President Tony Tan Keng Yam reviewed a commissioning parade at the SAFTI Military Institute this evening, where a total of 499 cadets were commissioned as officers of the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF). These comprised 409 from the Army, 48 from the Navy and 42 from the Air Force.

Speaking at the parade, President Tan highlighted that Singapore's peace and stability was a result of our pioneers' foresight and the continued need to strengthen National Service. He said, "The early generations of SAF leaders built up the SAF into a modern fighting force so that a small country like Singapore can remain free in an uncertain world. It is now for us to decide how we want to shape the SAF and the institution of National Service so that Singapore can continue to remain strong and secure." President Tan also commended the SAF for its contribution to Singapore's nation-building in the last 50 years and ability to undertake a widened scope of operations. He said, "In recent years, the SAF has expanded its scope of operations, to be able to deter potential aggressors and address a wider range of challenges including terrorism, piracy and natural disasters." He reminded the graduands that as leaders, they have the important role of instilling in their soldiers a deep sense of purpose and mission in serving the nation. "Forge strong partnerships and build deep relationships with those under your command and across the SAF, so that the SAF is greater than the sum of your parts," he added.

The parade marked the completion of 38 weeks of rigorous training at the Officer Cadet School. The realistic training conducted during the course sharpened the cadets' combat, planning and leadership skills. The newly commissioned officers will go on to assume command, instructional or staff appointments in the SAF. Also present at the parade were Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen, senior Ministry of Defence officials and SAF officers, as well as families and friends of the newly commissioned officers.