NSmen and Employers Reaffirm Commitment to Defence

More than 350 Operationally Ready National Servicemen (NSmen) from 228 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 held at Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce & Industry, where he delivered the SAF Day message. Dr Ng reminded Singaporeans of the importance of a strong and operationally ready SAF which continually transforms itself to be capable and relevant to safeguard Singapore’s peace and sovereignty and our way of life. Dr Ng said, “Over the years, the SAF has transformed itself to remain relevant and effective – a new fourth service, the Digital and Intelligence Service was established last year. Together with the Army, Navy and Air force, today’s modern and highly equipped SAF can fight as an integrated force, to maximise the capabilities of each service, so that the sum of its parts is greater than the whole, whether it is on land, sea, in the air or in the digital domain.”

Dr Ng further emphasised that it is the commitment of NSmen that forms the backbone of national defence. He said, “Equipment, facilities and platforms in the SAF can improve… but without the fighting spirit and commitment of our SAF soldiers, all these equipment and platforms are just mere steel or concrete.” An SAF Day video, encapsulating the ground-up views of servicemen and women sharing their feelings and hopes about the SAF and their commitment to the security of Singapore, was also screened.

Minister for Education and Minister-in-charge of the Public Service Mr Chan Chun Sing, Minister for Health Mr Ong Ye Kung, and Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office, Second Minister for Finance and Second Minister for National Development Ms Indranee Thurai Rajah officiated at the other three rededication ceremonies organised by National University Hospital, Singapore Manufacturing Federation, 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.