MINDEF - Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Singapore
MINDEF - Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Singapore
08/20/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 08/20/2026 07:35
1173 Graduate as SAF Specialists and Military Experts
Minister of State for Digital Development and Information and for Health Rahayu Mahzam inspecting the contingents on parade at the 68th Specialist Cadet Graduation Parade.
MOS Rahayu presenting the Golden Bayonet to Third Sergeant (3SG) Samuel Ng Peng Ray from the Republic of Singapore Air Force during the graduation parade.
MOS Rahayu delivering a speech during the graduation parade.
The Specialists and Military Experts tossing their headdresses at the end of the parade.
Minister of State for Digital Development and Information and for Health Rahayu Mahzam, inspected the 68th Specialist Cadet Graduation Parade at Pasir Laba Camp this evening. A total of 1173 graduands - 952 from the Singapore Army, 79 from the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN), 60 from the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF), and 82 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, MOS Rahayu underscored the enduring importance of National Service to Singapore's defence and deterrence. She said, "While the SAF continues to evolve in its equipping, doctrine and training, one thing has remained constant: the SAF draws its greatest strength from its people... It [National Service] is also one of the most important institutions that brings Singaporeans together… These bonds strengthen not only our Armed Forces, but the very fabric of our Singaporean society. They remind us that our survival as a nation depends not only on military readiness, but also on the unity, resilience and shared identity of our people."
Highlighting the important role that Specialists and Military Experts play in an evolving and professional SAF, MOS Rahayu said, "Specialists and Military Experts are far more than technical experts or commanders of small units. You are the custodians of soldier fundamentals. You ensure that standards are upheld and that skills are mastered. And you ensure that every serviceman is trained to perform confidently and safely... It is through this sustained, day-to-day leadership that Specialists and Military Experts multiply the effectiveness of the SAF."
The graduation parade marked the completion of the 22-week Specialist Cadet Course for graduands from the Singapore Army, the RSN, the RSAF and the DIS, where they trained under rigorous and realistic conditions to sharpen their respective vocation expertise. They 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.
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