Speeches
Speech by Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Digital Development and Information and Ministry of Health, Mr Tan Kiat How at the 66/25 Specialist Cadet Graduation Parade on 20 February 2026
20 February 2026
Graduands of the 66/25 Specialist Cadet Course,
Parents and loved ones of the Graduands,
Women and men of the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF),
Ladies and Gentlemen,
A very good evening.
Introduction
Today, we are still celebrating Chinese New Year, so I wish our Chinese friends who are celebrating the Year of the Horse a happy Chinese New Year. This evening also marks the second day of the fasting month for our Muslim friends. I wish them a blessed Ramadan. I am happy to be here this evening, especially with such lovely weather this evening. 30 years ago, I passed out from cadet school. Standing here, speaking to you brings back many memories.
Today’s graduation parade marks the culmination of 22 weeks of rigorous training. Over a thousand of you stand proud and ready to carry on the important work that generations of leaders before you have done - keeping Singapore safe and secure.
Relevance of Leadership in Today’s Security Environment
So many things have changed over the last 30 years. We live in a more dangerous and uncertain world. Armed conflicts between and within nation states, including in our region, are stark reminders that the peace and stability that we enjoy in Singapore today cannot be taken for granted.
We are also dealing with more sophisticated threats from cyber-attacks, financial and supply chain disruptions, to the misuse of Artificial Intelligence, or AI, for harmful purposes. These threats are no less dangerous than physical ones and can do irreparable damage to our economy and society. In such a troubled world, the SAF plays an even more instrumental role in standing between our people and those who wish us harm.
The SAF has not stood still since its formation 60 years ago. It has continuously transformed itself, building new capabilities and honing its operational readiness. For instance, in unmanned aerial systems, the SAF has set up drone and counter-drone operations, and incorporated this training as part of Basic Military Training, or BMT. Last year, the SAF launched the Defence Cyber Command and the Command, Control, Communications, Computer (C4) & Digitalisation Command to tackle cyber security threats.
At the heart of these advanced systems is not the technology, but the disciplined and dedicated teams that operate them. Teams comprising individuals with the skills and conviction to discharge their duties, led by courageous, capable and caring leaders.
Starting today, you will be stepping into those shoes to lead these teams. Your responsibility will be to inspire, motivate and fight alongside them. Your leadership matters.
Your Leadership Shapes NS Experiences
National Service is not just a rite of passage, of boys to men. It is a deep, sacred commitment across generations of Singaporeans to defend our home and our way of life. Each cohort of Singaporeans has stepped up to do so, stood in their place, and faithfully carried out their duties, so that fellow Singaporeans may live in peace and pursue their dreams.
It is your turn to do so. You will be joining the ranks of Specialists and Military Experts who have come before you, to form the backbone of the SAF. Each of you is entrusted with this important duty. You are leaders who translate intent into action, uniting your team members to be a cohesive fighting unit. To be a good leader requires each of us to start from having the humility to understand our strengths and weaknesses, and to step out of our comfort zone, so that we are continuously striving to do better.
For example, Third Sergeant Kam Chia Yee. When she began her Basic Military Training, she lacked confidence and had a fear of public speaking. In BMT and Specialist Cadet Course, she made good friends that supported her. With the encouragement from her instructors, she grew in confidence and competence. Today, she stands ready to lead her team as a Satellite Communications Specialist.
Another example is Third Sergeant Brennan Martin who was naturally quiet and kept to himself at the start. Over the course of his training, Brennan gradually forged close friendships with people from different backgrounds. Today, he is proud and ready to lead teams as a Naval Warfare Systems Expert.
Each of our graduands standing on the parade square here today have their own story, like Chia Yee and Brennan. I encourage all of you to never stop learning and to build teams that never stop growing.
Support From Families and Loved Ones
I would like to also take the opportunity to thank the families and loved ones who have stood by our graduands. Your support was an essential part of their National Service (NS) experience. Today’s milestone is as much for you, as well as for them. Please give yourselves a round of applause as well. Thank you so much for your support for our graduands and thank you so much for your support for National Service.
I would also like to thank the instructors and trainers for their dedication in nurturing the next generation of leaders. Please give them a round of applause.
Conclusion
In conclusion, I congratulate all graduands on achieving this important milestone. Each of you has different life experiences and may hold different beliefs and aspirations. You reflect the diversity that is Singapore. Yet there is immense strength in this diversity. The men and women that you lead will also be diverse. You must harness this strength; to do so requires those that you lead to trust that you know what you are doing, that you are fair, and that, most importantly, you care for them.
Trust and respect do not come from the rank you wear. They are earned by your values and actions, every single day, even when no one is watching, and I must add, especially when no one is watching you. Women and men that you lead expect this from you, and likewise, you must ask the same of those that you give your respect and trust to. This must be our DNA in Singapore, so that we can continue to be meritocratic and exceptional.
In conferring these ranks upon you, the SAF and Singapore are saying: We trust you. Now, it is up to you to earn the trust and respect of those you lead. I have every confidence that you will rise to this responsibility.
With Pride, We Lead!
Thank you.
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