Speech by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office, Second Minister for Finance, and Second Minister for National Development, Ms Indranee Thurai Rajah, at the 139/25 Officer[...]

Graduands of the 139/25 Officer Cadet Course,

Parents and Distinguished Guests,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Introduction

Let me begin by extending my heartiest congratulations to all the graduands of the Officer Cadet Course. You will soon be commissioned as Officers of the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF). Today, the nation entrusts you with the heavy responsibility of leading the next generation of soldiers.

Your journey to this parade square has been a demanding one. For 38 weeks, you have undergone rigorous training that has tested you in every way - your physical endurance, your mental resilience, your courage, and your capacity for leadership. You had to learn to lead under pressure, make quick decisions with incomplete information, and consider the welfare of others above your own. Some of you might even have thought of giving up at times.

Yet, you have persevered and pushed yourselves to the limit. You have discovered strengths you may not have known you possessed. You have demonstrated the dedication, the determination, the commitment and the values needed to lead our soldiers and to defend our nation. Every single one of you has proven yourselves worthy to stand on this parade square. All of us present today, witnessing this very special occasion, are proud of you.

This evening, in the solemn stillness of this parade square, it is fitting that we reflect on what is being asked of you when you recite the Officer's Creed later. We can do this by looking back on Singapore's journey, looking around at the challenges we face and the opportunities we have, and looking ahead to the future you will help shape.

Looking Back - 60 Years of Peace Underwritten by a Strong Defence

Looking back, the progress we have made together as one people is something that we can be proud of.

But we should never forget that the peace we have enjoyed in the last 60 years was not a given. In 1965, when Singapore became a newly independent nation, many had doubts over whether we would last for long. We were in a precarious position - a small island with no natural resources, responsible for our own survival and security in a region still confronting the threats of Konfrantasi and communism.

The SAF was forged in this crucible of fire. Our founding leaders and pioneer generation did not let circumstances dictate our destiny. Instead, they forged the future on their terms. In the early days, we had to build up our defence quickly but we did not have the resources for a regular armed force nor could we rely on mercenaries. Our army consisted of only two battalions. So National Service (NS) was introduced to train and equip citizens to be soldiers, laying the foundations of the credible force that we know today. Generations of national servicemen have since played their part in ensuring that we remain sovereign, strong and free.

The SAF underwriting Singapore's defence and security gave our founding leaders and early diplomats space on the diplomatic front to consolidate Singapore's independence and sovereignty. Our defence today remains firmly based on the twin pillars of deterrence and diplomacy. A strong defence allows Singapore to act independently and in our national interests.

Looking Around - SAF's Stabilising Role in a Complex World

Next, looking around, we can see the global environment has become more uncertain, more divided, and more contested. From the war in Ukraine to regional disputes, instability has become the defining feature of this environment.

Yet amidst this turbulence, Singapore remains steadfast and dependable. We hold firm to our principles, our belief in international law, and our support for a rules-based order. We continue to work with partners who share our values to strengthen cooperation in areas of mutual strategic interest.

The recent ASEAN summit showed how shared beliefs and collective strength can promote peace in the region. On this very same parade square just weeks ago, the SAF hosted regional armies for the ASEAN Armies Rifle Meet. Such events foster strong relationships and enhance understanding among our neighbours.

We see this spirit of partnership embodied in the two officers from the Royal Thai Army graduating today.^[1] Over nine months, they have trained alongside their Singaporean friends. Such close training experiences enhance the learning of every cadet, and at the same time strengthens the longstanding partnerships with our neighbours.

Amidst the uncertain global environment, the SAF is not sitting still. It continues to adapt, punch above its weight and fly the Singapore flag high on multiple fronts.

1. Our Air Force recently air-dropped nearly 15 tonnes of humanitarian aid in Gaza as part of the international relief efforts.

2. Our Navy has just launched the first of its new Multi-Role Combat Vessels, extending our ability to protect vital Sea Lines of Communications.

3. This year, our Army partnered with the Defence Science and Technology Agency to trial emerging warfighting concepts such as drones to enhance situational awareness.

4. To safeguard against digital threats and strengthen the SAF's digital and cyber capabilities, the Digital and Intelligence Service inaugurated two new Commands earlier this year - (i) the Defence Cyber Command and (ii) the SAF C4 and Digitalisation Command.

In a turbulent world, a strong SAF gives Singapore and Singaporeans confidence and peace of mind.

Looking Ahead - Leading with a "We-First" Ethos

Finally, let us look ahead to how you as newly commissioned Officers can shape the SAF of tomorrow and our future.

As officers, it is:

1. Your duty to lead and care for the men and women under your command, so that we have an SAF that is strong, resilient, fully committed to excellence and with high morale.

2. Your duty to provide clarity and direction when the way forward is confusing and unclear and to give courage and hope when times are dark and bleak.

3. Your duty to protect and defend our country, so that we can, in the words of our Proclamation of Independence made 60 years ago, be "forever a sovereign, democratic and independent nation".

Conclusion

Even as we celebrate the success of the graduands today, I also want to acknowledge the families and loved ones present here today who made this possible. These young officers could not have reached this moment without you.

National Service places demands not only on those who serve, but also on the families and communities who support them. Their success and achievements belong to you just as much as it does to them.

To the newly commissioned officers, I offer my heartfelt congratulations once again. The journey ahead will challenge you, but it will also reward you. Remember that the success of Singapore and the SAF lies in your hands.

Honour the legacy of those who came before you, and pave the way for those who will come after you.

As you recite the Officer's Creed later, I charge you to be true to the words you recite and uphold your solemn duty for as long as you are an officer of the SAF: to Lead, to Excel, and to Overcome.

Thank you.

^[1] Second Lieutenant Vitchapol Jitchinakul and Second Lieutenant Sirawit Tong-on

More Resources

405 Cadets Commissioned as SAF Officers