Graduands of the 36/2018 Specialist Cadet Course,
Parents and loved ones of our Graduands,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

First, a very good evening to one and all. It is a great honour for me to join all of you here at the Leader's Square on this very special evening. To the young men standing proudly on the parade square, today marks the end of twenty-two weeks of rigorous training for you. From today onwards, you are Specialists of the Singapore Armed Forces. Don your chevron rank with pride, and bear the solemn and heavy responsibility of leading, nurturing, and inspiring the men and women under your command to give their best in the defence of Singapore. I have full confidence that the training that you have received will enable you to rise to the challenge. 

SINGAPORE'S DEFENCE IN THE HANDS OF A CAPABLE SAF

The task of defending Singapore today remains as sacred and as critical as it did 53 years ago, when Singapore first became independent. Earlier this month, Singapore celebrated National Day. Singaporeans were wowed by the spectacular aerial display as well as the courage of the naval divers and the Red Lions. Less visible to Singaporeans were our soldiers, sailors and airmen, who were watching over Singapore from their posts. We are only able to celebrate National Day, year after year, because of the decades of hard work, sacrifice and commitment by generations of National Servicemen who have helped build the SAF and Singapore to what it is today. In 1965, the fledgling Singapore Armed Forces consisted only of two Infantry battalions, two wooden ships, and no warplanes. Today, the Third Generation SAF is a technologically advanced and integrated fighting force, capable of a full spectrum of operations. 

Just two months ago, the SAF stood up at very short notice for the DPRK-USA Singapore Summit. Singapore's ability to provide a safe and secure environment was one of the key reasons why it was chosen as a venue. This highly anticipated global event was successfully organised amidst challenges. For one, the Summit's location was open information. To ensure a safe and secure environment, our soldiers were deployed to secure vital areas on the ground, while fighter aircraft and naval ships patrolled the air and sea. The Summit was successfully conducted at short-notice because, on a daily basis, our soldiers consistently undergo rigorous training and hone their operational processes. Most importantly, it proceeded smoothly due to detailed preparation, and the hard work of our soldiers on the ground, led by capable leaders. The successful completion of this mission gives us confidence that the SAF can always be counted on to defend and protect the sovereignty and independence of our nation.

The SAF has also adapted itself to respond to emerging and non-conventional threats - such as those posed by terrorism and cyberattacks. The threat of terrorism is at its highest since the September 11 attacks. Between 2000 and 2015, the number of terrorist incidents around the world increased exponentially, by 800%. In 2017, over 25,000 people died from terrorist attacks worldwide. Singapore has also uncovered several cases of self-radicalised Singaporeans, with over 30 Singaporeans being issued restriction and detention orders under the Internal Security Act (ISA) over the last decade. In response, the SAF and the Home Team stand ready to jointly respond to such threats to our home. Recognising that terrorism is a threat that has to be neutralised at source, the SAF has also supported the multinational Defeat-ISIS coalition. 

Cyberattacks are also an emerging threat. Many of you would have heard about the recent cyberattack on SingHealth, where the records of 1.5 million patients, including that of our Prime Minister, were hacked. The incident was deliberate, sophisticated, and targeted. It was unprecedented in scale and impact. And it will not be the last. Singapore remains a highly attractive target for cyberattacks. These threats do not respect sovereign boundaries, and can range from hacktivist attacks to advanced persistent threats that involve long-term planning and sophisticated techniques, and can be carried out with a high degree of anonymity. MINDEF and the SAF have therefore invested heavily in building capabilities to defend our networks and systems against these malicious actors. To strengthen our responses to cyber threats, the SAF C4 Command and Cyber Defence Group were inaugurated last year to keep watch over the SAF's systems. The SAF will also need to tap on the expertise of its people effectively and efficiently as it gears up to meet cybersecurity challenges. To this end, the Cyber NSF scheme was also launched this year to tap on the full-time National Servicemen (NSF) pool so as to employ the nation's best resources to defend against cyberattacks.

THE UNCHANGING COMMITMENT OF ITS PEOPLE

The SAF has gone from strength to strength amidst a complex and evolving security landscape. However, what has not changed is the quality and commitment of its people. Indeed, our people's commitment to defence and to Singapore has been the firm foundation on which a strong SAF has been built. The sacred duty of our country's defence has been passed on from generation to generation. Decade after decade since our Independence, generations of NSFs and NSmen have served faithfully, dutifully, and sacrificially. 

I charge all of you to stay focused on the mission of protecting Singapore. You will need to always remain aware and sensitive to our security environment so as to adapt to changes and respond decisively. All of you have a stake in our country and in protecting our way of life. The baton has now been passed to you to serve our country with pride and honour. When called upon, you must be ready to rise to the occasion and defend our country and our people.

LEADING YOUR MEN

As leaders in the SAF, your role extends beyond the battlefield to winning the hearts and minds of your soldiers. It is your duty to help the soldiers you lead understand why we need a strong defence, and why their commitment to our nation's defence is critical. 

You are to be role models to your soldiers. They will come from diverse backgrounds, with different beliefs, personalities, priorities and concerns. To lead by example, you must first earn their respect. Be compassionate, humble, and care for your men and women. Always have their best interests at heart. Train them hard and train them safely. Give them the support and encouragement they need, even as you demand the very highest standards. You will face difficulties and be challenged at times. But trust the training that you have been given, look to your leaders for mentorship, and always be guided by the SAF core values. We will count on you to build strong, cohesive, and capable teams, and show them that our nation, our people and our way of life are worth defending.

CLOSING

I would like to thank the families and loved ones of our graduands for your unwavering love, support and encouragement throughout our graduands' development journey. Their achievement today is a reflection of the support you have given them. 

To the graduands today, your families and loved ones watching from the stands are the people you have been tasked to protect and fight for. May this motivate you to do your very best. So my heartiest congratulations to all of you! I wish you all the best in your leadership journey as Specialists of the SAF. 

With pride we lead!