Newly Commissioning Officers of the 80/10 Officer Cadet Course,
Parents,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

To all of you on parade today, I join your families and friends in congratulating you for successfully completing the Officer Cadet Course. It has been 38 weeks of tough and rigorous training. You have passed the test. This parade marks your commissioning as Officers of the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF), whose creed is "to lead, to excel and to overcome".

This parade is special to me, and in fact to all the women present today, as it allows us to fully appreciate the dedication, commitment and hard work that our Singaporean men have put in, so as to defend our country, our homes, our families and our friends.

As you begin your journey as an officer of the SAF, you are entrusted with the duty of leading the men and women under your charge into battle when called upon, to defend us with your lives should that be required. This remains the primary mission of the SAF.

Many of you will have full-time National Servicemen under your command. Just like you, your men will come from all walks of life, with different backgrounds and varying levels of education. They will bring with them different beliefs, expectations and attitudes. As their commander, make good soldiers out of them. Mould them into a cohesive fighting unit with a deep sense of mission and purpose. Be also their guide, friend and mentor. Help them to adjust to life in National Service and help them to understand the importance of having a strong defence for Singapore.

The security challenges we face today are new and wide ranging. It is critical that your men are operationally ready at all times. Train them well and push them hard. But even as you demand high standards from your men, look after them always and ensure that tough and realistic training is carried out safely. They will respect you for this.

Lead by example. Your men will watch what you do closely, more so during the times when you are undergoing rigorous and strenuous training together. Uphold high personal standards and discipline, match your words with actions, and show care and conviction in what you do. Only then will you win the hearts and minds of your men. To be a good leader, you must also be physically fit and mentally tough. Always strive to do your best, and execute each task or mission you are given well and successfully.

As you stand proud and ready on this parade square, always remember what you have trained to do and draw inspiration from the Officers Creed - to lead, to excel, and to overcome any obstacles that come your way with courage, fortitude and determination. Serve with pride, honour and integrity, and continue to uphold the proud tradition of excellence and professionalism established by those who have served before you. Hold steadfast to the SAF Core Values. They form the spiritual bedrock of the SAF and will be an indispensable companion to you.

I am happy to see that with you today are newly commissioning officers from the New Zealand Defence Force, the Royal Thai Army and the Vietnam People's Army. Your graduation from the SAF Officer Cadet School bears testimony to the close ties and warm friendship between our armed forces and our countries. Build upon the close friendships forged over the past months with your colleagues from the SAF. These ties will strengthen the bonds between our nations well into the future.

Let me once again congratulate each and every one of you for having done yourself, your family and your nation proud. I wish you success as you carry out your duties to the best of your abilities as commissioned officers of the SAF and as future leaders of Singapore.

Thank You.