Speech by Dr Koh Poh Koon, Senior Minister of State for Trade & Industry and National Development, at the 34/2017 Specialist Cadet Course Graduation Parade

Parents and loved ones of our Graduands, 
Ladies and Gentlemen, 
A very good evening. 

Congratulations to all the Graduands for completing the Specialist Cadet Course. Today marks the end of your 22 weeks of rigorous training, and signifies the beginning of your journey as Specialists in the SAF. As Specialists of the SAF, you must carry out the roles of Warfighters, Trainers and Leaders. You will bear the responsibility and honour of leading your men and women in training and in operations. I am confident that your training here at the Specialist Cadet School has prepared you well for the  next phase of your journey.

Importance of Defence

Singapore has made huge strides in progress since our independence more than fifty years ago but this did not happen by chance. Instead, it happened through the hard work, dedication, and sacrifice, as well as commitment of each and every successive generation of Singaporeans. In 1965, our founding fathers were keenly aware of Singapore's strategic vulnerabilities. Our small size, limited resources, relatively low education base, and an uncertain geo-political environment, meant that the odds were stacked against us. Despite the challenges, our Pioneers were committed to building up a strong armed forces. This was of paramount importance. A strong defence capability meant that we could maintain our independence, stand firm when others tried to pressure us, and it also gave confidence to foreign investors. This was essential for economic development and the growth of our industries which in turn, brought about good jobs and a better life for all Singaporeans. 

Most importantly, Singapore's commitment to a strong SAF has ensured decades of security and stability for Singapore in a volatile world. Today, our strategic vulnerabilities still remain. A strong SAF is still crucial for Singapore's survival and progress. Every serviceman and woman who has served in the SAF has played a crucial role in helping to protect Singapore and defend our way of life.

Adapting to New Challenges

Throughout our development, we have constantly adapted to overcome the challenges we face. As a small nation with no natural resources, we adapted our economy to leverage on the strength of our people. This sprit to constantly adapt in order to stay relevant has been a mainstay in our development as a nation.

Similarly, the SAF has constantly adapted to stay sharp in an evolving security landscape. Since its inception, the SAF has transformed from a rudimentary force with only two infantry battalions and two boats into a modern, advanced and networked fighting force. With low birth-rates and a decreasing manpower pool, the SAF is continuing to transform to remain effective and credible. Today, the SAF actively leverages technology and the quality of our people, as force multipliers so that we are able to do even more with the limited resources we have. One of the ways in which we maximise the contributions of our national servicemen is by deploying them better. We take into account the vocational interests of our enlistees, and in doing so, can better match their skills and interests with their deployment.

This spirit of constant adaptation and improvement is critical as new threats continue to confront us. The current security situation in the world remains tense. The North Korean nuclear situation has caused great concern amongst the nations of East Asia and the United States. Tensions in the South China Sea persist as countries assert their claims over the disputed waters. Also, increased digitalisation has resulted in an increased risk of transnational cyber threats. In October last year, Yahoo! discovered that three billion of its accounts were hacked. Other corporations and government agencies have been hacked as well. To address this threat, the SAF inaugurated the SAF C4 command and the cyber defence group. The cyber command keeps watch over the SAF's systems, 24/7. This January, as part of the MINDEF Bug Bounty Programme, MINDEF even crowdsourced solutions by inviting approximately 300 local and international "white-hat" hackers to hunt for vulnerabilities in  the SAF's internet-connected systems. 

Another area of concern for all countries worldwide is radical terrorism. Despite ISIS losing ground in the Middle East, with the return of ISIS-trained militants from the Middle East to Southeast Asia, terrorism is a real threat in our region, and in Singapore as well. ISIS has also turned its propaganda efforts to our region. In September last year, ISIS released a recruitment video featuring a Singaporean terrorist making a call for recruits to join the terror efforts in Southeast Asia, particularly where conflicts are brewing in Marawi, the Philippines and in Myanmar. With the use of online propaganda by these terrorist groups, the self-radicalisation of Singaporeans is a very real threat. According to the Ministry of Home Affairs, more than 80 Singaporeans have been detained under the Internal Security Act for terrorism-related activities since 2002. The SAF has stepped up its efforts to gear up for heightened terror threats. SAF units now conduct Peacetime Contingency Operations training together with the Home Team in order to respond decisively to terror threats. 

As Specialists on the ground, you play a vital role in such operations. If ever called into action, it is essential that you discharge your duties with the professionalism and discipline that your training has taught you. Your leadership is pivotal in times of crisis. Inspire those under your charge to work towards the common mission of keeping our Singapore safe and secure.

Commitment as Leaders in the SAF

As leaders in the SAF, we depend on you and your leadership to unite your soldiers regardless of race, language or religion. 

You have a commitment to inspire those under your charge. May you distinguish yourselves not by your rank, but through your behaviour. May those under you salute you for the values you represent and not just the rank you wear. Be a role model to your soldiers. Lead by example and engage them with sincerity and compassion. Be their leader and trainer, friend and mentor, all at the same time. Singapore will depend on you to keep us safe, secure, and strong for the many years to come.

Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to thank your family and your loved ones who stood by all of you throughout this journey. I believe their strong support and encouragement helped make this moment possible. 

Once again, my heartiest congratulations to all of you on becoming Specialists of the SAF. I wish you all the best in serving our nation. 

I trust you will carry out your duties in accordance with the Specialist Cadet School motto: With Pride We Lead.

More Resources

1,128 Graduate as SAF Specialists