Speech by Minister for Defence, Dr Ng Eng Hen, at the Total Defence Day 2024 Commemoration Event at South Beach Tower Courtyard on 15 Feb 2024

Parliamentary colleagues,

Permanent Secretaries,

CDF,

Service Chiefs,

Distinguished guests,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Introduction

I will focus on two reflections as we mark Total Defence Day this year, on its 40th Anniversary. First, the date 15 February was chosen intentionally to underscore the cost to us Singaporeans if our Total Defence is inadequate. It is considerable and life changing for the worst. In extremis, what happened on 15 February 1942, when Singapore fell to the Japanese could occur again. There are not many alive today with the first-hand experience of that suffering for over three and a half years to recount and remind Singaporeans today. But we must never forget, lest we pay that exacting price again. It is good that the business community held the War Memorial Service as they did this morning, just across the road from here, as an annual reminder and to pay tribute to our forefathers and the civilian victims of the Japanese Occupation.

The Continued Relevance of Total Defence

The second reflection is that Total Defence has stood the test of time – well, for 40 years at least. In some periods, especially prolonged peace, Total Defence seemed less important; in other periods of tensions like now, very salient. As expected, when troubles around us or globally increase, the greater the concern among Singaporeans and the more relevant Total Defence becomes.

I do not have to convince anyone here that trouble is brewing in our World today. War in Europe, possibly in the Middle East if the Israel-Hamas conflict widens, and even in Asia in our backyard if US and China come to blows.

In Europe, some countries lamented that they had forgotten that self-defence cannot be summoned when one needs it most. Reaping the peace dividends after the Cold War, those countries even stopped National Service and regretted it when Russia invaded Ukraine. They want to reinstate it, but found they could not, even with the potential aggressor at their doorstep.

Even without any physical invasion, they found their nation attacked by subversive forces through disinformation, fake news, seeds of discord and distrust. Threats of disruption to food supplies and energy also followed.

These live examples teach us in Singapore to be thankful that the previous and present generations have kept up our Total Defence till this day. It is Total Defence that will help us remain prepared, adaptable and resilient and overcome turbulent times. In times of crisis, we will need all six pillars of Total Defence to support us – Military, Civil, Economic, Social, Psychological, and Digital – to stay strong and secure as a nation.

This year's Total Defence Exercise, Exercise SG Ready is but a small slice that tests various pillars of Total Defence. It will never be like the real threat, but a reminder of what can happen, to disrupt our way of life, if Total Defence fails. I thank DPM Wong for his upcoming video message to launch Exercise SG Ready.

Importance of Singaporeans Playing Their Part

As the previous generation did, we must keep Total Defence strong by each doing his or her part, especially in times of peace. Whether supporting National Servicemen at work or at home, learning life-saving skills such as CPR and participating in blood donation drives, learning new skills, respecting each other's cultures, or making sure we do not fall prey to disinformation and subversion – all these are what each Singaporean can do for Total Defence.

I am glad too that communities have stepped up for Total Defence. To name a few, the Singapore Business Federation will be conducting the exercise at their premises. NUS is organising courses to encourage more ground-up ideas on how to put Total Defence into action.

Grassroots organisations, like the Brickland Grassroots Organisations conducted a food security exercise last year to put their contingency plans to the test. This year, many grassroots organisations are helping to engage residents and encouraging them to look out for one another.

Schools have also set aside time each year to commemorate Total Defence Day and remind young people that they, too, have a part to play in strengthening our Total Defence.

Conclusion

Like a cold drink, it is easier to sell the concept of Total Defence when the temperature rises. But Total Defence needs to be a constant endeavour, a collective and continuous effort of all Singaporeans, in good times and bad. If we can do that, then Singapore can remain independent, strong and secure. What happened in 1942, when the country capitulated, will not happen again.