NSmen and Employers Reaffirm Commitment to Defence

385 Operationally Ready National Servicemen (NSmen) from 240 companies and their employers gathered for the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) Day Combined Rededication Ceremonies (CRCs) held at four locations around Singapore this morning to reaffirm their commitment to the defence of Singapore.

Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen officiated at the rededication ceremony organised by Singapore Manufacturing Federation, at Suntec City Convention Centre, where he delivered the SAF Day message. Dr Ng highlighted the importance of investing in Singapore defence. Dr Ng said, "For Singapore, we have invested steadily over the last 59 years since the SAF was formed. We are thankful that ever year the Government commits itself substantially to defence spending. Yes, every dollar spent on defence could have been used for other purposes - health, education, welfare - there is no shortage of needs. But as the countries in Europe and elsewhere have discovered, it is not one or the other. You have to do both… Today, because of these steady investments and the strong commitment of more than 1 million NS men, we have a strong, modern, well equipped, quad-service SAF, able to prosecute missions across air, land, sea and the digital domains."

Dr Ng also emphasised that it is the commitment of NSmen and their employers that forms the backbone of national defence. He said, "As long as our soldiers remain committed and train hard, never taking our peace for granted, then the SAF will remain strong and capable of defending Singapore's sovereignty and way of life. In this mission, all Singaporeans stand solidly behind us in total defence." An SAF Day video, encompassing the ground-up views of servicemen and women sharing their feelings and hopes about the SAF and their commitment to the defence and security of Singapore, was also screened.

Minister for Manpower and Second Minister for Trade and Industry Dr Tan See Leng, Minister for National Development and Minister-in-charge of Social Services Integration Mr Desmond Lee, and Minister for Social and Family Development, Second Minister for Health and Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Mr Masagos Zulkifli officiated at the other three rededication ceremonies organised by Singtel/NCS , Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry and, Association of Small and Medium Enterprises respectively.

As the bedrock of our national security, strong societal support for NS is critical for the continued survival and success of Singapore. First held in 1987, the SAF Day CRCs serve as an opportunity for NSmen and their employers to reaffirm their commitment to defence and reflect on their roles and responsibilities in the defence of Singapore.