DEFENCE MINISTER LAUNCHES SAF'S 50TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS

"Because of the collective spirit (and) the collective effort (of our people), we have progressed very much Today, no one doubts the ability of the SAF to be able to defend Singapore," said Defence Minister Dr Ng Eng Hen, highlighting the Singapore Armed Forces' (SAF's) growth into a respected military force.

He was speaking to visitors at the launch of SAF50@Vivo on 12 Feb. Centred around the theme, Our SAF : Giving Strength to our Nation, SAF50@Vivo is a large-scale tri-service event that celebrates the SAF's 50th anniversary.

Held at VivoCity from 12 to 15 Feb, it also marks the start of a year-long celebration that includes public events and activities to showcase the SAF's capabilities and pay tribute to the men and women who have contributed to Singapore's defence over the last 50 years.

Stories of the SAF

At the launch, Dr Ng toured the SAF50 Stories Zone, an interactive exhibition featuring stories from the men and women of the local defence community.

Recognising the contributions from all who form the defence ecosystem, Dr Ng said: "The focus of SAF50 (is not) on specific individuals, but what we have achieved together in this remarkable journey when we, as one people, one SAF, put our hearts and minds into this indispensable task of defending our homeland."

The exhibitions in the SAF50 Stories Zone are divided into four clusters:

"Strength of a Soldier" features the shared experiences of servicemen and servicewomen, from full-time National Servicemen (NSFs) to Operationally-ready National Servicemen (NSmen) and Regulars;

"Strength of our Pioneers" pays tribute to SAF pioneers who overcame all odds and were essential in making the SAF what it is today;

"Strength from the Community" features personal reflections and well-wishes from the community, which plays a key role in supporting their families and loved ones in the SAF; and

"Strength in Action" showcases the wide variety of roles the SAF plays, both in defending our nation and in assisting in international peacekeeping and disaster-relief missions.

Visitors were greeted by SAF50 ambassadors who took them through the various story clusters. Lance Corporal (LCP) Lee Kun Siang, an ambassador at the "Strength from the Community" cluster, hoped that visitors would "understand the role of the SAF and most importantly, the idea of strength - how the SAF draws strength from the community and provides strength to the community".

The 20-year-old NSF added: "(Playing my part as an ambassador in this event,) I have learnt that no role is too small. We all have a part in SAF50, the SAF and national defence."

Appreciating our pioneers

Dr Ng also spent some time speaking to about 110 SAF pioneers who had been invited to the SAF50@Vivo launch.

Among them was 1st Warrant Officer (1WO) (Ret) Edwidge Desker, who participated in the SAF's first overseas deployment to East Pakistan in 1970. He was part of the team sent to provide medical aid to victims of cyclone-hit East Pakistan.

"I'm very honoured to be recognised for my work before, and to be able to relate the story to current soldiers and let them know that there are things happening in other countries that you can help in," said the 67-year-old, who enlisted in 1967. His story is featured as part of the SAF50 Stories Zone.

On the changes he has witnessed over the years, 1WO Desker replied candidly: "When we first started in the SAF, it wasn't a sought-after job. But today, they (the soldiers) are proud to walk around in their uniform. And that's good."

Fun for all at SAF50@Vivo

Besides checking out the interactive exhibitions in the SAF50 Stories Zone, visitors can view the combined assets and capabilities of the Singapore Army, Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) and Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) which are on display at the Capabilities Zone. Visitors can take pictures of assets such as the Heron 1 Unmanned Aerial Vehicle and Light Strike Vehicle (LSV) II, and even climb atop a scaled replica of the conning tower of an RSN Archer-class submarine.

They can also try their hand at learning to fire a ship's 0.5'' machine gun or fly a plane on the training simulators in the Experience Zone.

Tickets to tour Landing Ship Tank (LST) RSS Endurance, the RSN's largest ship, are still available. Visitors can try balloting for the tickets at the exhibition. There will also be a boat physical training demonstration by the Naval Diving Unit as well as performances by the SAF Music and Drama Company on the flight deck of RSS Endurance.

Over at the Engagement Zone, visitors will have the chance to meet and greet the RSAF Black Knights and drop an encouraging word or two to servicemen and women on the message board. Kids will also have fun at the special tri-service photo booth, where they can try on different uniforms from the Army, Navy or Air Force and have their pictures taken.

The RSN is also holding a "Name our Ships" contest, to invite the public to name its new Littoral Mission Vessels (LMVs). Members of the public can contribute their ideas at the LMV naming booth at the Engagement Zone or at www.navy.sg/nameourships. The contest is open to Singaporeans and Permanent Residents and will run until 15 Mar.

To commemorate Total Defence Day on 15 Feb, an SAF Weapons Presentation Ceremony will be held on RSS Endurance. This is the first time that the ceremony will be held on board a ship. The awards ceremony of N.E.mation! 9, a digital animation competition organised by Nexus for youths to express their thoughts on Total Defence, will also be held on that day at VivoCity.