Speech by President Tharman Shanmugaratnam at the 135/24 Officer Cadet Commissioning Parade on 30 November 2024

Dr Ng Eng Hen, Minister for Defence,

Graduands of the 135/24 Officer Cadet Course,

Parents and Distinguished Guests,

Ladies and Gentlemen,   

1.  A very good evening. My heartiest congratulations to all the graduands of the Officer Cadet Course. Over the past 38 weeks, you have been through challenges that have tested your limits. These experiences put you in a good position to embark on the next phase of your leadership journey. 

A STRONG AND CAPABLE SAF IN A TURBULENT WORLD

2.  Today is a celebration of your achievement. But it is also a day of expectation, because soon you will report to your respective units to begin your duties across our armed services.

3.  You are entering service at a time when the rules-based international order is under severe strain. The conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East continue, with immense humanitarian costs. Close to home, contestation continues in areas such as the South China Sea, and the threat of terrorism remains real and present. These ongoing conflicts and security threats are stark reminders of how fragile peace and security can be. While we can never predict what security challenges will confront us in future, the fundamentals remain the same. We know the survival of Singapore, and the freedom to chart its own future, has always depended on the stability afforded by a strong SAF – one that pairs deterrence with diplomacy. We have to stand up for our values and interests, while remaining open and engaged with the world.

4.  The SAF will continue to broaden and deepen its capabilities to safeguard our interests and defend our sovereignty.

   1.     The recent commissioning of our first two Invincible-class submarines, which will fulfil a wide spectrum of operations to safeguard Singapore’s waters and protect its sea lines of communication, demonstrates this commitment.

5.  Beyond being a military force, the SAF is also an active member of the global community, representing Singapore well in supporting humanitarian aid and international security efforts with professionalism and excellence.

   1.    In January this year, the Navy deployed a team to support Operation Prosperity Guardian, and contribute to coalition efforts to safeguard maritime security in the Red Sea.

   2.    In March, personnel from the Air Force and Army successfully completed a complex humanitarian airdrop operations to deliver much- needed aid to Gaza. The SAF was able to deploy quickly into a novel, real conflict area with actual threats.

6.  In addition, the SAF helps Singapore foster strong relationships with our neighbours. Recently, the SAF contributed to relief efforts in Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam after Typhoon Yagi, all while continuing to exercise extensively with foreign armed forces. Today, I welcome two friends from the Royal Thai Armed Forces, who are commissioning alongside you on this parade square. They are testament to the importance of forging lasting partnership and friendships, and the strength and depth of our defence diplomacy efforts.

THE PEOPLE AT THE HEART OF OUR MISSION

7.  Ultimately, it will not be advanced technologies or missions that determine your success. Just as with our nation’s journey, your service will be defined by something within you – the values that keep us strong. When tough times come, you will do what those before you have always done – recognising that we all have responsibilities; that we are in this together; and that we navigated rough seas before and will do so again.

   1. As a citizen armed force, the SAF draws its strength from all walks of life. This was on full display at this year’s National Day Parade, as we celebrated 59 years of independence and marked 40 years of Total Defence. We saw how the SAF planned and executed both the debut Dynamic Defence Display at the Padang, as well as the continued celebrations in our heartlands.

8.  As Officers-to-be, you will soon join those who are entrusted with the responsibility of leading our citizen armed forces. You will achieve this not just by training your people rigorously, but by keeping them safe and taking care of their wellbeing, so that they know that you value each one of them. And, through your care, your character and your competence, inspire them to believe in Singapore as a home that is worth fighting for.

LEADING THE SAF

9.  Winning the hearts and minds of your soldiers, sailors, airmen and guardians will be no easy task, but I am confident that the training you received in OCS will serve you well.

10.  Officer Cadet Annabelle Chin is an example. Inspired from a young age by her parents, both ex-SAF Officers, she developed a strong sense of duty to defend Singapore. After completing her university education, she chose to commit herself to the SAF, bringing both maturity and leadership to her peers. As one of Singapore’s first set of quintuplets, she is no stranger to team spirit!

11.  Another example is Office Cadet Muhammad Amali bin Mohamad Kamal. While the early days in his national service journey were not easy, he was inspired to persevere by his twin brother, who is now a regular Officer in the Army. Their bond exemplifies the broader spirit amongst you, of camaraderie, resilience and commitment to national service.

12. I would also like to commend Officer Cadet Matthew Roy Cox. As a PR, he has demonstrated outstanding commitment and competence throughout his military service. Excelling in both Specialist and then Officer Cadet School, he has proven to be an exemplary leader and warmly welcomed by his peers.

CONCLUSION

13.  Next year, we celebrate 60 years of independence together. For us to celebrate another 60 and more, each generation must not only run their own leg, but also pass the baton well to the next generation. Here, I would like to thank the families of the graduands, including the many grandparents and parents who are here this evening. Together with the friends of the graduands, your encouragement and support have made it possible for them to successfully pull through the last 38 weeks. To the graduands: may you rise to the challenge: To Lead, To Excel, To Overcome. Thank you.