Senior Minister (SM) and Coordinating Minister for National Security Mr Teo Chee Hean reviewed a commissioning parade at the SAFTI Military Institute this evening. A total of 359 cadets, comprising 286 from the Army, 36 from the Navy and 37 from the Air Force, were commissioned as officers of the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF).

Speaking at the parade, SM Teo highlighted the challenges facing the world today, such as competition between the US and China which "threaten[ed] to divide our region and the world" as well as new trends in extremism and terrorism. SM Teo outlined Singapore’s approach to navigating these uncertainties and volatilities – first, to "take a stand based on principles" and "work for Singapore’s national interest, and speak clearly and objectively on matters of importance to Singapore"; and second, to maintain "a high degree of operational readiness and vigilance in the Home Team and the SAF." SM Teo said that the SAF’s role was all the more important today to provide Singapore "the strength and confidence to face down threats, defend our sovereignty, and keep us secure". "A strong and combat-ready SAF also lends weight to our words, and substance to our proposals, by allowing us to make a serious and meaningful contribution to help maintain regional peace and security, and to respond to crises," said SM Teo.

Addressing the graduands, SM Teo reminded them of their responsibility as commanders to "guide and shape [their soldiers] into men and women who will always be ready, and never hesitate to defend Singapore" and to "always make the safety of [their] soldiers a top priority even as [they] train them hard."

The parade marked the completion of 38 weeks of rigorous training at the Officer Cadet School. The realistic training conducted during the course sharpened the cadets' combat, planning and leadership skills. The newly commissioned officers will go on to assume command, instructional or staff appointments in the SAF. Also present at the parade were senior Ministry of Defence officials and SAF officers, as well as families and friends of the newly commissioned officers.