Speech by President Tony Tan Keng Yam at the Official Opening of SAFRA Toa Payoh

Dr Ng Eng Hen
Minister for Defence &
Chairman, SAFRA Board of Governors

Mr Chan Chun Sing
Acting Minister for Social and Family Development and
Senior Minister of State for Defence &
President, SAFRA

Mrs Josephine Teo
Minister of State for Finance and Transport

Dr Mohamad Maliki Bin Osman
Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Defence and National Development &
Deputy President, SAFRA

Distinguished Guests

Ladies and Gentlemen

        Good evening.

        I am happy to join you today to officiate the opening of the new SAFRA Toa Payoh. Being here brings back fond memories. I recall officiating the opening of SAFRA Yishun Country Club in 2001 and was impressed with the club’s wide range of facilities and amenities. 

        The opening of SAFRA’s newest and biggest club at Toa Payoh reflects SAFRA’s growth over the past decade. Since its inception in 1972, SAFRA has grown from strength to strength. Through its clubs and activities, it has reached out to more NSmen and has expanded its range of offerings. Its membership base has increased steadily over the years to over 230,000, reflecting its growing appeal. With five SAFRA clubs conveniently located island-wide today, NSmen and their families have easy access to a wide range of quality social, recreational, sports and educational facilities to cater to their lifestyle needs. Every month, 386,000 NSmen, family members and friends visit the SAFRA clubs. And every year, half a million participate in SAFRA-organised events and activities.

        SAFRA’s growth is testament to our continued commitment to see SAFRA serve more NSmen, and serve them better. SAFRA has a unique mission that distinguishes it from all other social clubs - to foster camaraderie among our NSmen and to recognise their valuable contribution to the defence of Singapore. Together with our full-time national servicemen, our NSmen are the backbone of the Singapore Armed Forces to deter potential threats to our home, our way of life and our sovereignty. To date, more than two generations of NSmen have given their time and effort to serve Singapore and all Singaporeans. Despite the competing demands of family, friends and work, they go through the rigours of training each year to upkeep their physical fitness and operational proficiency so that they are always ready to respond when the need arises. 

        Without this sacrifice from our NSmen, Singapore would not have enjoyed peace and stability, social progress and continued economic development over the past decades. Equally important is the support given to our NSmen and National Service by their families, friends and employers. This support keeps our NSmen going, as they persevere in maintaining their operational readiness and in fulfilling their NS responsibilities. 

        I am heartened to see that, after 40 years, SAFRA has remained steadfast to its core mission of serving our NSmen and their families. I thank the many stalwarts at SAFRA – the volunteers, office bearers, and staff past and present – for their invaluable contributions to SAFRA. Many of our SAFRA volunteers are NSmen themselves and they truly exemplify the spirit of commitment and service among our past and present generations of NSmen.

        Finally, I congratulate SAFRA on the official opening of SAFRA Toa Payoh and commend the Development Committee, volunteers and staff who have worked hard to rebuild this club. 

        It now gives me great pleasure to declare SAFRA Toa Payoh open.