338 Commissioned as SAF Officers

Ms Grace Fu Hai Yien, Minister, Prime Minister's Office, Second Minister for the Environment and Water Resources and Second Minister for Foreign Affairs inspecting the Officer Cadet contingents at the 88th Officer Cadet Course commissioning parade held at SAFTI Military Institute.

Minister, Prime Minister's Office, Second Minister for the Environment and Water Resources and Second Minister for Foreign Affairs Ms Grace Fu Hai Yien reviewed a commissioning parade at the SAFTI Military Institute this evening, where 291 Army and 47 Air Force officer cadets were commissioned as officers of the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF). The parade marked the completion of 38 weeks of rigorous training at the Officer Cadet School. The challenging and realistic training conducted during the course tested and honed the officer cadets' combat, planning and leadership skills. These newly commissioned officers will go on to assume command, instructional or staff appointments in the SAF.

Speaking at the parade, Ms Fu congratulated the graduands for successfully completing the Officer Cadet Course and reminded them that the strength of the SAF lies not just in its military hardware, but in its people. She said "The high caliber officers in command... 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..." During her speech, Ms Fu also spoke to the graduands on the importance of their leadership and the challenges they will face when commanding better educated and vocal soldiers. "As their commander, it is now your duty to lead them (the soldiers); 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," she added.

Also present at the parade were Members of Parliament, senior Ministry of Defence officials and SAF officers, as well as families and friends of the newly commissioned officers.

Ms Fu presenting the Sword of Honour to Officer Cadet Bryan David Kai En from the Air Warfare Officer (Command, Control and Communication) Course.

Graduands of the 88th Officer Cadet Course celebrating after graduating as officers of the Singapore Armed Forces.