Without a strong defence, Singapore could not have had the economic security to progress from a Third World City to First in the past 50 years. Our founding leaders and pioneer generation believed this with all their heart. They had experienced being subjects under British rule, then as prisoners during the Japanese Occupation. They saw how saboteurs during the Communist threat and Konfrontasi brought violence and destruction to helpless Singaporeans. Others reaped what our pioneers had sown and destroyed what they had built. Therefore when Singapore became independent, our pioneers were determined that Singapore should be able to defend itself and formed the SAF. But, as our nation was poor, the new SAF did not have planes, tanks or modern ships. Even basic items like radio sets and personal equipment were rudimentary. But SAF's pioneer commanders and soldiers made up for what they lacked in modern machinery with their stout hearts, determination and courage. Every male citizen and PR has, since, been called to do their duty to protect our homeland through National Service. Government leaders committed significant resources to build up the SAF year after year.

Today, all these efforts have built up the SAF into a modern professional force, to be among the best militaries in Asia, capable of deterring aggression and defending Singapore. Over the past 50 years, the SAF has given strength to this nation. When called upon to protect our interests and citizens, the SAF has responded readily and effectively. The SAF rescued the passengers of SQ117 from foreign hijackers in 1991, assisted the nation to fight the SARS virus outbreak in 2003 and protected Singaporeans during the haze in 2013. Recently, it flew to Nepal and brought back Singaporeans stranded after the earthquake. The SAF has also been at the forefront of national events, including the National Day Parade every year and most recently during the state funeral of our late founding Prime Minister Mr Lee Kuan Yew. In addition, the SAF has contributed to international security operations, including in Afghanistan, Iraq and the Gulf of Aden, showing our commitment to a safer and more secure world. 

A strong SAF has been built by the sweat and toil of successive generations of men and women. A new generation must now continue this task of keeping the SAF strong, committed, capable and able to deal with new and more complex security threats. The SAF must build new capabilities, strengthen our networks and fight as an integrated force. We will have to constantly challenge our thinking, innovate and be able to do more against the odds.

While we continue to build a strong SAF, the ultimate strength of the SAF lies in the unity and resolve of our SAF soldiers and citizens. The SAF is thankful for the full support of Singaporeans. In turn, as we recite the SAF pledge today, let us re-affirm our unwavering commitment to protect them, defend our home and our way of life; to serve proudly and keep Singapore safe as we perform our duties with honour and to the best of our abilities. In doing so, each of us will give strength to our nation.

Dr Ng Eng Hen
Minister of Defence