Speech by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Teo Chee Hean at the MINDEF Volunteers Dinner

Distinguished Guests,Ladies and Gentlemen,Good evening.

It is a pleasure to welcome you to this evening's dinner.

Since the inception of the Singapore Armed Forces 45 years ago, building the SAF has required the concerted effort and commitment of all our citizens. At the core is the commitment and readiness of our regulars and citizen soldiers to defend our country. It is this unwavering commitment over the years that has enabled us to build a strong and operationally-ready SAF capable of protecting our home and securing our future.

Your presence here today demonstrates this same strong commitment to play a role in the defence of our country. As a small armed forces with limited resources, we must make sure that we tap on the best from among Singaporeans to share their expertise for Singapore's defence. Without the knowledge, experience and skills you have generously provided to the SAF, it would not have been possible to build the SAF to where it is today. Many of you present here are busy professionals in your respective fields. Yet, despite your heavy responsibilities at work and at home, all of you have readily volunteered your precious time to serve on some 30 MINDEF boards and committees in areas ranging from the medical, judicial and financial domains to subjects like music and drama.

Sharing of ExpertiseI would like to share with you a few examples of how MINDEF volunteers have made a difference. Mr Douglas Tan Kay Yeow, Managing Director of Steven Tan Russell Bedford Public Accounting Corporation, lent his professional expertise to SAFRA to maintain high standards in audit and resource management. As Chairman of the SAFRA Audit committee, Douglas led the recent review of audit strategies to tighten SAFRA's resource management. He initiated and saw through the application of relevant guidelines under the Singapore Exchange's Code of Corporate Governance, which serves as a useful framework to govern financial accountability. His efforts ensure that SAFRA's audit and financial standards and practices remain robust, credible and relevant in keeping with the best practices in the private sector.

Another example is Dr Yu Wei Jie, who heads the theatre department in the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts. A member of the Music and Drama Company (MDC) Supervisory Board since 2005, Dr Yu has devoted much time and effort to help MDC improve its repertoire and performances. Apart from providing insights on the latest trends and practices, Dr Yu often advises on various aspects of the performance, from dance choreography and stage presentation to costume design. For the MDC's performance at the 2008 Singapore Day held in Australia, Dr Yu was actively involved in the arrangement of a song-and-dance medley featuring well-known local tunes. I am heartened to hear that the performance was most popular with overseas Singaporeans and foreigners alike.

Strengthening the MINDEF-Public LinkBesides sharing expertise and knowledge, our volunteers also ensure that MINDEF keeps in touch with the views of the wider community, playing an important role in building public support for our defence needs and policies. Ms Joanna Portilla, an active volunteer community leader in the Ang Mo Kio Group Representation Constituency (GRC), is an ACCORD member. She has been rallying members of community groups, through the various committees she sits on, to participate in MINDEF's outreach programmes. As chairperson of the Ang Mo Kio Women's Executive Committee, she realised that some members of her committee were still concerned when their sons enlisted for National Service. To allay their concerns, she organised visits for them and their families to learn more about the SAF. Their most recent visit was to the Navy Open House. Before that, she had also arranged visits to the Army and Air Force Open Houses. Ms Portilla's actions are simple. Yet, as a fellow member of the public and the communities she represented, her actions have helped to engender greater awareness and public support for the SAF and the importance of National Service.

Each one of you, in your capacity as member of the public, NSman, employer or spouse, also represents the voice of the community. You are in touch with ground-level sentiments and are therefore in a good position to provide MINDEF with important feedback and new ideas to engage the public and address their issues and concerns. MINDEF greatly appreciates your efforts. You add to the collective commitment and determination of Singaporeans from all sectors and different walks of life to make a contribution to Singapore's defence. By volunteering as members of the public, you take personal ownership of the development of the SAF and represent the nation's support and backing for it. This sends a strong signal of deterrence to any potential aggressor - that they face a nation united in its determination to defend and fight for what is ours. For volunteers who are continuing their service, I thank you for your continued dedication and support. To the newly appointed, I congratulate you on your appointments and trust that you will find your participation rewarding and satisfying.

Thank you and have a pleasant evening.

More Resources

MINDEF Recognises and Thanks Volunteers