Senior Minister of State for Defence recognises the contributions of National Service to Singapore's peace and security

Senior Minister of State for Defence Mr Ong Ye Kung (right) interacting with REC Ho Shin Jin (centre), a member of the batch of recruits training in BMTC during Mr Ong's visit to BMTC on 13 Oct 15, and REC Ho's family.

Senior Minister of State for Defence Mr Ong Ye Kung reviewed a Basic Military Training (BMT) Graduation Parade at the Marina Bay Floating Platform this morning. The graduating cohort comprised 4258 recruits from Basic Military Training Centre and from 4th Battalion, Singapore Infantry Regiment.

Speaking at the parade, SMS Ong acknowledged the contributions of previous generations of national servicemen to Singapore's defence. He said, 'The SAF is a professional, strong and credible armed force, well-respected around the world. It has been the bedrock of Singapore's defence and security for the past 50 years, and helped provide the safe and stable environment for us and our loved ones to live in, to grow up, to grow old in. These did not come about by chance. Rather, it was through the dedication, sacrifice and commitment to defence of all the national servicemen who have served NS.'

SMS Ong also affirmed the continued role that National Service played in securing Singapore's peace and security. Addressing the recruits, he said, 'It is important that you continue to carry the torch of Singapore's defence. Because the world we live in has become complex and uncertain. The threats today are different from the days when our pioneers had to defend Singapore. Just this month, 14 lives were lost in a shooting rampage in Southern California, USA. Last month, 130 lives lost in the coordinated terrorist attacks that took place in Paris. Hence, as soldiers and even more so as Singaporeans, we must all remain vigilant and strong as one people, to withstand and recover from any threats that might come our way.'

The Graduation Parade marked the completion of BMT. BMT aims to equip recruits with basic military skills and knowledge and instil in them a deeper sense of purpose in their service. Also present at the parade were family and friends of the newly graduated recruits.

SMS Ong presenting the Company Best Recruit award to REC Muhammad Ihsan Ruzaini Bin Mohd Swandi, the Company Best Recruit from Orion Company, Basic Military Training Centre School 2.

SMS Ong delivering his speech during the 04/15 Basic Military Training Graduation Parade.

The recruits reciting the Singapore Armed Forces pledge at the 04/15 Basic Military Training Graduation Parade.

The recruits tossing their jockey caps to mark the completion of their Basic Military Training.

More Resources

• Speech by Acting Minister for Education (Higher Education And Skills) & Senior Minister Of State, Ministry of Defence, Mr Ong Ye Kung, at the 04/15 BMT Graduation Parade, at The Float @ Marina Bay