Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen was the Guest of Honour at the annual Total Defence Awards Ceremony 2022 held at the Raffles City Convention Centre this evening. This year, 170 National Service (NS) Advocate Awards were presented to 71 Small and Medium Enterprises, 34 Large Companies, 43 Organisations and 22 Individuals. The NS Advocate Award is the highest accolade conferred on businesses, organisations and individuals in recognition of their exemplary support toward Total Defence and NS.

Speaking at the ceremony, Dr Ng highlighted how security uncertainties and challenges have made Total Defence even more relevant today. He said "A good concept stands the test of time, and Total Defence has proven it. Total Defence introduced in 1984 has helped Singapore weather SARS in 2003, the Global Financial Crisis in 2008, and of course the recent fight against COVID-19. What Ukraine has also taught the World, because I remind everybody, not many gave them a fighting chance at the start of the Russian invasion, is that the strength of a people's Total Defence is the most crucial factor between subjugation and independence. We cannot know yet the final outcome of the invasion of Ukraine – it is too early to tell. But of this we are certain: that there will be many stories of how the solidarity of a people, willing to fight with their lives held a much larger and supposedly fearsome military at bay. But we also recognise that no country builds such a solidarity and resilience overnight or even within a short time. And as much as we see the Ukrainians holding on, it takes deliberate effort and hard work."

Dr Ng also emphasised that Total Defence has proven itself crucial for Singapore to weather and overcome difficult challenges. He said "In real life, all six pillars of Total Defence are connected and must work in tandem and reinforce each other to safeguard Singapore's peace and stability. The importance of Total Defence can only grow as we enter into an uncertain and unpredictable future. Total Defence is our anchor that will keep Singapore safely moored when the going gets rough. This is the decade or two decades of gross uncertainty and all the factors are colluding against peace and stability and we will be lucky if there is continuous growth still. We must tend to all pillars, ensure that each is sound. That way, our solidarity is ensured, and our chances of survival in an increasingly troubled World assured."

Also present at the dinner were Senior Ministers of State for Defence Mr Heng Chee How and Mr Zaqy Mohamad as well as Minister of State for Home Affairs and National Development Associate Professor Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim