HIDDEN_ADDENDA, MINISTRY OF DEFENCE

MINISTRY OF DEFENCE: MR TEO CHEE HEAN

Minister for Defence

Security is the foundation for Singapore’s survival and success. Without security, we cannot build an economy or a home for Singaporeans. A strong defence is imperative for safeguarding our sovereignty and vital interests. Our history as a nation makes it clear that we can never take our defence for granted.

This continues to be true today. Besides the uncertainties in Southeast Asia, the complex dynamics of a rising China and India, a revitalised Japan, and a pre-eminent United States are geopolitical realities that have important implications for the peace and stability of our region. More so as maritime and energy security will be issues of increasingly significant concern.

Globalisation has made the challenge even more complex, with the accompanying phenomenon of transnational threats. At no other time in history have the security interests of countries been more closely inter-linked as they face common threats which have no respect for national borders. The terrorism perpetrated by extremist militants is the prime example of such a threat. This remains a real and present danger that could threaten not only the lives and well-being of Singaporeans, but also our unity as a nation and people.

Total Defence

To meet such threats, we must be more cohesive and strengthen our collective defence. Singaporeans must be vigilant and know what they need to do in the aftermath of an attack. Our psychological response would be even more crucial, for it is our resilience and social cohesion - built on our strength and resolve as a people - that will enable us to emerge stronger after a crisis. Total Defence will continue to serve us well as a framework for how we respond to the threats and challenges in a cohesive and comprehensive manner. MINDEF will continue to strengthen our Total Defence through national education efforts, to involve all Singaporeans in the security and defence of Singapore.

Prevention, protection and consequence management

In fighting terrorism, the SAF will continue to work closely with home-front agencies to enhance our defences and responses, to deter attacks and protect ourselves. Robust inter-agency cooperation and frequent exercises prepare the response forces and our people to deal with an attack.

Defence and deterrence

Even as the SAF builds up its non-conventional capabilities, we will have to ensure that it continues to have the conventional hard edge to be an effective deterrence. The SAF safeguards Singapore’s security, sovereignty and territorial integrity. A strong defence also gives Singapore the political space to chart our own destiny and pursue the best interests of our country and our people.

The 3rd Generation SAF is evolving into a leaner, more flexible and more tightly-networked force that can undertake the spectrum of missions necessary to ensure Singapore’s security. The SAF’s ongoing transformation will ensure that we can fight and win the wars of the future. Transformation involves new technologies, operational concepts and training methods. With transformation, the SAF’s capabilities will be magnified.

Technology is a force multiplier that enables us to surmount our limitations in people and resources. It is also a catalyst of new ideas for organising, equipping, training, and fighting. We will continue to exploit technology by leveraging on our robust defence eco-system, so as to maximise synergy and collaborative opportunities.

Building trust and connectivity

Diplomacy is the other pillar of Singapore’s defence policy. MINDEF will continue to actively develop positive and mutually beneficial relationships with friendly countries to enhance Singapore’s security and regional stability. The SAF will continue to work closely with friendly forces to enhance our professional skills, improve inter-operability, and benchmark ourselves against the best armed forces in the world. The SAF will also continue with its extensive overseas training which helps overcome our land and airspace constraints.

At the wider level, it is clear that countries must work together to deal with common security threats. International cooperation is essential and Singapore can play a role in such cooperative efforts to contribute to regional security and stability, and also protect our national interests and ensure our security. MINDEF will continue to participate actively in multilateral defence efforts which bring international and regional partners together to deal with common threats, especially in such areas as counter-terrorism, maritime security, and counter-proliferation. Singapore will also continue to do our part where we can make a useful contribution to multinational peace support operations or humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions.

People

The strength of the SAF lies in our servicemen and servicewomen - their spirit, their commitment and their professionalism. We will continue to develop them to achieve their highest potential. With 80% of each cohort having post-secondary education, we have the human resources to make good use of the technology that is core in the 3rd Generation SAF.

National Service

National Service is critical for national defence and remains the backbone of the SAF. Maintaining the motivation and morale of our National Servicemen will continue to be our focus.

Public support and consultation

MINDEF will continue to seek feedback and consult Singaporeans through channels such as SAFRA, ACCORD and RECORD, and the National Education Outreach programme. The recommendations of RECORD IV to recognise the contributions of our National Servicemen are being implemented.