30 Years of Total Defence: Because You Played A Part

Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen meeting with survivors of World War II Mr L M Mani (extreme left), and Mr Alan Wong (extreme right), as well as Mr Daljeet Singh (second from right), who fought for Singapore during Konfrontasi.

Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen today graced the Total Defence (TD) interactive exhibition - TD 30: An Experiential Showcase - as well as launched the TD commemorative book "Because You Played A Part" at the National Museum of Singapore.

At the launch, Dr Ng recounted stories of Singaporeans who were survivors of the Japanese Occupation during World War II (WWII), victims and family members of victims of the Konfrontasi, as well as those who have contributed to military efforts against the Konfrontasi, and said that they were reminders of the heavy price to pay if we were unable to defend ourselves. Dr Ng also highlighted how Singapore today was the result of Singaporeans' contributions. He said, "The message that we want to send out to Singaporeans is that everyone has a role and everyone needs to play a role in Total Defence. I am very glad today too that there are many Singaporeans who have put Total Defence in action." Referring to the coverage by the Straits Times as well as Channel News Asia's documentary "Days of Rage" on Konfrontasi, Dr Ng said that the media played an important role in helping Singaporeans "remember our past and from whence we came".

Dr Ng also met Singaporeans who had survived the Japanese Occupation during WWII and the Konfrontasi, as well as Singaporeans whose stories were featured in the commemorative book and TD interactive exhibition. One such person was Mr L M Mani, who shared his story of how he survived World War II and subsequently volunteered with the Singapore Naval Volunteer Reserve to protect his fellow men and women during Konfrontasi. Dr Ng, who was accompanied by Minister of State for Defence Dr Mohamad Maliki Bin Osman, Permanent Secretary (Defence) Mr Chan Yeng Kit, Chief of Defence Force Lieutenant-General (LG) Ng Chee Meng, Chief of Army Major-General (MG) Ravinder Singh, Chief of Navy RADM Ng Chee Peng and senior officials from other Ministries, also visited the displays of civil defence and Singapore Armed Forces equipment.

TD 30: An Experiential Showcase features interactive exhibits and stories of Total Defence in action while the commemorative book contains stories of how Singaporeans have contributed to TD in their own ways. These were specially put together to underscore this year's TD campaign theme "30 years of TD: Because You Played a Part" to thank Singaporeans for having played a part over the years to make Singapore safe and secure.

In addition, the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) commemorated Total Defence Day this evening at the War Memorial Park with a wreath-laying ceremony and a Weapons Presentation Parade for the recruits of Third Battalion Singapore Guards. The timing of the ceremony coincided with the signing of the surrender document at 6.20pm on 15 Feb 1942, when Singapore fell to the Japanese in World War II. Speaking about the significance of the event, LG Ng said, "My generation stood up to defend the Singapore we love, just as my father's generation did. Today, I am happy to see my children's generation doing the same. Total Defence remains relevant in all the five aspects and our SAF stands ever ready to secure our peace and security." Also present at the commemoration event were MG Ravinder, RADM Ng, Chief of Air Force MG Hoo Cher Mou, senior SAF officers, as well as families and friends of the recruits. Acting Minister for Manpower BG(NS) Tan Chuan-Jin, attended as a former Commanding Officer of Third Battalion Singapore Guards.

Total Defence Day is held annually on 15 February to mark the day Singapore fell to the Japanese during World War II in 1942. It reminds us that we cannot take our defence and security for granted and that everyone has a part to play in defending our country.

Dr Ng, accompanied by Director Nexus COL Roland Ng (extreme left) receiving a brief while touring the Total Defence exhibition.

Dr Ng giving a speech during the 2014 Total Defence Day Commemoration Event.

Chief of Defence Force Lieutenant-General Ng Chee Meng (second from right) and Recruit (REC) Nicodemes Yeo Jun Jie (extreme right) witnessing the laying of the SAF wreath at the SAF Total Defence Day Commemoration Event at the War Memorial Park.

REC Sakthivel (left) receiving his SAR 21 rifle from Commanding Officer, Third Battalion Singapore Guards Lieutenant-Colonel Joseph Lin (right) during the Weapons Presentation Parade at the SAF Total Defence Day Commemoration Event at the War Memorial Park.

Minister with the survivors and family members of the victims of World War II and Konfrontasi, as well as some of the Singaporeans featured in the 2014 Total Defence Commemorative Book.

More Resources

Fact Sheet: TD30: An Experiential Showcase and Supporting Events

Fact Sheet: Partners' Support for the 2014 Total Defence Campaign (TD 2014)

Fact Sheet: TD 2014 ''Thank You'' Card Movement