Speech by Minister for Defence Mr Teo Chee Hean, at the Commemoration of 25 Years of Total Defence (TD25 Day)

Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,The question "What will you defend?" is a deeply personal one that can be answered only after some reflection. For some, the answer is their family or friends, as you saw in the opening video. For the young ones, it could be their favourite toy or playground. For others, it is their school, a neighbourhood they grew up in, a way of life. The answers may be poignant and personal, sweet and simple, spirited and spontaneous, or considered and conceptual. But whatever the answer, it is unique to the individual, and it may evolve as the person goes through life.

Although our answers may sound different, and reflect our diversity, they are indeed our strength. Each of them has an emotional element, which tugs us closer, pulls us home. A favourite toy is not just an object, it represents what daddy gave me, an expression of love and bonding. A way of life is not just a concept, it represents a totality of experiences and relationships that make us what we are. What will you defend? The answers stitch together to form Singapore - the collective dreams and hopes of all Singaporeans that are worth defending. At the core of these hopes and dreams are the shared values that make them possible; and ideals which we live by such as meritocracy, justice and equality, regardless of race, language or religion.

These do not change, and they inextricably link the defence of what is mine to that of yours and others. Defending the peace and security of Singapore is thus the foundation that allows for everything else that you and I build and cherish. This is the reason that we built up a strong defence force from day one of our independence, and why Total Defence was introduced in April 1984. The aim of Total Defence is to rally the entire nation should we have to go to war in the defence of Singapore. This is captured in the manifesto introduced in 1984: "Total Defence.

It begins with the SAF, but there's a part for everyone". This is still true today. While we do our utmost to avoid armed conflict, make no mistake - should Singapore come under attack, the SAF will defend Singapore. And should that happen, all of us whether or not we are in the SAF, will each have our part to play, as the entire nation is mobilised. But nowadays, danger can come in unexpected shapes and forms - innocent-looking civilians can disguise terrorist intentions. Travellers may unknowingly carry diseases. A thoughtless deed or word can, directly or indirectly, spark off social strife. Natural disasters, economic disruption, climate change, energy, water and food scarcity, piracy, illegal migration, and cyber crime are just some of the myriad examples of the wide range of threats we face today. Moreover, in today’s interconnected world, events far away can have profound effects on lives here in Singapore. Today, what began as a problem in the US housing sector has snowballed into a global financial crisis that has also affected our economy and Singaporeans. Thankfully, over the years, we have built a strong foundation and I am confident that, with everybody pulling together, we will ride out this economic storm. My confidence is drawn from past experiences.

When the 9/11 attacks took place, we were able to respond quickly to the fallout as our security agencies had already been developing capabilities to deal with non-conventional threats. When SARS hit us, Singaporeans came together and cooperated with the health authorities to fight the SARS virus. When faced with economic crises in the late 1990s, we were able to prevail as we had the necessary fundamentals in place - prudent fiscal policies, strong reserves, a well-educated and skilled labour force and harmonious industrial relations. Of course, all this would have been moot if Singaporeans had not also demonstrated their willingness to make sacrifices, and take tough, but necessary, measures.

As threats can appear unexpectedly, we have to be vigilant and prepared. In this regard, Total Defence has helped us. It did not happen overnight but through the last 25 years of hard work to internalise Total Defence in our society, and strengthen its five pillars - Military, Civil, Economic, Social and Psychological. In building a strong defence force, developing emergency response and business continuity measures, forging racial harmony and national resilience, Total Defence has provided the framework for us to overcome any challenges. During this year's 25th anniversary of Total Defence, I am pleased that that so many Singaporeans have been able to participate and express in their own way what Total Defence means to them. The various new media channels and platforms supplement our traditional outreach to allow Singaporeans to share, to listen to what others have to say, and voice out what they have to say, about Total Defence. N.E.mation! is a wonderful way for the students to tell their peers many things about Total Defence - why it is important, how they can play a role, and what it means to be a Singaporean. The medium of film is another avenue of expression and I congratulate the students who produced the 2034 clips to share their perspectives about Total Defence. I am looking forward to the musical revue "Five Pillars...One Roof".

I am told that many of the cast and crew have not only enjoyed taking part in it but also gained a more intimate understanding of what it means to be Singaporean, why they value it, and what they would need to do to defend it. I would like to congratulate the winners and thank all the participants for volunteering their time and expertise in one way or another. And I hope that all of you will go back and share with your friends and other Singaporeans what you will defend and why. Our work in Total Defence is unceasing and has become a fundamental aspect of what makes us Singaporean. The next 25 years will bring new challenges, and a new generation of Singaporeans will bear the torch handed down from their forefathers. We will continue to commemorate Total Defence on 15 February, the day Singapore fell to the Japanese in 1942, to remind ourselves that we have to defend what is ours, and what we value, and we stand to lose it all if we are unable to defend ourselves. Let us continue to play our part in Total Defence. In conclusion, some of you may be wondering what I will defend.

I have visited many countries and lived in several for a period of time. Nothing beats the feeling of getting on that plane and heading home. There is no other place that I could ever call home. I will defend Singapore - a home where my family - our families - and future generations can live in peace and realise their aspirations together. As we celebrate 25 years of Total Defence together, I ask that you join me in making this commitment, in your own special way, and tell us why you will defend Singapore.

Thank you.