Speech by Minister for Trade and Industry Lim Hng Kiang at the 85/11 Officer Cadet Course Commissioning Parade, SAFTI Military Institute

Graduands of the 85/11 Officer Cadet Course,

Parents,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

To all of you on parade today, congratulations for successfully completing the Officer Cadet Course. After undergoing 38 weeks of tough and rigorous training, you are now ready to be commissioned as Officers of the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF). This Commissioning Parade does not mark the end of the course; it signifies the beginning of your service to our nation as an officer of the SAF. With this honour, you also bear the solemn responsibility of training and leading the men and women under your charge when you are called upon to defend Singapore.

In recent years, the emergence of non-traditional security threats such as terrorism, piracy, cyber security and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, has required the SAF to take on a wider set of roles to safeguard our peace and stability. For us to stay relevant in today's increasingly complex geopolitical landscape, we must enhance our defence capabilities and optimise the contributions of our soldiers. Only then can the SAF remain potent and credible - well-equipped with modern platforms, new organisational structures and fighting tactics.

But more than anything else, it is the spirit of loyalty and commitment from the men and women of the SAF that will keep Singapore safe and secure. Many of you will be leading full-time National Servicemen in your new assignments. Your men will come from diverse backgrounds and varying education profiles that reflect the changing demographics and evolving educational landscape of our nation. They will also possess different beliefs, attitudes and expectations. As their commander, you must lead them as you live, train and fight together. It is now your responsibility to mould them into a cohesive and effective fighting unit. Help your men appreciate the significance of their contributions to national defence.  Inculcate in them a higher sense of purpose and motivation that Singapore is home and worth defending.

As leaders, you are also accountable for the readiness, training, morale and discipline of your soldiers. Train them well and push them hard. Instill in them a fighting spirit that will spur them on to overcome all challenges with courage and fortitude. But even as you demand high standards from your men, care for them and always have their safety at heart. Take time to listen to their problems and motivate the weaker ones. Be their guide, friend and mentor. Always be sincere and genuine in your actions and words. This way, you can earn their respect and trust.

Most importantly, lead by example and with conviction. Your men mirror you, so you must always uphold high standards of fitness, personal integrity and discipline. They will be watching you even more closely during rigorous, strenuous and stressful training. Be professional, inspire them, imbue in them a deep sense of mission and purpose as you motivate them to achieve mission success. By doing so, you will win over their hearts and minds and they will follow you whole-heartedly through the toughest of times.  

Amongst the graduands today is an Officer from the Royal Thai Army. This bears testament to the strong bonds and friendship between our armed forces and our nations. I am confident that you will treasure the friendships forged here with your fellow officers from the SAF and I wish you all the best in your career when you return home.

Let me congratulate each and every one of you again. This is indeed a proud moment for you and your loved ones. Discharge your duties well, uphold the professional image of the SAF and live up to the proud tradition of excellence and professionalism established by those who have served before you. I wish you all the best in your future roles as leaders in the SAF and may the OCS motto "To Lead, To Excel and To Overcome" always inspire you. Thank you.

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432 Commissioned as SAF Officers