Speeches
Speech by Minister of State, Ministry of Digital Development and Information and Ministry of Health, Ms Rahayu Mahzam at the 68/26 Specialist Cadet Graduation Parade on 20 Aug 2026
20 August 2026
Graduands of the 68/26 Specialist Cadet Course,
Distinguished Guests,
Families and Loved Ones,
Ladies and gentlemen,
A very good evening.
Today marks an important milestone. To our graduands, today is the culmination of months of demanding training, discipline and perseverance. You have been challenged physically and mentally. Along the way, you have learnt not only military skills, but also what it means to lead others.
As we celebrate this achievement, it is worth reflecting on today’s significance, both for the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) and for Singapore. Let me highlight three key points:
SINGAPORE’S SECURITY CANNOT BE TAKEN FOR GRANTED
Singapore enjoys peace, stability and prosperity today. But the security environment around us has become increasingly complex and unpredictable. Modern conflicts are no longer fought with conventional military means alone. New technologies such as autonomous and unmanned systems have changed the battlefield. Threats have also emerged in the cyberspace and in the information domain, where hostile actors have influenced societies and disrupted critical systems without firing a single shot.
For a small nation like Singapore, we cannot afford to assume that tomorrow will look like today. We must constantly prepare for challenges that may come in new and unexpected forms. That is why Singapore has, and will continue to, invest in cultivating a capable and credible Armed Forces.
Over many decades, the SAF has continually modernised its equipment, reviewed its doctrines, and refined its training. We have also worked closely with partners around the world to build trust, enhance interoperability, and contribute to regional stability.
These consistent efforts serve one purpose: to ensure that Singapore remains ready to deter threats, defend ourselves, and protect the peace and security that every Singaporean depends on.
NATIONAL SERVICE REMAINS THE CORNERSTONE OF SINGAPORE’S DEFENCE AND DETERRENCE.
While the SAF continues to evolve in its equipping, doctrine and training, one thing has remained constant: the SAF draws its greatest strength from its people.
Since 1967, National Service has formed the foundation of Singapore’s defence. It provides the scale, capability and operational readiness that allows the SAF to respond decisively whenever the nation calls.
Every generation of Singaporeans has carried this responsibility. Today, our National Servicemen continue to perform critical operational roles across the SAF, and we remain committed to reviewing our systems – such as service schemes, vocational requirements, and medical classification systems, so that our servicemen and women are well supported and given opportunities to contribute to their fullest potential.
National Service, however, does more than building military capability. It is also one of the most important institutions that brings Singaporeans together. All of you have come from different walks of life to serve, train, overcome hardship, and succeed together. Through these shared experiences, I am sure you have built trust, resilience and friendships that will last a lifetime.
These bonds strengthen not only our Armed Forces, but the very fabric of our Singaporean society. They remind us that our survival as a nation depends not only on military readiness, but also on the unity, resilience and shared identity of our people.
National Service draws its strength not only from those who serve, but from the society that stands behind them. Behind every Regular, NSF, and NSman are loved ones silently rooting for them – parents who worry, friends who encourage, employers who accommodate, and also fellow servicemen who devote themselves to developing the next generation.
This evening’s parade is therefore not only a celebration of our graduands. It is also to thank every parent, partner, sibling, friend, employer and trainer who has stood beside them throughout this journey. To all of you, thank you for your unwavering support and commitment to our enlistees in their National Service.
OUR SPECIALIST AND MILITARY EXPERTS FORM THE BACKBONE OF AN EVOLVING AND PROFESSIONAL SAF
Graduands, today you assume a responsibility that generations of Specialists and Military Experts have carried with pride.
Specialists and Military Experts are far more than technical experts or commanders of small units. You are the custodians of soldier fundamentals. You ensure that standards are upheld and that skills are mastered. And you ensure that every serviceman is trained to perform confidently and safely.
As warfare evolves, your role becomes even more important. You will combine professional mastery with innovation. You will turn plans into execution at the last mile. And every day, you will directly influence the readiness, confidence and fighting spirit of your soldiers, sailors, airmen and guardians to achieve the mission. It is through this sustained, day-to-day leadership that Specialists and Military Experts multiply the effectiveness of the SAF – demonstrated in the standards you enforce, the example you set, the decisions you make, and the people you develop.
It is heartening to know that many of you have already begun to perform this critical role during your leadership journey. Among the graduands today is Specialist Cadet Naing Min Htet from Infantry. During a particularly difficult overseas mission, Min Htet’s section had to hike across six kilometres of muddy and hilly terrain. The weather changed constantly between heavy rain and scorching heat, making the experience even more difficult. Despite these harsh conditions, Min Htet encouraged his teammates, kept his section’s spirits up with a positive attitude and humour, and took turns with his section to share the heavy load of their section stores and heavy weapons – eventually allowing the team to surmount the challenging terrain and complete their mission successfully.
Also among the graduands is Specialist Cadet Samuel Ng Peng Ray, an Air Defence Weapon Specialist. Reflecting on his journey, Samuel shared that one of the most important lessons he learned while at Air Force Training Command was the value of teamwork. While learning to operate the Aster 30 missile system, Samuel learned to work closely with others in a team of six personnel, each performing specialised roles. He had to learn to communicate effectively, clarify doubts efficiently, and support his team to complete their deployments and missions on time. He learned that no one can do it all alone. With the support of his instructors, he learned to leverage the support of his teammates and create a team dynamic that is larger than the sum of its parts. These examples remind us that leadership is not exercised only during major exercises or live operations. It is exercised in every-day experiences and interactions, and forms the basis of strong teams, an effective SAF, and oftentimes lifelong bonds.
Today, the rank you receive is therefore much more than recognition for completing a demanding course. It is a symbol of trust and confidence. The SAF trusts you to lead professionally and competently: to uphold standards; to take charge of your people’s training, well-being, and lives. Singapore trusts you to safeguard the peace, security and way of life that generations before you have worked so hard to build.
Never lose sight of what your new rank represents. Wear it with humility, carry it with professionalism, and always live up to the values you have learnt here in the Specialist Cadet School.
CONCLUSION
Graduands, today marks the end of your journey as cadets – and the beginning of your responsibility as leaders. The challenges ahead will continue to evolve, but the purpose of your service remains unchanged: to lead our people well, strengthen our Armed Forces, and safeguard Singapore for future generations.
Congratulations once again to every graduand. I wish you every success as you begin your service as Specialists and Military Experts of the Singapore Armed Forces.
With Pride We Lead!
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