President Halimah Yacob joined about 300 service users from benefitting agencies under President's Challenge for a visit to Navy@Vivo 2019 this morning. The service users were from the Down Syndrome Association, Faith Acts, HCSA Community Services, NTUC U Care, Pertapis Halfway House and Singapore Anglican Community Services.

The service users visited the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN)'s Formidable-class frigate, RSS Supreme and sailed out to the Singapore Strait on the Fast Craft Utility (FCU). During the frigate tour, Navy personnel shared stories of life at sea while showcasing the frigate's weapons, equipment and living quarters. On the FCU ride, the service users had a chance to come up close to the many vessels plying the Singapore Strait and better understand how Singapore depends on maritime trade for our survival and prosperity.

President Halimah thanked the RSN for their efforts in making this event an inclusive one. She said, "The Singapore Navy is a long-standing supporter of President's Challenge. I am glad that this year, they are hosting this special tour for service users from benefitting agencies under President's Challenge. Through the exhibits and rides today, Singaporeans from all walks of life are able to understand and appreciate the work of the Navy in defending our nation and way of life."

This is the eighth time an RSN ship has sailed to Vivocity. Themed "Connecting Singaporeans to the Sea", the event this year allows visitors to discover how the RSN safeguards our Singaporean way of life, which is closely intertwined with the sea. Public can visit the event till 18 November 2019. More information can be found at http://mindef.sg/navyatvivo19.