Speech by Senior Minister of State for Defence Mr Heng Chee How at the NS55 Integrated Parade: BMT Graduation and 906 SIR Stand Down, The Float@Marina Bay on 26 November 2022

Graduating soldiers and national servicemen,

Parents and loved ones of our Graduands,

Ladies and Gentlemen.

Introduction

It is my pleasure and those of my colleagues' to join you this morning. What makes it even more special is how we can conduct this parade in-person, and invite the families and loved ones of our soldiers to join us.

Let me begin by offering my heartiest congratulations to the graduands on your successful completion of Basic Military Training. You have overcome many challenges over the past few months and I am confident that you are now physically, mentally and emotionally stronger. Today's parade is a recognition of Singapore's trust in you to serve and defend the nation as soldiers of the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF).

To our Operationally Ready National Servicemen (NSmen) from 906th Battalion, Singapore Infantry Regiment (SIR) standing here today, thank you for your service. NSmen are the backbone of Singapore's defence. All of you have played an important role in ensuring a strong and operationally ready SAF to safeguard our peace and sovereignty. Just like those before you, you have done your part. Symbolically, you will hand the state flag over to the BMT graduands. You will now entrust this sacred duty of defending Singapore, to a new generation.

NS Square

In 2017, when we marked 50 years of National Service (NS), Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong announced that The Float @ Marina Bay – this very place that we are all gathered today – will be redeveloped into a permanent space to commemorate National Service, and will be called the NS Square. Today's parade is exceptionally meaningful because it will be the last one to be held at The Float before renovations begin. NS Square will feature a NS gallery to showcase our nation's NS journey and the contributions of national servicemen to Singapore. Earmarked to be completed by end-2026, it will come with community sports facilities and a new waterfront promenade, and it promises to be a space for national servicemen and their families to reflect and to celebrate.

This place does not only signify Singapore's appreciation of the contributions of our national servicemen. If you look across The Float at Singapore's skyline, you can see how much Singapore has developed, and how far we have come as a nation, and what is really at stake. NS Square's presence and prominence in Marina Bay will be a reflection of the central role that NS has played in bringing peace and prosperity that has made all of this possible. I am confident that all of you here understand what you are defending, and why generations of national servicemen have been willing to serve and defend this place that we all call home.

55 Years of NS

When Singapore gained independence on the 9 August 1965, our forefathers held a deep conviction for a strong defence and were determined to invest substantial resources into building up the SAF. Thanks to their resolve and foresight, generations of Singaporeans have learnt what it means to defend this land that we cherish as home. A credible and strong SAF has and will continue to safeguard our homes and give us the freedom to choose our own way of life.

Since the establishment of NS 55 years ago, the SAF's capabilities have grown to meet ever-changing defence and security challenges. We have also ensured that the NS system continues to evolve through initiatives such as the Committee to Strengthen NS and NS Review Committee, to meet our operational needs and the evolving needs of our national servicemen. But the true strength of our defence lies in the shared commitment of our people to defend our country, and in the will of our people to fight for our home, families, and loved ones.

Over the years, NS has become an integral part of life and a core aspect of the Singaporean identity. Singaporeans from different backgrounds, ethnicities and religions find a common experience through NS. It is a rite of passage for generations of Singaporean men, from fathers to sons, and for their families.

When the soldiers of 906 SIR enlisted in the late-2000s, they trained to defend Singapore amidst a backdrop of uncertainty– the events of 9/11 in the US sparked a global response to terrorism; the US led a coalition into Afghanistan and Iraq; SARS struck the Asia-Pacific region and beyond. Today's generation of national servicemen continue to prepare to defend Singapore in the face of continued uncertainties and challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic impacted all of us. It remains an invisible enemy as we continue to take on waves of new variants. On the geo-political front, Russia's invasion of Ukraine earlier this year cautioned us on the importance of maintaining a rules-based international order. It was also a sombre reminder that we must always have the will and the capability to defend ourselves against external aggression. A small state like Singapore must never take our territorial integrity and sovereignty for granted. Tensions between US and China continues to be high. This strategic rivalry between both major powers poses risks for global and regional stability.

Today's uncertain circumstances may be different compared to the challenges faced by NSmen a decade ago. But, the dedication and resolve of our soldiers to defend our homeland remained constant. As we commemorate 55 years of NS this year, we take pride in the national servicemen across generations who have contributed their time, their strength, and their unflinching dedication to serve and protect what we cherish; our families, our friends and our freedom to choose our way of life. This is only made possible through the strong and sustained support from their families, friends, employers, colleagues, and the general public so that they are able to balance their NS duties with personal commitments. As we move into a new era, we must maintain strong public support for NS.

906 SIR has served with distinction. I hope this inspires the BMT graduands here today to continue serving with pride, dedication and strength, just like those before you have done so.

Conclusion

Today's event marks the culmination of commemorating NS55. I find it befitting to conclude it with today's parade that embodies ‘Generations of Strength', with one generation of soldiers handing over the baton to the next.

To the soldiers of 906 SIR – your sacrifices have ensured our independence, and have inspired future generations to keep Singapore safe and secure. Thank you once again for your service.

To the graduands, continue to stay vigilant, and undertake your duties with utmost diligence. What you do today and in the years to come will protect our families, our loved ones, and preserve our way of life. As long as you remain committed, the SAF will continue to be a strong and reliable guarantor of the security and future of Singapore.

Finally, to all family members and friends joining us here today, thank you very much for the unwavering support that you have given to our soldiers. Your family members, your brothers, your sons, your love and encouragement have given them the motivation to keep going even when times were tough.

Once again, congratulations to all soldiers standing on parade today for successfully completing your respective rites of your passage. I wish all you the best in your journey ahead.

Thank you.