2-7-2024 (SINGAPORE) In a resounding affirmation of Singapore’s unwavering commitment to national defence, Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen has highlighted the Republic’s substantial investments in state-of-the-art training facilities and the steadfast dedication of over one million national servicemen as key factors that have forged a well-equipped and battle-ready Singapore Armed Forces (SAF).
Addressing an SAF Day rededication ceremony at Suntec City on July 1, Dr. Ng underscored the nation’s resolve to maintain a formidable military force, capable of carrying out its mission across various domains. He emphasized that the SAF’s willingness to allocate significant resources, sending over 14,000 soldiers overseas annually for realistic training exercises, exemplifies its seriousness in ensuring combat readiness when called upon.
“Our NSmen know that they will be the first to mobilise in a conflict, and they have to meet the aggressor,” Dr. Ng stated emphatically. “So we want to make sure that they have realistic exercises and, when battle is called, to be ready and confident.”
The minister’s remarks underscored the importance placed on providing national servicemen with cutting-edge facilities and rigorous training regimens. He cited the upcoming increase in the number of Singapore soldiers participating in the annual Exercise Wallaby at the Shoalwater Bay Training Area in Queensland, Australia, from 6,000 in the current year to 9,000 in 2024, and eventually reaching 14,000 by 2028.
Additionally, Dr. Ng highlighted the efforts to enhance domestic training facilities, such as Safti City, a dense urban environment equipped with smart targets that can move, shoot back, and register virtual hits on soldiers, offering a realistic combat simulation experience.
Acknowledging the opportunity cost of defence spending, which could potentially divert resources from other crucial areas like healthcare, education, and welfare, Dr. Ng stressed that many countries have come to recognise the necessity of balancing military expenditure with other public spending needs. He drew attention to the Munich Security Conference in February, where European leaders grappled with the pressing question of whether their nations were prepared to withstand an invasion – a query that would have been deemed alarmist only a few years ago, prior to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
“As Mr Lee Kuan Yew reminded us, without security, there is no progress,” Dr. Ng emphasised, underscoring the government’s commitment to substantial and consistent defence spending, which has resulted in an SAF that Singaporeans can take pride in.
Beyond its primary role of safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty, the SAF has also demonstrated its versatility by supporting civilian efforts during pandemics and providing humanitarian aid, such as recent airdrops to civilians in Gaza.
“As long as our soldiers remain committed, train hard, never taking our peace for granted, then the SAF will remain strong and capable of defending Singapore’s sovereignty and our way of life,” Dr. Ng declared, underscoring the indispensable role played by the dedication and resilience of Singapore’s national servicemen.
Later in the day, President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and Dr. Ng attended the SAF Day Parade at Safti Military Institute, where they presented awards to the 2024 winners of the SAF’s Best Unit Competition, further acknowledging the exemplary service and commitment of the nation’s military personnel.
The ceremony at Suntec City was one of four concurrent events held across the island, where operationally ready national servicemen (NSmen) reaffirmed their pledge of loyalty and dedication to Singapore and the SAF. This year’s ceremonies witnessed the participation of 385 NSmen from 240 companies and their employers, underscoring the nation’s collective commitment to its defence.
At a separate ceremony organised by Singtel and NCS, Minister for Manpower and Second Minister for Trade and Industry Tan See Leng called upon every employer to provide unwavering support to NSmen, emphasizing that doing so constitutes a strategic investment in their own business success.
This sentiment was echoed by Ms. Joanna Tan, general manager of Starlite Printers (Far East), who affirmed that a safe and secure business environment is a crucial consideration for companies. The printed packaging firm actively supports its NSmen employees by ensuring that staff scheduled for in-camp training (ICT) are rostered for day shifts two to three weeks prior, allowing them ample time to adjust their sleep patterns and concentrate fully during their training.
