Speech by Senior Minister of State (Prime Minister's Office, Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Ministry of Transport), Mrs Josephine Teo, at the 28/2016 Specialist Cadet Graduation Parade

Graduands of the 28/2016 Specialist Cadet Course,
Parents, Grandparents, Ladies and Gentlemen

A good evening.

Last night as most of us were unwinding from the day, we received the sad news that our former president Mr S R Nathan had passed away peacefully at age 92. As life stories go, few can match Mr Nathan's in his variety and ambitions. In his distinguished public service career, he had been a social worker, a unionist, a security chief and a diplomat. From the most humble of beginnings, he became Singapore's longest serving President. In all of these roles, Mr Nathan was driven by a deep sense of duty, a true son of Singapore. He could never bring himself to refuse any assignment that was in service of our nation, however challenging or dangerous. Whether it was to help bring some order to a chaotic labour movement or to accompany hijackers to Kuwait in exchange for the release of hostages. As we observed the minute of silence earlier, we reflected on his exemplary life. We cannot help but be inspired by his perseverance to always rise above the seemingly insurmountable battles. As Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said, this was a story of how a young boy strove to triumph over his circumstances and made a contribution to society. On this beautiful evening, as we mark the graduation of the 1,173 fine young Singaporeans standing before us on the parade square, Mr Nathan's life story reminds us of the promise and potential that lies in each one of you. Every single one of you.

Less than six months ago, you were newly-minted Privates. After 22 weeks of rigorous training, with determination and fighting spirit, you have successfully completed the Specialist Cadet Course. To all of you, you have earned the right to wear the chevron that sets you apart as a Specialist of the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF). It is an honour and an affirmation of our nation's trust and confidence in you. From today, you are tasked to serve our nation as a leader. That is both recognition of your abilities and also a call to uphold the values that has kept our nation strong. You are called to upkeep a high level of proficiency and sharpness in combat skills. You are called to exercise your leadership to organise your people and inspire them to be the best they can be. You are called to be ever ready to lead your soldiers to battle to protect our families, and secure Singapore, our homeland. Your role as leaders has come at a crucial time. In peaceful Singapore, it is sometimes hard to imagine that our security environment is under threat. And yet, when you look at the seemingly unending chain of terrorist activities around the world, we must recognise the real reality that wars are no longer confined to the traditional battlefield. Terror can strike anywhere, at any time, when or where you least expect. Terrorist groups and "lone wolf" individuals have brought the battle closer to us than ever before. They advocate violence as a means to challenge and disrupt our everyday lives, in everyday places - whether we are at a shopping centre, visiting a place of worship or enjoying a meal at a restaurant.Our immediate neighbours - Indonesia and Malaysia - have not been spared from such attacks. Singapore too has been targeted. Recently, Indonesian authorities arrested a terrorist cell plotting to launch rockets against targets in Marina Bay. This is not the first planned attack against Singapore by a terrorist group, and it will not be the last.How do we respond to such threats? Should an attack succeed, will Singaporeans stand together and join hands to fight the war on terror? As Specialists and leaders in the SAF, can Singaporeans count on you to react professionally to restore confidence? That will be the true test of your mettle.

You have demonstrated competency in warfighting skills and your ability to lead. This assures us, your fellow citizens, that the SAF is operationally ready and a credible fighting force. Most importantly, I am thankful for your heart to serve. Singapore and all our people will depend on you to keep us safe, secure, and strong in the years ahead.To the many family and friends of the graduands who have turned up in full force to show your support. Thank you for giving them the sense of purpose that our graduands needed to come this far. As Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen had said, "A strong SAF is not built on hopes and aspirations alone…The SAF can only be as strong as the support and commitment it receives from our people…" That means, we, the families and friends. So let us all, hand in hand, with hearts as one, commit ourselves once more to Singapore. I am confident that the SAF will do everything in its power to protect Singapore and Singaporeans. Likewise, I have no doubt that each one of you will do whatever it takes to defend our home, our families, our way of life, in the same way our late former President Mr S R Nathan stood up for Singapore and our fellow Singaporeans for time and again. Remember, WITH PRIDE WE LEAD

Thank you.