These collectible cards are a form of viral marketing popular with young people. We have distributed some cards to members, and welcome your responses too.

Mr Speaker Sir, addressing the question by Dr Maliki on whether youths in Singapore have taken security for granted, I am glad to say that our engagement efforts seem to have paid off. Surveys conducted show that the younger generation is less complacent and feel that they have to work hard to make Singapore secure from terrorist attacks. It is also heartening to know that most youth feel that National Service is necessary and that they would continue to defend Singapore.

Mr Speaker Sir, MINDEF will continue to engage all Singaporeans. Whether through traditional or new media, our aim is to enhance the appreciation of security issues so as to engender a personal commitment to the defence of Singapore.

More Resources

Speech by Minister for Defence Teo Chee Hean, at Committee of Supply Debate 2009

Speech by Dr Ng Eng Hen, Second Minister for Defence, at Committee of Supply Debate 2009