The Evolution and History of Total Defence over the Past 40 Years

History of Total Defence

The Beginnings of Total Defence (TD). Adapted from Sweden and Switzerland, our concept of TD was first introduced on 22 Jan 1984 as "the national defence concept" that rallies all Singaporeans behind the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF), should we face a military threat in a conventional war scenario. TD was also envisioned to build up in peacetime the people's determination to stand up for Singapore under all circumstances through its core of Psychological Defence.

Evolution of TD as a National Response

TD has played a critical role in rallying and maintaining support from all Singaporeans, so that we have a united response against challenges that threaten Singapore's well-being and independence. At the core of our TD is the message that every Singaporean has a part to play to protect Singapore and our shared way of life. This fundamental message remains relevant, even as threats continue to evolve and narratives get refreshed.

War. In the early years from the 1980s to 1990s, TD was strategised to rally the nation behind the SAF and national conscription in the event of a conventional war or external aggression. The establishment of the Advisory Council on Community Relation in Defence (ACCORD) led efforts to remind employers and national servicemen on the need for a strong Military Defence by rendering social support, and educated the public on the need for civil resource mobilisation in times of crises. Through TD, it was emphasised that the security of Singapore and a formidable defence force depended not only on its Regulars but also on the commitment of its National Servicemen with the support of the entire nation.

Terrorism and SARS. Following the event of 9/11, TD provided a framework to deal with conventional and non-conventional threats that enabled the nation to bounce back from crises as one people, confident and strong. The concept where everyone had a part to play was applied as an all-round response to all kinds of threats and crises, such as terrorism and SARS, which also necessitated a shift towards personal reflection and conviction. TD was thematised as "United We Stand" in 2003 and saw Singaporeans through the SARS or H1N1 avian flu pandemic, a situation largely similar to what Singapore recently experienced with the outbreak of Covid-19. Under trying circumstances, Singapore implemented quarantine measures, vaccinated people, carried out contact tracing, strived to keep our air and sea ports open and helped businesses continue functioning.

Hybrid Warfare. In more recent years, the nature of threats and conflict have constantly evolved, making it increasingly difficult to predict when and where the next crisis could take place, and what form it would take. Threats outside the conventional military domain like terrorism, cyberattacks and fake news weaken societal cohesion and resilience. Increasing diversity creates new potential fault lines and reliance on social media for news increases our vulnerability to misinformation. In 2015, Defence Minister Dr Ng Eng Hen drew attention to the term "hybrid warfare", describing it as the integration of conventional and unconventional tools of warfare by both states and non-state actors. Today, TD focuses on actions that individuals and communities can take to strengthen their personal resilience, and in doing so strengthen the nation against a range of hybrid threats, including emerging and new threats such as disinformation campaigns.

Covid-19 Pandemic. The outbreak of Covid-19 in Singapore has also showed the continued relevance of TD in rallying Singaporeans to support each other, and collectively overcome crises. The SAF, Home Team and healthcare workers responded swiftly when they were activated at short notice to react to the spread of virus in early 2020. Approximately 6,700 MINDEF/SAF personnel were mobilised and deployed across a wide range of national taskforces and operations, such as leading contact tracing operations, caring for migrant workers in dormitories, providing logistical support, converting and managing SAF camps as community recovery facilities, and providing medical care to recovering patients. Countless selfless initiatives by organisations, individuals and community groups provided assistance to the less fortunate and many showed appreciation to our frontline healthcare workers, extending across lines of race and religion and showing that our social unity is resilient in such challenging times. From Grab drivers volunteering to ferry healthcare workers or the community coming together to sew masks for the less fortunate, Singaporeans came together and made contributions in different ways, putting TD in action.

TD Themes and Posters

TD Themes. The posters below reflect the evolving narratives of TD since 1984, from rallying behind the SAF to addressing threats like terrorism and encouraging Singaporeans to play a part and put TD into action in their daily lives. The theme of TD campaign since 2016 has been "Together We Keep Singapore Strong".

TD Logo

TD Logo Design Public Competition in 1985. The first TD logo, in the familiar shape of a hand, was the winning entry of a competition organised by the Ministry of Defence back in 1985. The guidelines were to design a logo that would depict the first TD theme, "There's a part for everyone in the TD of Singapore". In the course of two months, over 1,700 logo designs were submitted. After a public voting from more than 20,000 members of the public, freelance graphic designer Berwin See won the competition.

Did You Know?

The TD Logo went through several refreshes over the last 35 years. Spot the subtle changes over the years!

There's a part for everyone - Original Logo

1985 - There's a part for everyone

Original Logo

2009 - It's personal. Play your part.

The logo refreshed for the 25th anniversary of TD. The edges were rounded to give a softer feel. The new theme reflects the personal stake in TD and encourages Singaporeans to embrace TD in their daily lives.

2016 - Together We Keep Singapore Strong

The logo was updated with the new TD theme.  

2017 - Together We Keep Singapore Strong

The TD Logo was refreshed to have a more updated 3D look. It includes a slight metallic sheen that conveys the message of strength and resilience in all of us, i.e., "the steel within us". The crescent and stars were rotated to an upright position, similar to our flag, and black font was used for a greater contrast with the red TD logo.

2020

With the introduction of Digital Defence, a TD Logo Design Competition was held from July to September 2019 in search of a new TD logo. Over 30,000 members of the public voted for their favourite design out of ten shortlisted ones from November to December 2019. This is the first time the TD logo is revamped since its introduction 35 years ago.

The meaning of the current TD logo designed by Ms Samantha Teng. The six arrows in the logo represent the six pillars of TD. The tight triangle formation of six arrows pointing in the same upward direction signifies Singaporeans working together to achieve the common objective of safeguarding Singapore's security and way of life. It also reflects Singaporeans' resilience and determination to keep progressing together in an ever-changing world. The crescent moon and five stars and the colours of red and white, are elements from the National Flag. Red stands for universal brotherhood and equality of man. White symbolises pervading and everlasting purity and virtue. The crescent moon represents a young nation on the ascendant, and the five stars depict Singapore's ideals of democracy, peace, progress, justice and equality. Taken as a whole, the logo symbolises all Singaporeans playing their part in TD to safeguard our future.

TD40 logo. 2024 marks 40 years of TD in Singapore, since it was first introduced in 1984. To mark this milestone, a new logo has been created for the use of all TD-related activities in 2024. The numeral "40" is added to the existing logo, symbolising 40 years of TD. Ribbons, symbolising solidarity and celebration, are used in the styling of the number "40" and to represent the collaboration and cooperation of each and every Singaporean to ensure the safety, security, and strength of Singapore.

TD Icons. Other than the TD Logo, the TD pillars are also represented by their individual icons. These visual cues for the original five TD pillars were co-created with then student-designer, Ms Wong May Ching from Temasek Polytechnic in 2005.

2005 - Original TD Icons

2018 - Refreshed TD Icons 2018

The icons were updated to include a shield with a metallic sheen to adopt a consistent branding with the refreshed TD logo.

2019 - Digital Defence Icon

A new Digital Defence icon was added in 2019 with the addition of a new sixth pillar of TD.