Speech by Mr Khaw Boon Wan, Minister for National Development, at the 90/13 Officer Cadet Course Commissioning Parade

Graduands of the 90/13 Officer Cadet Course,
Parents,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
To all of you, the graduands on the parade today, our heartiest congratulations on your successfully completing the Officer Cadet Course. You have undergone 38 weeks of rigorous and demanding training. You are now ready to be commissioned as officers of the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF). You have proven that you have the necessary attributes of mental resilience, physical toughness, and strong values to serve as leaders in the SAF.

Today's commissioning marks not the end of the course but the beginning of a very important journey you will take. You will be entrusted with the responsibility of training and leading the people under your charge, to defend our country and to protect our way of life. This is a solemn and serious duty, which will require no less than steadfast dedication, determination and conviction. Generations before you have done their part to keep Singapore safe and secure. It's now your turn to answer this national calling.

As a small country with no natural resources, Singapore's achievements did not come easy. It took us 48 years since independence to get to where we are today - a thriving metropolis and a global hub of trade and commerce. Our Singapore passport is respected internationally. Today, we have more that is precious and worth defending - a beautiful garden city, a home where our friends and families live, and a way of life that is truly and uniquely Singaporean.

The peace and prosperity we enjoy today is made possible because we have a strong and credible defence. The SAF has played an important role - a critical role - underwriting Singapore's safety and security for decades. In today's operating environment where security challenges are complex and ever-evolving, it is even more imperative that the SAF remain vigilant, ready and responsive.

Over the years, the SAF has broadened and deepened its capabilities by leveraging new technologies and warfighting concepts. The SAF has operationalised and integrated several platforms into a potent warfighting capability that includes the Army's Leopards, the Navy's Frigates and the Air Force's F-15SG fighters. With a spirit of innovation and determination, SAF has transformed itself into a formidable fighting force, capable of deterring aggression and meeting current and future security challenges.

The SAF has also made meaningful contributions to international security, undertaking a wide range of international peace support operations and disaster relief operations over the years. In June this year, the SAF completed its deployments in Afghanistan, by far the most complex and challenging overseas mission that the SAF has ever embarked on. During our six years there, the SAF contributed to the global fight against terrorism, and played a key role in improving the security situation and touched the lives of many local Afghans. The SAF has also done well in tackling piracy in the Gulf of Aden, driving down the number of piracy incidents. And closer to home, the SAF conducts 24/7 operations to guard our territorial integrity, our key installations, our skies and our maritime boundaries.

Through all these operations, our servicemen have demonstrated their competence, commitment and professionalism. Indeed, the strength of the SAF lies in its people, without which there will be no strong SAF.

As Officers, you play a key role in developing and grooming our people, and you will assume full responsibility of the men and women under your charge. They will look to you for leadership, for guidance and for support. Lead with conviction and be a good role model for all of them. Match your words with actions, and always have their safety and well-being at heart. Only then will you be able to earn their trust and respect.

Be their guide, be their friend and be their mentor. Take time to listen to their concerns and challenges - they are bound to have to face them. Help them understand what the SAF expects of them; what Singapore expects of them. By doing this, you can create a positive and purposeful NS experience for all of them. Many of you will lead full-time National Servicemen, who come from diverse backgrounds. They will carry with them different beliefs, expectations and attitudes towards National Service. Many of them have grown up in a period of relative peace and stability. They may not understand why we need a strong defence and NS. As their Commander, help them find their commitment to NS. Instil in them the belief that they can play a part in defending our home and our way of life. Today's Commissioning Parade represents a significant milestone in your journey in National Service and in the SAF. As you embark on your service to Singapore, always be guided by the SAF Core Values and the Officer’s Creed. 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.

So once again, let me congratulate each and every one of you on your commissioning as Officers of the Singapore Armed Forces. I wish you all the very best in your future roles as leaders in the SAF and may the OCS motto "To Lead, To Excel, To Overcome" inspires you in everything that you do. Thank you.