Graduands of the 88/12 Officer Cadet Course,
Parents,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,A very good evening to all of you.

One year ago, like many of you here, I was seated with the spectators as a parent. I vividly remember how proud and excited I was for my son. And I remember my son coming up to me at the end of the parade. He had one thing to say to me: "Mum, if you are ever the Reviewing Officer, please keep your speech short." I think that is excellent advice and I shall follow.

To all of you on parade today, congratulations for successfully completing the Officer Cadet Course. You have gone through 38 weeks of tough training, overcome the challenges and now ready to be commissioned as Officers of the Singapore Armed Forces. While today's parade marks the end of a key phase of your training, it signifies a new beginning in your life as leader and commander of many young men and women.

As officers, you are taking on leadership duties in an increasingly complex geo-political and security landscape. As countries navigate their way in this landscape, military forces must remain operationally-ready and adaptable against any emerging challenges and security threats. The SAF is a capable and superior fighting force. But the strength of the SAF lies not in its military hardware, but more importantly, in its people. The high caliber officers in command, soon to include you, have been the driving force of SAF - always searching for ways to improve our systems and capabilities. The SAF command is also the reason why we continue to have the will to fight and defend our sovereignty. It is crucial that we continue to strengthen the "heartware" of the SAF and the job now lands on your lap.

As leader of your men, you are in-charge of your men's training, morale and discipline. Never compromise on training standards and be mindful of their welfare and safety at all times. Uphold high standards of professionalism and discipline. Be genuine in your actions and words to earn the respect and trust of your men. When faced with challenges, find the "steel in your soul" so that you can motivate your men to follow you through the toughest of circumstances. You know you have it as you have just gone through a grueling 38 weeks of OCS training.

Your men will come from all walks of life and with diverse backgrounds. They will bring with them their own beliefs, expectations and attitudes towards National Service. As their commander, it is now your duty to lead them; to mould them into a cohesive fighting unit; to instill in them a deep sense of purpose; to help them understand that they have something precious worth defending. Serve with pride, honour and integrity at all times.

I am happy to see that on parade today are two International Officers - one from the Royal Thai Army and one from the Vietnam People's Army. Your commissioning bears testament to the close ties and warm friendship between our armed forces and nations. I wish you the very best in your careers when you return home.

This is indeed a proud moment for you, your parents and for all of us here today. To the parents, thank you for supporting your child and the National Service. Much as we worry for the safety of our children during the OCS, we take great comfort that SAFTI trains our children well. As our sons and daughters depart from this parade square, the training they have received, and the values that have been instilled in them during OCS will stay with them forever. They will overcome obstacles with courage, fortitude and determination. To the graduands, uphold the proud tradition of excellence and professionalism established by those who have served before you. May the OCS motto, "To Lead, To Excel and To Overcome", always guide and inspire you.
Congratulations, and we are proud of you. Thank you.