This year we mark SAF Day amid the global chaos created by the COVID-19 pandemic. Indeed, no country has been spared the ravages of this disease; some countries have even suffered more deaths than in previous World Wars combined. For Singapore, we are determined to emerge from this crisis intact and even stronger. The SAF will play a crucial role in our nation's road to recovery and beyond.

The impact of COVID-19 is not just on public health alone - it has disrupted critical systems including the economy, supply chains and international relations. The result is a deep change that will come in the way we live, work, travel and also how countries deal with one another. Unfortunately, through this crisis, there has been less international cooperation to advance the common good as countries looked out for their national interest, whether it was for procurement of essential supplies or producing vaccines. The disruption of existing norms and weakening of ties between countries will increase the unpredictability and instability of the regional and global orders.

In these uncertain times, the SAF must be strong and vigilant to safeguard Singapore's interests and protect Singaporeans against harm. Just as we did against COVID-19, the SAF must respond quickly and decisively against new and unexpected threats that will come our way.

I am confident that the SAF will carry out its duty diligently and effectively. It did so, when the SAF was mobilised to join in this fight against COVID-19. The logistics units packed and helped distribute over five million masks to more than one million households within a few days. Other units were re-deployed to contact tracing, health surveillance, mass testing and to manage recovery and quarantine facilities for affected patients. These were not tasks that SAF soldiers had been trained for, but nonetheless our men and women rose to the occasion and successfully completed every mission assigned. Because of their professionalism and dedication, and close collaborations with other contributing agencies, Singapore's public healthcare system has been preserved and many Singaporean lives were saved.

The months ahead will be challenging for all countries, including Singapore, as the world grapples with the aftermath of the destruction wrought by COVID-19. At the same time, existing threats such as terrorism, cyber-attacks, or maritime disputes have not gone away. The SAF will have to remain alert to this wider spectrum of threats and be nimble to respond to each threat decisively.

Together with the rest of our nation, we must preserve and enhance Singapore's position in this post-COVID-19 World. Our racial and religious harmony, our scientific and engineering know-how, connectivity, respect for international law and highly skilled people are precious assets not easily replicated by others. We will endure as a leading air and maritime hub and an oasis of stability and order in the region. Singapore will continue to be a preferred destination for companies all over the world to live in and do business in.

Let us face the future together with confidence and optimism despite the global pandemic. A strong SAF provides that solid foundation to look forward to a brighter future.

I thank all men and women of the SAF for your hard work and sacrifices. Happy SAF Day, and Majulah Singapura.