Speech by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Teo Chee Hean at the Total Defence Awards Presentation Ceremony 2010

Good evening, Distinguished guests, Ladies and gentlemen.

We are living in complex and uncertain times. Globalisation has made all countries prone to shocks - political, economic, security, health, environmental - over which countries individually or even collectively seem to have little control. By bringing together Singaporeans from all walks of life, either as individuals or organisations, Total Defence helps to build a robust, all-rounded response to the uncertainties and challenges that may confront us as a nation. It gives us the confidence, strength and resilience to pull through each time we are hit. We have witnessed the effectiveness of Total Defence a number of times in the past decade, when we have had to deal with a series of challenges ranging from terrorist threats, SARS, economic crises and flu pandemics. Singaporeans have come forward to lead, contribute and make personal sacrifices for the greater good of the community. By taking tough but necessary measures, Singaporeans rallied together, supported one another, demonstrating their commitment to and action for Total Defence. It is the commitment of all of us - individuals, corporations and organisations - to play a part in Total Defence that makes the security and stability that we enjoy possible. As employers and business owners, besides economic defence, you have also played a part in other components of Total Defence. By supporting our National Servicemen and their NS duties, you give them the peace of mind to focus on their NS duties when they are called up for ICTs. This builds psychological defence and helps ensure that the SAF remains at a high state of readiness thus enhancing our military defence. Your contributions in civil resource mobilisation help to shore up our civil defence capabilities. Your commitment to playing an active and constructive role in our society is a reflection of corporate social responsibility and social defence. Let me share with you some examples.

Davis Langdon and Seah Singapore Pte Ltd, one of tonight's Minister for Defence Award winners, is a multinational corporation that exemplifies this commitment. With its regional office established in Singapore since 1934, the company understands the impact of conflict and knows that peace and security does not come about by chance. By facilitating its NSmen employees' active participation in ICT, the company is also playing its part and contributing to the defence of Singapore. Davis Langdon and Seah has implemented a non-deferment of In-Camp Training (ICT) policy to encourage all of its NSmen employees to report for training as scheduled by their units. The company had made arrangements for its NSmen to focus on training during ICT without having to attend to issues at work. 3SG(NS) Lin Jia He, an employee at Davis Langdon and Seah, relates that he was only one month into his job when he was called up for ICT. 3SG(NS) Lin was initially reluctant to turn up for ICT as he was worried that this would affect his work assessment. However, his employers told him not to worry and strongly encouraged him to attend his ICT. They were similarly supportive when he had a three-week overseas ICT in May this year, even though there were important projects at work. His employers were prepared to make alternative arrangements. With such supportive employers, 3SG(NS) Lin is even more motivated to do his best for ICT because he knows that his service to the nation is recognised and appreciated by his employees.

LCP(NS) Muhammad Zaki Bin Selamat, an operations supervisor for logistics company Movon Solutions, shares these sentiments too. LCP(NS) Muhammad Zaki says that he "feels much more secure working in Movon Solutions because his bosses, who are national servicemen themselves, understand the need for national service and go out of their way to help employees fulfil their NS commitments". For instance, Movon Solutions schedules employees' duties around their ICT and IPPT Preparatory Training dates so that employees are able to complete their annual ICT and training requirements without deferment. The company also has incentives to encourage good performance in IPPT. It allows employees to drive company vehicles for their preparatory training and rewards those who pass with days off. For a small enterprise like Movon Solutions where about half of its employees are NSmen, the willingness to put in place business processes that can accommodate employees' NS duties is laudable, particularly in a highly competitive market. MINDEF also appreciates the contributions of the many companies who make essential resources and services available for the SAF during civil resource mobilisation exercises and operations. Besides mobilising their assets for operations and exercises within the stipulated timings, they also ensure that their equipment is well maintained and records updated. Such efforts add to the effectiveness and operational readiness of our civil resource system.

Lita Ocean Pte Ltd, a shipping and marine services firm, and Huationg Inland Transport Service Pte Ltd, a transport company, are two of tonight's winners that have been participating actively in SAF operations for about 10 years now. Lita Ocean supports the Navy with its fleet of tugboats and barges. To ensure the success of civil resource exercises, Lita Ocean provides the Navy with regular updates on the status of its equipment and voluntarily conducts equipment familiarisation training for the SAF requisition team. Huationg - which provides the Army with its prime mover trucks and trailers during civil resource mobilisation exercises - has also done the same. Both companies also hold regular briefings for their drivers and operators on the requisition process and location of the equipment marshalling areas. This ensures rapid response when their equipment is mobilised, enhancing the SAF's operational readiness. The responsiveness, cooperation and pro-activeness of civil resource owners like Lita Ocean and Huationg have enabled us to establish and develop a dependable and robust civil resource system.

This evening, we recognise the special efforts and sacrifices that you and your companies have made in support of national service and the Total Defence of Singapore. I hope that through your work and what you do, this will inspire other companies to do the same, to do their part, so that together we can build a safe and secure nation, a strong economy and a cohesive society.

On behalf of all Singaporeans, let me take this opportunity to once again thank all of you for your contributions. It is because of your contributions and efforts that we can enjoy another peaceful year as a sovereign and independent nation. Thank you, and have a pleasant evening, and Happy National Day.

More Resources

Employers and Civil Resource Owners Recognised for Contributions to Total Defence