Opening Speech by Minister Josephine Teo at the launch of Exercise SG Ready 2026 and Total Defence Commemoration Event

Senior Minister of State for Defence, Mr Zaqy Mohamad,

Grassroots Adviser and MP of Parliamentary Committee for Defence, Mr Lee Hong Chuang,

Friends and colleagues,

Ladies and gentlemen,

Introduction

1. Good afternoon and thank you for being here.

2. Earlier, in his video message, you heard Coordinating Minister for National Security, K. Shanmugam, talk about the threats that we face as a nation.

3. Whether on television, radio, or the Internet, we know that around the world, stability can easily disappear.

4. All it takes is-

   1. a cyber-attack that cripples infrastructure,

   2. or a supply chain disruption that empties shelves overnight.

5. These are unfortunately no longer distant threats; they are often nearer than we think.

6. Just last year, our critical infrastructure was targeted by a highly sophisticated actor.

   1. This wasn’t theoretical.

   2. It was a real, deliberate attack when we told Singaporeans about it.

7. Our response to these prospective disruptions must certainly include stronger defences through the good use of technology and updating our policies. But these will not be enough.

8. We must equally raise the level of preparedness and resilience.

9. Not so long ago, we lived through one major disruption.

   1. During COVID-19, life changed almost overnight.

   2. Yet, in the face of uncertainty, we saw the best in Singaporeans.

   3. Neighbours checked in on one another.

   4. Volunteers stepped forward to support seniors in need.

   5. Communities adapted quickly to new realities.

   6. This went beyond the formal measures that were introduced by the Government – it was citizens caring for citizens in the way they know best –extending moral support and providing practical assistance whenever they noticed the need and the opportunity to do so.

10. Interestingly, when digital scams surged, we also saw a different kind of behaviour, and a different kind of bonding.

    1. Families started speaking with each other openly about the risks of going online.

    2. Friends reminded one another to pause and verify before reacting to every message online.

    3. These everyday actions matter as much as any technology or policy we deploy.

11. We see how important it is to have a sense of community spirit. This community spirit must be backed by practical actions. Readiness depends on the willingness to help and knowing what to do.

    1. For example, during major disruptions, we know that we can rely on government agencies to swing into action,

    2. Equally, and at the same time, we want to see organisations activate their continuity plans. This could be business, organisation or community continuity plans.

    3. Citizens must rely on official channels for accurate information to guide their decisions.

12. Recently MDDI and IMDA published a guide, 'What to Do in a Digital Connectivity Disruption'.

    1. In the past, this was not necessary. But today, we conveniently depend on what we find online for our decision-making. So, we want to provide essential tips to our citizens to help them stay informed when digital access is not available.

    2. For example, if you cannot go online, tune in to FM radio to get information on what is happening.

13. The actions and areas of preparation that I described – they form part of our Total Defence.

    1. They recognise that strong human connections and actions make our defence efforts come alive and be more effective.

    2. Total Defence has to be backed by serious efforts to get everyone familiar with knowing what to do.

Exercise SG Ready 2026

14. Every Total Defence Day – normally held on 15 February – you hear the Public Warning System siren.

    1. This year, we sounded it early to mark the start of the exercise.

    2. Crises often emerge anytime, when we least expect it.

15. Organised by MINDEF with key partners IMDA, EMA, PA and SCDF,

    1. Exercise SG Ready returns for its third edition, from today to 15 February, across the island.

16. For the first time, Exercise SG Ready is focusing on digital disruptions, moving beyond the physical disruptions we’ve practised before.

17. [Announcement] This year, CSA and MHA are also launching the first-ever National Simulated Scams Exercise as part of Exercise SG Ready.

    1. You can volunteer to experience what it is like to be in a real scam scenario.

    2. The simulated environment is safe, but you will see first-hand the methods scammers will use, and also how the scams will play out. This includes how they get you to do the things they want, by taking advantage of your vulnerabilities when you least expect it.

    3. We hope that it will help those who have not become victims of scams yet build new muscles to guard against scammers and protect themselves better.

    4. Registration for the exercise starts today.

Call-to-Action

18. On a broader note, Exercise SG Ready will help each one of us practise three simple steps:

    1. First, never assume that disruptions will not happen, and therefore plan for disruptions.

       • Learn how power outages or digital disruptions affect your daily life, family, workplace, and community.

    2. Second, prepare to respond.

       • Know what you can do when a disruption happens, starts with knowing where to get trusted information,

       • Look out for one another – who in your circle, neighbourhood, or community will likely need help during a disruption, and how you can include them in your preparation.

    3. Third, play your part to keep Singapore strong.

       • Look out for one another, so that we can keep Singapore resilient and united in every crisis.

19. Staying prepared is not something we do alone, it is a shared responsibility.

    1. From businesses reviewing their continuity plans to individuals equipping themselves with psychological first-aid skills,

    2. and communities looking out for one another and standing ready to respond. Together with our SAF and our Home Team safeguarding Singapore against external threats,

    3. everyone has a part to play in Total Defence, to make Singapore safer and more resilient.

Conclusion

20. Thank you to all the organisers and partners who made today possible.

    1. Your commitment keeps Total Defence relevant, practical, and meaningful for all Singaporeans.