SINGAPORE – The prerequisite of an independent country is the ability to defend itself, a conviction that Singapore must renew against changes to the existing global order.
Speaking on March 15 at the commissioning of Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) officer cadets, Health Minister Ong Ye Kung said that the security backdrop that saw trade flourish, businesses internationalised and economies becoming more integrated has changed.
“We have witnessed a rise in nationalism and protectionism, and the new US administration is taking a different approach to foreign policies.
“More than ever, we must renew the conviction we had when Singapore first became independent – Singapore must be successful in order to be secure, we must make as many friends around the world as possible, and only we can defend ourselves,” he said.
Mr Ong noted that the commissioning of officers at the Safti Military Institute was taking place amid uncertainties in the world.
But he added that the parade is special, as it is also taking place during SG60.
“First, it takes place during SG60, which marks 60 years of Singapore’s independence, as well as 60 years of the SAF’s establishment.
“The two numbers are not similar by coincidence, but by conviction.
“Because we have always believed that the prerequisite of an independent country is the ability to defend ourselves,” added Mr Ong, who was the reviewing officer at a parade which saw 214 cadets commissioned as SAF officers following 38 weeks of training.
They comprised 140 officers from the Singapore Army, 20 from the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) and 54 from the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF).
Mr Ong said that much like Singapore, the SAF has transformed significantly over the past six decades.
“Since the early days of independence, we have conscripted our young men to serve National Service. We have been consistently devoting 3 to 4 per cent of our GDP every year to train our people, invest in platforms, and build capabilities,” he added.
This has seen the SAF go from two infantry battalions, two ships and no air force to a highly professional military force equipped with advanced platforms capable of carrying out a wide spectrum of missions.
Mr Ong highlighted three major difference since independence.
“The major difference between 60 years ago and now is that, first, we have a far more capable SAF. Second, earlier generations have accumulated significant reserves that we can tap on during a crisis or emergency.
“Finally, Singaporeans are also much more united and cohesive in the defence of our country. So if we can succeed then, we can all the more succeed now, as we have enhanced the ballast of our nation considerably,” he added.
The transformation in the SAF has been underpinned by conscripting Singaporean men like Second Lieutenant Timo Rui Jie Van Meurs, 19, into NS.
The full-time national serviceman (NSF) will be assigned to the Changi Defence Squadron at RSS Singapura-Changi Navy Base, where the unit is in charge of the security of the facility.
2LT Van Meurs, the recipient of the best knowledge (NSF) award of his cohort, told The Straits Times that he wanted to become an officer to make an impact with those he is serving with, and to make his national service experience more memorable.
“Commissioning as an officer is a very unique experience, and nothing can quite compare to it,” he added.
Sword of Honour recipient 2LT Suzanne Bay, 19, said she was partly motivated to join the RSAF by the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Sword of Honour recipient, 2nd Lt Suzanne Bay, and 2nd Lt Timo Rui Jie Van Meurs.PHOTO: MINDEF
Struck by news footage of Ukrainians heading back to defend their homeland, 2LT Bay said it led her to ask herself if she had the passion and conviction to do the same if Singapore was similarly threatened. She then looked at the various SAF services at career fairs and experiential programmes before she eventually decided to join the RSAF.
2LT Bay, who is one of four Sword of Honour recipients from her batch of newly commissioned officers, serves as an Air Warfare Officer (Air Battle Management).
She said her job is to watch the skies for threats to Singapore 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
In his speech, Mr Ong encouraged the newly minted officers to perpetuate the values of discipline, professionalism and integrity in the SAF.
“You will need to step forth to initiate and drive change and transformation, to care for and lead your men and women; to perpetuate the values of discipline, professionalism and integrity in the SAF,” he added.
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