Speeches
Speech by Minister of State, Ministry of Social and Family Development and Ministry of Home Affairs, Mr Goh Pei Ming at the 67/25 Specialist Cadet Graduation Parade on 21 May 2026
21 May 2026
Graduands of the 67/25 Specialist Cadet Course,
Parents and loved ones of our Graduands,
Men and women of the Singapore Armed Forces,
Ladies and gentlemen,
A very good evening.
I am very happy to be back here today with the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF), the organisation that I served for more than two decades. The SAF taught me much of what I know, shaped me with the values I live by, and inspired me to continue serving Singapore in a different capacity. I hope our graduands standing proudly today on parade will also find meaning and inspiration from serving Singapore and keeping Singaporeans safe.
Today, I am honoured to be here to mark a very significant milestone. To our graduands, this parade marks the culmination of 22 weeks of rigorous training, which stretched your physical endurance, mental resilience, and leadership potential. Today, you stand ready to take on the responsibilities as Specialists and Military Experts in the SAF. The ranks you are about to receive symbolise not just the completion of your training, but the SAF’s confidence in you to lead in the defence of Singapore.
THE SAF REMAINS READY TO RISE TO ANY CHALLENGES
You are stepping up to the mantle at a time when the global security situation is becoming increasingly complex and uncertain. Modern conflicts on the battlefield are no longer confined to conventional tactics. Instead, they are now fought across physical and digital domains. At the same time, the proliferation of low-cost, commercially available technologies has changed the texture and character of warfare. Capabilities such as drones and cyber tools are now accessible to a wider range of actors. These developments have compelled us to rethink fundamental assumptions of warfare.
The SAF has responded by transforming the way we train and operate. Training today emphasises adaptability, resilience, and technological competence. For example, all recruits now begin drone training during Basic Military Training (BMT), and this training continues in the command schools and units. This ensures that our servicemen and women are familiar with emerging technologies.
Beyond training, the SAF has demonstrated readiness through real-world operations. Over the past year, our servicemen and women have executed Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) missions in Myanmar and the Gaza Strip, providing aid to communities affected by various crises. More recently, our personnel also supported the repatriation of Singaporeans stranded overseas due to the Middle East conflict. At the same time, the SAF has defended Singapore against less visible but equally serious threats. You may have heard of the UNC3886 threat – that is one example of how our cyber defenders have worked hard as part of our Whole-of-Government effort to protect our critical information infrastructure from cyber-attacks.
These operations reflect the SAF’s enduring commitment to defend Singapore and our way of life. The challenges we face will continue to evolve, but our responsibility remains unchanged. The SAF must remain ready to respond swiftly and decisively whenever are called upon. This is the environment in which you are assuming leadership. The SAF will rely on you, our next generation of Specialists and Military Experts, to navigate this fragmented and fast-changing world.
SPECIALISTS: THE BACKBONE OF OUR FIGHTING FORCE
As Specialists and Military Experts, you occupy a critical position within the SAF. You are the bridge between the officers and troops, translating intent into action and plans into results on the battleground. You will lead small teams, train them, and ensure their welfare is taken care of. Your leadership directly shapes the SAF’s operational readiness and effectiveness, as well as the experiences of the men and women under your charge. For many, you will be their most immediate and influential role model.
The SAF draws its strength not only from advanced platforms or sophisticated systems. These are important enablers, but they do not fight on their own, nor are they the entirety of the SAF. Our true strength lies in our people – the professionalism, resilience, and commitment of our people. As Specialists and Military Experts, you will be entrusted with responsibilities. You will lead peers and subordinates in demanding conditions. You will make decisions under pressure, and you will set the standards for discipline and professionalism. You are expected to embody the SAF’s eight core values in all your actions, whether during training, operations, or administration.
Therefore, the ranks you are about to don are not merely symbols. They embody the trust that the SAF has placed in you – the trust that you will inspire confidence in and care for every serviceman and woman under your charge, and the trust that you will act decisively to protect Singapore and safeguard our sovereignty when called upon.
Leadership is not defined by rank. It is defined by how you discharge your duties, and influence those serving with you. Your soldiers will watch how you conduct yourselves, how you treat others, and how you respond in moments of difficulty. Through your actions, you will shape attitudes and values.
NATIONAL SERVICE: A DUTY TO THE NATION, DRIVEN BY WHAT WE HOLD DEAR
At the heart of today’s parade is National Service. National Service is not simply an obligation – it is a national institution that unites Singaporeans from all walks of life and represents our shared commitment to defend Singapore. Regardless of race, language, or religion, every soldier, sailor, airman, and guardian stands shoulder to shoulder in service to Singapore.
As you reach the end of your 22-weeks training, marked by the blood, sweat, and tears that you have shared, I hope you will recall fondly the shared memories you have built here, and the bonds, trust, and camaraderie you have forged. The challenges that you have faced, the hardships that you have endured, and the ties that you have forged will have prepared you well, not just as leaders, but as citizens committed to the defence of our nation. This is your common identity, rooted in the resilience and sacrifice in you.
Today is also a moment to acknowledge those who have made your journey possible. Your instructors and trainers have demanded high standards and invested deeply in your development. Their dedication is reflected in the competence and confidence that you display today. We also want to recognise your families and loved ones who supported you throughout this demanding period. They stood by you, they encouraged you, and they shared in your sacrifices. Their support is an integral part of your journey, and today’s achievement is as much theirs as it is yours.
Please join me in a round of applause for all of them – your instructors, your trainers, your family members, and your loved ones.
As you don your new ranks, always remember why you serve. It is for Singaporeans – for the family and loved ones who have supported you. They are the reason why you train hard, stand guard, and remain ever ready. Carry this conviction with you throughout your service. Our nation’s strength is built on this exact dedication of its sons and daughters, and your service is a promise that we will continue to protect what we hold dear.
CONCLUSION
Graduands of the 67/25 SCGP, today you join the ranks of Specialists and Military Experts who form the backbone of a strong SAF. The leadership journey ahead will be demanding, but it will also be extremely meaningful. Serve with professionalism, lead with integrity, and remain steadfast in your commitment to Singapore.
With Pride, We Lead!
Thank you.
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