Graduands of the 62/2024 Specialist Cadet Course,  

Parents, loved ones, and families, 

Leaders of the Singapore Armed Forces,

Ladies and gentlemen, 

INTRODUCTION 

A very good evening! I am delighted to join you today on this very special occasion, to celebrate a milestone achievement for the young men and women standing proudly in front of us on the parade square.

To all our graduands, my sincere congratulations, you have completed 22 weeks of demanding leadership training, you have been braving the elements, pushing yourself to the limit, and coming out stronger for it. You have demonstrated utmost commitment, determination, and courage, you have proven yourself ready to join the ranks of Specialists and Military Experts of the SAF and to lead your fellow servicemen and women in defending our nation. 

Safeguarding our National Interests 

You will be stepping into leadership roles at a critical time, when the global security landscape is increasingly complex and increasingly uncertain. The recent wars and violent conflicts in Europe and the Middle East have disrupted economies, destabilised societies, and torn families apart. Great power rivalries will intensify in the coming years and territorial disputes continue to simmer including those close to us in the Indo-Pacific. The nature of the threats has evolved and expanded beyond the kinetic realm, with cyberattacks, disinformation, and the exploitation of technologies such as AI and deepfakes are becoming more prevalent. 

Singapore is not insulated from these challenges. We rely heavily on international trade and this makes us particularly sensitive to global disruptions which can impact trade, economic partnerships, and supply chains. Security threats such as transnational terrorism and extremism can test the strength of Singapore’s multicultural fabric. While our high connectivity brings us many conveniences and many efficiencies, this high connectivity also exposes our critical infrastructure and it increases our vulnerability to malicious players who seek to manipulate public opinion and undermine trust in our institutions. 

In these times, we must remember that the peace and harmony that we enjoy here in Singapore as Singaporeans cannot be taken for granted, and this peace and harmony must be guarded carefully. We must continue to strengthen our pillars of Total Defence, under which a strong military is not just a safeguard for our nation’s security, but also a cornerstone for our resilience in this volatile and uncertain world. It is through the resolve and commitment of generations of SAF servicemen and women, that we can continue to stand firm against these challenges and protect the future of our nation. 

SAF is the Bedrock that our Nation is Built Upon 

2025 is a significant milestone for all of us; it marks 60 years of our independence, and as Singaporeans, we should feel proud and we do feel proud of how our small nation state has overcome the odds and made it so far. In this year of Singapore’s 60th birthday, we also commemorate SAF60. The story of the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) parallels the story of our country. We started with barely more than a thousand men, two infantry battalions, two wooden boats, and no air force. From there, we have built up the SAF, just as we have built up Singapore. Singapore has become a modern metropolis, and the SAF has become a modern armed force. In these 60 years of nation-building, the SAF has been instrumental in protecting Singapore against a wide variety of threats. The SAF has been defending our sovereignty and safeguarding our way of life. 

As Singapore has developed and prospered, the SAF has transformed. The SAF has done so to address shifts in the security landscape. Today, it is a professional and respected force, ready to respond across a wide spectrum of operations. We established the Digital and Intelligence Service defending Singapore’s digital space, but we have also continually looked forward, adapted, and enhanced our capabilities in our hardware and in our people. We have invested in realistic training facilities – SAFTI City and the Shoalwater Bay Training Area in Australia, making long-term investments in both conventional warfighting and hybrid capabilities. The SAF has been equipping our servicemen and women with these necessary competencies and experiences so that we can operate effectively across various scenarios. 

The SAF has strengthened its ability to execute many types of operations. At home, the SAF swiftly and effectively supported the national fight against COVID-19; outside our borders, the SAF demonstrated its operational readiness and has supported various humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) operations. For example, the most recent delivery of Singapore’s seventh tranche of humanitarian supplies to Gaza which was conveyed by the RSAF’s Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT).

A Leader of the People 

But, with all these, we must remember that at its core, the SAF's capabilities lie in its people. We need capable leaders in the SAF inspiring our people, rallying our people to the common cause of defending our homeland. To our young leaders who face a rapidly changing modern battlefield: you must be swift to recognise emerging threats; you must be proactive in seeking innovative solutions; you must counter unfamiliar challenges and accomplish your mission in better ways. You must also balance mission demands with empathy for the men and women under your charge, and do so deftly with skill and care. Leadership requires patience, unwavering dedication, and a selfless commitment of time and energy to both the mission and your people. 

Leadership has never been easy, and it will not be. You will give much of yourself, often without immediate recognition or reward, but take heart in knowing that your efforts will leave a profound and lasting impact on others. What you do will shape the future of the SAF and it will inspire those around you. Let your leadership be defined by compassion, by courage, and by commitment to the well-being of your people, as well as leading them towards the satisfaction of achieving their mission and outdoing themselves as they develop and grow under your leadership.

As you embark on this next phase of your journey as leaders, reflect on the rigour of your training, think about the challenges that tested your mettle, and how you rose to meet these challenges. Remember the impact that your commanders, your instructors, and your fellow cadets had on you. They cheered you on, they motivated you, and they kept you going in the toughest of times – they modelled what leadership can and should be. Now is your time to step into those shoes, drawing upon those lessons learned and drawing strength from the support that you received, and you will lead with pride. The responsibility of safeguarding Singapore’s security will weigh on your shoulders heavily, but I have every confidence that you are fully prepared to rise to that occasion. 

As we affirm the achievements of the young leaders today on the parade square, I would also like to thank the families and loved ones who have supported them throughout their leadership journey. Your support, your encouragement, and your understanding have been a tremendous source of strength and inspiration for our young leaders. Thank you for being part of this journey in nurturing the next generation of leaders of the SAF who stand proudly before us, and who are committed to protecting the honour and independence of our nation.  

Conclusion

Once again, my warmest congratulations to the graduands of the 62/24 Specialist Cadet Course. This day marks the beginning of a fulfilling journey, one where you will no doubt overcome adversity with your fighting spirit. 

With Pride We Lead!  

Thank you.