Singaporeans Must Stand Together as One People for Total Defence: Dr Ng Eng Hen

Recipients of the National Service Advocate Awards and guests, including Senior Minister of State for Defence and Manpower Mr Zaqy Mohamad, who attended the Total Defence Awards Ceremony virtually this morning.

Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen was the Guest of Honour at the annual Total Defence Awards ceremony, held virtually this morning.

This year, 148 National Service (NS) Advocate Awards were presented to 91 Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), 34 Large Companies, 15 Organisations and 8 Individuals. The NS Advocate Award is the highest accolade conferred on businesses, organisations and individuals in recognition of their exemplary support towards Total Defence and NS.

Speaking at the ceremony, Dr Ng paid tribute to the frontline workers, including Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) personnel, who braved the risks of infections to take care of the infected and contain the spread of COVID-19. He also cited examples of defence scientists and engineers who produced diagnostic kits and better systems for contact tracing and treatment, as well as private companies like Air Liquide Singapore, Micron Semiconductor Asia Operations and Crimsonlogic which contributed medical supplies and equipment and undertook fundraising efforts. Dr Ng highlighted that Total Defence plays a significant part in preparing Singapore for the disruptive changes happening around the world today. He said, "We must prepare for the worst only to hope for the best. And Total Defence is a big part of that preparation. When Total Defence started in 1984, it was still a concept, and an unproven one… Today, Total Defence is a living ideal, where Singaporeans will marshal their own resources and of others, and collectively give of themselves to the defence foundation. We saw this in our fight against COVID-19."

Dr Ng emphasised that Singaporeans must stand together as one people amid the forces of change, and thanked the recipients of the NS Advocate Awards, national servicemen and employers for their continued support of Total Defence and NS. "All we can do is to ensure we remain intact and emerge stronger amid these changes. We keep vigilant, continue strengthening our defence capabilities, build partnerships with other friendly countries and stand together solidly as one people for Total Defence. For the SAF, a strong support for National Service is vital to Total Defence. I want to thank all our NSmen and their employers for your continuing support," said Dr Ng.

Guests at the virtual ceremony included Senior Minister of State for Defence and Manpower Mr Zaqy Mohamad, Minister of State for Home Affairs and National Development Dr Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim, Chief of Defence Force Lieutenant-General Melvyn Ong and recipients of the NS Advocate Awards.

Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen delivering a speech during the Total Defence Awards Ceremony this morning.

Recipients recognised at the Total Defence Awards Ceremony included winner of the NS Advocate Award for Small and Media Enterprises (SMEs), Animal & Avian Veterinary Clinic (AAVC), represented by Dr Kenneth Tong, Veterinary Consultant and Partner.

Recipients recognised at the Total Defence Awards Ceremony included winner of the NS Advocate Award for Individuals, Mdm Nur Kamilah Bte Abdul Rahman.

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Speech by Minster for Defence, Dr Ng Eng Hen, at the Total Defence Awards Ceremony 2020