Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Transport Mr Chee Hong Tat inspected the 55th Specialist Cadet Graduation Parade at Pasir Laba Camp this evening. A total of 942 graduands, comprising 819 from the Singapore Army, 48 from the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) and 75 from the Digital and Intelligence Service (DIS), graduated as Specialists and Military Experts of the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF).

Addressing the graduands at the parade, Mr Chee emphasised the need for a capable and future-ready SAF amidst an evolving security landscape with increasingly complex security challenges and threats. He said, "For these reasons, it is necessary that the SAF continues to build its capabilities and people to tackle present and future challenges… The SAF has endeavoured in its transformation efforts to strike faster and harder, and to stay ahead of an ever-changing threat landscape."

Mr Chee also underlined the important roles the Specialists and Military Experts play as future leaders of the SAF. He said, "The strength of the SAF is drawn from the collective will and commitment of our national servicemen to the defence and security of Singapore." Highlighting the importance of leadership, Mr Chee said, "lead through your values and actions, and set high standards for your team. Inspire those under your charge, and create an environment for your people to reach their full potential. Be your team’s pillar of strength to plough through hardship and adversities."

The graduation parade marked the completion of the 22-week Specialist Cadet Course for graduands from the Singapore Army, the RSN, and the DIS, where they trained under rigorous and realistic conditions to sharpen their respective vocation expertise. The newly graduated Specialists and Military Experts will go on to assume command, training and staff appointments in the SAF. Present at the parade were senior SAF commanders, as well as families and friends of the graduands.