A very good evening to you. Over the past few months, all of us have watched with great concern and some trepidation the unravelling of the old world order. This is not mere geopolitical theory, it is a matter affecting many millions of lives. It is especially salient for all of us here today.

We know that as a small country, an uncertain, unstable and unfriendly world signals a stormy tomorrow.

Many young people, including those who are graduating today, have grown up in the old-world order. A time of relative peace, predictability, rationality and prosperity.

The times have changed, the world order has changed, but today we can see that the men and women defending Singapore remain steadfast and will continue to bear true faith in their duty.

It is a great privilege to be with you here, as we celebrate this significant milestone, the beginning of a journey as Specialists and Military Experts of the SAF.

To our young people – I say, congratulations. I also thank you for your service. Over the past 22 weeks of rigorous training, you have demonstrated fortitude, commitment and resilience. You are now ready to take on the mantle of leadership.

A CHANGING WORLD ORDER

Your military leadership journey is beginning at a time when the world is experiencing tumultuous disruptions. Geopolitical landscapes are evolving rapidly. What used to be a global environment of cooperation, rules and stability has given way to a more fragmented, disorderly world, marked by great power rivalry and uncertainties in security, international relations and now even trade.

These shifts in the international order pose profound challenges for small nations like Singapore. It is no exaggeration to say that our very survival could be at stake.

A SINGAPORE WORTH DEFENDING

Let me remind us all here why Singapore is special and worth defending. First, according to international rankings conducted by the World Population Review, Singapore is one of the best places in the world to be born, ranking amongst the top

Last year, it ranked sixth – behind Switzerland, Australia, Norway, Sweden – and by one decimal point – Denmark. 10. Second, it is not just a good place to be born, it is a great place to grow up – regardless of race, language and religion. In the US News and World report, Singapore is one of the best countries in the world for racial equity. The same finding was in the World Justice Report. In 2023, Singapore was ranked third in the world after Finland and Estonia. US ranked 103 out of 140 countries.

Third, it is a good place to build a future and a meaningful life. In the ranking of Quality of Living in Cities conducted by Mercer, Singapore, a peculiarity for being both a country and a city –ranks 30 in the world, for its high quality of life, jointly placed with Adelaide, and ahead of Paris and London.

All these are reasons to feel proud of our little red dot, and to make common cause with one another, to defend and protect what we have.

THE CHANGING NATURE OF CONFLICT

It is not enough that Singapore is special. It is not enough that we are sovereign. We must always remember that we must ourselves defend Singapore. The ongoing war in Ukraine serves as a sobering reminder that small states will always be vulnerable to more powerful ones.

That is why we have invested in building up a strong and effective SAF and integrated the institution of National Service since the founding years of our nation, into our public life.

Our graduands today will serve in an SAF that is operationally ready and leverages on modern technology as a force multiplier. They will be deployed to various services and units across the SAF, whether Army, Air Force or Navy, reflecting the nature of the SAF as a Joint and integrated fighting force.

Beyond conventional warfare, the nature of conflict itself is changing. Contestation between states as well as threats from malicious non-state actors has extended beyond traditional kinetic realms into the digital and cyber domains. The SAF has evolved to meet these challenges.

Some of you here today will be joining the Digital and Intelligence Service, or DIS. Since its inception in 2022, DIS has rapidly grown in strength and capability to counter digital and cyber threats. Most recently, in March this year, DIS inaugurated two new commands – the SAF C4 and Digitalisation Command (or SAFC4DC), and the Defence Cyber Command (or D-C-COM).

The SAFC4DC will spearhead the SAF’s digital transformation. Meanwhile, DC-COM will safeguard our critical digital infrastructure and networks against the growing range of cyber threats, building resilience for services critical for the day-to-day functioning of our society as we become more networked and interconnected.

These significant and necessary developments signal the SAF’s commitment to keep innovating and developing new capabilities, to safeguard Singapore against emerging and future threats.

A CHARGE TO LEAD

Even as a strong and capable SAF seeks to leverage on modern technology to maximise its fighting ability, we must remember that the true strength of the SAF lies in our people. As leaders, it is now your responsibility to inspire those under your command.

As we commemorate SG60 and SAF60 this year, we must recognise that the stability, unity and progress we enjoy today are not by chance. They are a result of grit, sacrifice and dedication –by generations of Singaporeans who came before us. Within the SAF, many have walked the same path of duty, leadership, service and sacrifice – some for a lifetime, others for a season, as part of their duty to the nation with their various talents and capacities. Their collective legacy is woven into the fabric of our society and lives in all of us.

The responsibility to carry on this legacy now falls on you – our new generation of Specialists and Military Experts – as you develop, grow, and lead. You must continue to sharpen your skills and those of the men and women under your charge. Together, you will ensure that the SAF remains strong, capable, and ever ready to defend Singapore.

CONCLUSION

As we celebrate the achievements of our young leaders today, we must remember that they do not stand alone. They defend their families, friends and communities – they defend our country and nation.

I want to express my heartfelt thanks to the families and loved ones of our men and women in uniform. You have been a great source of strength and motivation throughout their journey. National Service is a part of every Singaporean’s life – it belongs not just to the men and women of the SAF, but to all who support them in their mission.

To our new Specialists and Military Experts – congratulations once again! I wish you the very best as you assume your new responsibilities and step forth into the exciting leadership journey before you.

With Pride We Lead!

Thank you.