A new Total Defence Achiever Badge Programme was launched today at a virtual ceremony for volunteers in Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT) to prepare them to put Total Defence into action during a crisis. The programme, initiated by Nexus and the Emergency Preparedness Division of People's Association (PA), is designed for CERT volunteers under PA's Community Emergency and Engagement Committee (C2E). These volunteers are trained to respond to emergencies and assist the community in the recovery process.

103 CERT volunteers who are trained CPR providers were awarded the Bronze Badge after completing a Community Vigilance Workshop and a Total Defence Workshop. More than 2,000 active CERT members are expected to undergo the Total Defence Achiever Badge Programme. Participants will progressively earn the Bronze, Silver and Gold Badges, after completing workshops focused on the different pillars of Total Defence. Through different tiers of the programme, CERT volunteers can gain a deeper appreciation of Total Defence and are better equipped to share its importance with the community.

At the online event, Senior Lieutenant Colonel Psalm Lew, Director (Community Engagement), Nexus, said, "As threats and challenges evolve, we need to adapt and be prepared so that we can continue to keep Singapore strong. Through the new Total Defence Achiever Badge programme, we hope to encourage more Singaporeans, especially youths, to play their part in the community through Total Defence."

Mr Yusoff Yacob, PBM, Chairman, Community Emergency and Engagement Committee (C2E) Council EXCO, said, "Through the collaboration with Nexus, C2E will enhance our volunteer training programme to include Digital, Social, and Psychological Defence. We believe the Total Defence Achiever Badge programme will strengthen the emergency preparedness of our volunteers to play their part in the Total Defence of Singapore."

The new badge is an extension of the current Total Defence Badge programme for Uniformed Groups (UG). UG cadets who have the Total Defence Badge are encouraged to join CERT as volunteers after they leave secondary school so that they can apply the skills they have acquired and play their part in the community.

Besides the new Total Defence Achiever Badge programme, the public can also look forward to an interesting line-up of Total Defence activities taking place from now until March 2021. This includes CPR/AED provider courses, workshops on online falsehoods, a Total Defence-themed virtual run as well as a Total Defence special exhibition.