New Digital Defence pillar added to Total Defence framework
// Report by Benita Teo
// Photos by Kenneth Lin
To defend against new threats emerging from the cybersphere, a sixth pillar – Digital Defence – will be added to Total Defence.
The is the first time a new pillar has been added since the Total Defence framework was introduced in 1984. The original five pillars are Military, Civil, Economic, Social and Psychological Defence.
The new pillar was launched on Total Defence Day by Minister for Communications and Information S Iswaran and Senior Minister of State for Defence Dr Mohamed Maliki Bin Osman. They were attending the Total Defence Day Commemoration Event 2019 (TDDCE19) held at Fort Canning Green on 15 Feb.
In his speech, Mr S Iswaran noted that even as Singapore moved toward becoming a Smart Nation, the prevalence of digital technology was a double-edged sword.
"We are an open and highly connected city state. The very connectivity that we rely on for economic growth and efficient public services also leaves us vulnerable to threats from the digital domain… We must prepare ourselves by nurturing the instincts and acquiring the skills that are necessary to defend ourselves against these new threats of the digital age."
The introduction of the new Digital Defence was thus timely and necessary, he added. "With new threats looming, it is apt that we augment Total Defence for a digital era by including Digital Defence. We must strengthen our collective resolve and come together as a nation to strengthen our Digital Defence – to keep Singapore safe and secure, in both real and virtual worlds."
Staying secure, alert & responsible online
The new pillar calls on Singaporeans to protect themselves and each other against threats from the digital domain. This is exemplified through its tagline: "Be Secure, Alert and Responsible Online".
Being secure entails practising good cybersecurity habits and taking personal action to prevent cyberattacks such as phishing and attempted intrusions. This includes using strong passwords, upgrading antivirus software regularly, checking for signs of phishing before clicking on unknown links in suspicious emails, and enabling Two-Factor Authentication for online transactions.
Being alert calls on Singaporeans to guard against fake news and disinformation by checking sensationalised reports against credible sources, and stopping the spread of unverified news.
Being responsible reminds each person that his or her actions have an impact on others in the community. Individuals can contribute by helping those around them to learn to use technology safely and confidently, and participate in digital literacy activities.
Next generation of defenders
As part of TDDCE19, a Remembrance Ceremony was held and a minute of silence was observed for those who fell in World War II (WWII).
"(The commemoration of Total Defence Day) reminds us (of) what could happen if we are not able to defend ourselves, or (if) we don't have the resolve to protect our sovereignty and protect Singaporeans," said Dr Maliki.
"As we celebrate our bicentennial this year, it's important to remember that it is through our own resolve (and) self-determination that we can continue to keep Singapore safe (and) sovereign for the next 200 years and beyond."
A Weapon Presentation Ceremony (WPC) was also held during the event. Two hundred and twenty-four recruits from the Commando Training Institute were presented with their weapons in the presence of invited guests and members of the public. This was the first time that the Commandos' WPC was held in a public venue.
The venue held special significance, as it was in one of the bunkers at Fort Canning Hill that the British made the decision to surrender Singapore to the Japanese during WWII in 1942. The 15th of February marks the day the surrender document was signed and Singapore fell to the Japanese.
Receiving their weapons at such a historical site was a special and memorable experience for the young Commandos.
Among them was Recruit (REC) Brian How. Said the 18-year-old Full-time National Serviceman (NSF): "Receiving our arms here (where the decision was made to surrender) drives home the fact that we cannot let that happen again, as the new generation of soldiers taking over the responsibility of protecting our nation."
Fellow NSF REC Ryan De Mello, 19, agreed: "It shows everyone that we are no longer a small country that is unable to defend itself, and that we have pushed forward (to become) a greater army (that can) deter future attacks."
As for REC Mohamad Haziq Ruzaiman, 18, Total Defence Day has taken on a new meaning since he became a soldier. "Before enlisting, I couldn't relate (to Total Defence) because I'd never gone through hardships such as war. But after entering NS (National Service), I realised the importance of having a strong deterrence and having every individual in Singapore play a part in ensuring that our sovereignty and peace is kept intact, to allow our country to prosper."
He added: "Now that I'm here, I understand that it's very important and crucial for me to be serving the country and to protect the sovereignty of my country."