VECONAC 2024: ASEAN Veterans Unite in Singapore for Innovation, Collaboration, and Smart Progress

Senior Minister of State for Defence Mr Zaqy Mohamad delivering a speech at the 23rd General Assembly of the Veterans Confederation of ASEAN Countries (VECONAC) opening ceremony.

Hosted by the Singapore Armed Forces Veterans League (SAFVL), the 36th Executive Board Meeting and 23rd General Assembly of the Veterans Confederation of ASEAN Countries (VECONAC) commenced earlier today at SAFRA Choa Chu Kang. Veterans from across Southeast Asia gathered to reaffirm their commitment to innovation, collaboration, and smart progress for the region's veterans.

Senior Minister of State for Defence Mr Zaqy Mohamad was the Guest of Honour at the opening ceremony of the 23rd General Assembly and was joined by Chief of Defence Force Vice Admiral Aaron Beng, as well as delegates, observers, and guests from the Veterans’ Associations of ASEAN countries.

During his speech, Mr Zaqy recognised and expressed appreciation for the contributions and efforts of veterans and veterans’ associations towards fostering peace and security within the region. He said, “Beyond their home countries, veterans can build bridges, just as all of you are doing here, and forge peace as best as we can, as we link, share our experiences, share our knowledge, share together our hope for peace and security in the region.” He also underscored the significance of VECONAC’s mission and reiterated that “All countries owe a debt to their veterans, who fought for her sovereignty…I am glad therefore that one of VECONAC's main missions is to take care of and ensure the well-being of their veterans.”

In his welcome address, President of SAFVL and VECONAC 2024, Brigadier-General (Ret) Winston Toh emphasised on the three pillars of this year’s General Assembly – to harness innovation, foster collaboration, and drive smart progress for a stronger, safer, and better ASEAN community. He also reiterated the significance of VECONAC’s mission and marked the occasion as a testament to the unwavering spirit of our veterans.

Established on 19 Dec 1980, VECONAC is a regional organisation promoting cooperation and mutual support among ASEAN veterans' associations from the ten ASEAN member states. SAFVL was admitted as a regular member of VECONAC on 15 February 2008 and last hosted the 12th VECONAC General Assembly that year.

Mr Zaqy (middle) with President VECONAC 2024 Brigadier-General (Ret) Winston Toh (left) and former Director-General, War Veterans Organisation of Thailand, General Santasana Nantibakhirund (right) after presenting the VECONAC Honorary Presidency Title and Medal of Honour to General Santasana.

Veterans and delegates from ASEAN in a group photo at VECONAC 2024.

Mr Zaqy interacting with delegates after the opening ceremony.

Speech by Senior Minister of State Zaqy Mohamad at the Opening Ceremony of Veterans Confederation of ASEAN Countries (VECONAC) 23rd General Assembly