Graduands of the 43/2019 Specialist Cadet Course,

Families and loved ones of our Graduands,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

A very good evening.

Introduction

Congratulations to the graduands on your successful completion of the Specialist Cadet Course. The strength and resilience that you have displayed over the past 22 weeks is truly commendable. You have earned the right to don the Chevrons on your sleeves, joining those before you to be trainers and leaders of the SAF. You now bear the responsibility and honour of leading your men and women to protect our sovereignty and safeguard our way of life. I have full confidence that you will rise to the challenge.

Current COVID Situation

We are living in unprecedented times, with the outbreak of COVID-19 around the world and in Singapore. Healthcare systems around the world have been severely tested, with some stretched to breaking point. Governments worldwide are fighting hard to stem the outbreak in their countries and manage the economic repercussions. This pandemic has far-reaching implications which can also threaten global peace and security.

The SAF has always played a key role in giving assurance and strength to our nation and our people, during difficult times. And the SAF has once again risen to the occasion in helping Singapore combat COVID-19. From the start, the SAF deployed personnel stepped up to install and man thermal scanners at the airports, packed and delivered millions of masks, and assisted in conducting health surveillance and contact tracing. In recent weeks, the SAF has deployed its personnel to help manage and take care of our migrant worker in their dormitories, and have made a real difference on the ground. Vacant facilities in SAF camps have also been prepared, in double quick time, to help house some of our migrant workers. These are meaningful and important efforts. I know that those involved have been working tirelessly for months. I would like to express my thanks for all of you in the SAF for your support of our national fight against COVID-19.

But even as we spare no effort in combating the pandemic, we must be clear that security and defending our homeland remains of the highest importance. Globally, armed conflict such as terrorism, civil wars, insurgencies and skirmishes, continue to result in hundreds of thousands of deaths each year. Though the majority of these conflicts are not in our immediate region, we must not be under the illusion that they will never happen here. Terrorists groups and others who would do us harm may see a window of opportunity, given the current focus on the pandemic, to strike. Closer to home, the range of maritime threats have also expanded and we have observed an increase in sea robbery incidences in the Singapore Straits.

I am therefore assured and heartened to see that the SAF continues to maintain a high level of operational readiness to defend Singapore's peace and security, even as it supports whole-of-government efforts against COVID-19. The SAF must continue to be strong, so that it can keep Singapore safe, and support Singaporeans through this testing period.

Leaders of the SAF

Today, as you assume the role of Leaders and Specialists, your responsibilities will increase many-fold. You will bear the responsibility of leading your soldiers to safeguard Singapore's sovereignty. You will be entrusted with the lives of your soldiers, to guide and shape them into men and women who will step up to defend Singapore. As leaders, you are expected to live up to high ethical standards and your soldiers will look up to you as role models. Train your soldiers hard, but always keep their safety and well-being as a top priority. Care for your soldiers, show concern for their needs, and gain their respect.

Closing

Graduands, today marks a celebratory milestone for you, a celebration of the hard work and perseverance that have brought you this far. It is also a day of gratitude, to express appreciation to your families and loved ones. I am sure that this is a proud moment for them as it is for you. Again, congratulations on completing your training and joining the ranks of the Specialists and Military Experts of the SAF. I trust that you will do your utmost to discharge our mission, and take care of the men and women under your charge. I wish you all the best in your leadership journey ahead.

Thank you.