289 Leaders Graduate from the Goh Keng Swee Command and Staff College

Minister for Defence Mr Chan Chun Sing interacting with the top graduates and their family members at the Goh Keng Swee Command and Staff College (GKS CSC) Command and Staff Course 2025 Graduation Ceremony.

Mr Chan in a group photo with top graduates.

Mr Chan giving a speech during the ceremony held at the SAFTI Military Institute this evening.

Mr Chan presenting graduation certificate to MAJ Ikhtiaruddin Iman Bin Mustafa, Distinguished Graduate (Army) of the 25th CSC (E).

Minister for Defence Mr Chan Chun Sing officiated the Goh Keng Swee Command and Staff College (GKS CSC) Command and Staff Course (CSC) 2025 Graduation Ceremony, held at the SAFTI Military Institute this evening. This ceremony marked the completion of the 56th CSC, 26th CSC (National Service), and the 24th and 25th CSC (Executive) respectively. A total of 289 leaders graduated from the GKS CSC, comprising 152 regular officers, 59 National Service (NS) officers, 49 military experts and 5 warrant officers from the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF); 1 Singapore Police Force officer; and 23 international officers from 12 countries. The CSC, CSC (NS) and CSC (Executive) prepare officers for senior command and staff appointments in the SAF and are the highest level of formal military education offered in Singapore for Regular, NS and International Officers.

Addressing the graduands, Mr Chan shared that amidst shifting geopolitical sands, it is important for small nations like Singapore to remain vigilant and adaptive. He also urged the officers to understand deeply how the world is, and how the military must operate within context. Mr Chan said, “Today is the start of your learning, or the continuation of your learning journey, to better understand the world, to understand the context that we operate in, so that we can find creative ways to build bridges and value add, even in a fragmenting world.”

Mr Chan also highlighted the need for the SAF to innovate, in order to stay ahead of evolving threats. He said, “Never answer yesterday's question with yesterday's answer. Never answer today's question with yesterday's answer. Our job in the SAF and MINDEF is to keep thinking ahead and make sure that we ask tomorrow's questions ahead of time, to find those answers ahead of time, before the threats and challenges emerge.”

Speaking on the responsibilities of SAF leaders, Mr Chan concluded by reminding the officers to always lead with purpose, humility, and care for our people. He said, “Service in the SAF is a calling – a call to duty, and a call for us to reach higher…. In the SAF, you will have the chance to lead men and women from across the entire spectrum of society. Our job is not just to lead those who are fittest or most willing; our job is to lead everyone, regardless of their background, and appreciate their diverse talents.”

More Resources

Speech by Minister for Defence Mr Chan Chun Sing at the Goh Keng Swee Command and Staff College Graduation Ceremony on 23 October 2025