SAF Day Message 2013 by Minister for Defence, Dr Ng Eng Hen

We set aside SAF Day each year, for us as one united people to reaffirm our conviction and determination to defend our nation. Across the island, Singaporeans gather specially to pledge their loyalty and commitment to the SAF as the ultimate guarantor of Singapore's security and sovereignty. The SAF will not fail in its mission to deter threats against Singapore and achieve a swift and decisive victory should deterrence fail.

We seek to live in peace and harmony with all our neighbours and to build strong ties of mutual understanding and cooperation with them. A strong defence supports these diplomatic initiatives as it provides the assurance to our partners and friends that we can be counted on when tensions flare up in the region. A strong and operationally-ready SAF gives confidence to our citizens and our friends abroad.

Through persistent efforts and investments in defence, we have a strong and capable SAF, able to conduct a variety of operations. The SAF protects our key installations on a daily basis, together with the Home Team. At the same time, the SAF also participates in overseas missions as a responsible member of the international community. The SAF helped stabilise and re-build Afghanistan through one of its longest deployments. As a result, our own operational experience has been enhanced. The SAF has also worked with other militaries against piracy in the Gulf of Aden, and in disaster relief operations overseas. Where called, the SAF will also do its utmost to aid our citizens as we did in 1991, against the SQ117 hijacking; in 2003 during the SARS outbreak and just a week ago, when the SAF delivered one million N95 masks to 88 community locations so that our people could protect themselves against the haze.

The SAF must be operationally ready at all times, able to move swiftly and decisively, when activated at a moment's notice. Our soldiers understand this imperative. I am proud to see our soldiers, sailors and airmen - both regulars and national servicemen - perform their duties with commitment, professionalism and fighting spirit to keep Singapore safe and secure. On behalf of all Singaporeans, I thank you for your contributions and sacrifices in service of our country's defence.

I am also heartened by the support from families and employers for the SAF. Their constant encouragement motivates our servicemen to give their best in their duties. If each new generation commits itself to defending Singapore, without wavering in conviction or actions, then Singapore's peace and prosperity will be assured. On this SAF Day, I thank each of you for your loyalty and dedication to Singapore.
DR NG ENG HEN
MINISTER FOR DEFENCE