EVERYONE HAS A ROLE TO PLAY IN TOTAL DEFENCE: DR NG

When Japan invaded Singapore on Feb 15, 1942, a cannon shell landed on the house of a 10-year-old boy. That was the last time he saw his two-year-old sister.

"Her head was frothing with blood and one of her eyes was rolled back," Mr L.M. Mani recalled the last moments before his sister was taken away from him in the midst of the chaos.

The experience moulded his belief that one should always defend his or her country: "One hundred percent! For all Singaporeans whether you are a boy or girl, you must be prepared (to defend your country) at all times." Mr Mani later went on to volunteer to help defend Singapore during the Konfrontasi years.

His experience was one of the stories of Singaporeans noted by Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen at a Total Defence (TD) Commemoration event held at the National Museum of Singapore on TD Day - 15 Feb.

Speaking at the launch of the Total Defence interactive exhibition at the museum and the commemorative book to mark 30 years of TD, Dr Ng said stories like Mr Mani's were reminders of the heavy price to pay if Singaporeans were not able to defend themselves.

In his address, Dr Ng also noted instances in Singapore's history where Singaporeans had rallied together to secure peace and stability for the country.

He cited, among many examples, how the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) successfully rescued hostages in the SQ117 hijacking incident in 1991, how the entire nation worked together to contain the spread of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) in 2003, and more recently, how the Government, employers and employees worked together to weather the worse economic crisis since the Great Depression.

He said: "The message that we want to send out to Singaporeans is that everyone has a role and everyone needs to play a role in Total Defence. I am very glad today too that there are many Singaporeans who have put Total Defence in action."

This year's Total Defence campaign is themed 30 Year of Total Defence: Because You Played a Part to pay tribute to Singaporeans for their contributions.

Over 40 Singaporeans who have contributed to Total Defence are featured in the interactive exhibition and the commemorative book titled Because You Played a Part.

One of those featured was Mr Harbhajan Singh, 73, a senior nursing manager at the Tan Tock Seng Hospital. He was one of the medical professionals who risked their lives to attend to patients who were infected with the SARS in 2003.

Recalling his experience, Mr Harbhajan said: "At that point of time, there was fear...(but) it was our duty as nurses."

In his address, Dr Ng also noted that the SAF is the main pillar of Total Defence, and that Operationally Ready National Servicemen who form the backbone of the SAF must take their responsibilities seriously.

"We recognise that the SAF is the guarantor of Singapore's peace and stability," said Dr Ng after touring the exhibition as well as the hardware static display put up by the SAF and Civil Defence.

Make meaning of Total Defence

The Total Defence interactive exhibition aims to present insightful and honest perspectives on how Singaporeans make meaning of Total Defence in their daily lives.

The exhibition starts off by asking visitors if they are feeling happy or tired. Depending on their mood, they will find themselves embarking on one of the pathways that represent a demographic group - heartlanders, retirees, women, working adults or students.

Along each pathway, they will get to view stories of Singaporeans which are told through words or videos.

One such story is that of Mr Roland Simon, a naval officer who served during the Konfrontasi period. He nearly lost his wife to the MacDonald House bombing in 1965.

Another story is that of Madam Alice Goh, 55, a taxi driver who is concerned that crises such as the haze and the H1N1 pandemic would affect her earnings.

Colonel Roland Ng, director of Nexus, said the exhibition was designed to allow visitors to find their own meaning about Total Defence. "We don t try to say it so explicitly; we let people try to interpret for themselves," he said.

Because You Played A Part
Total Defence 30: An Experiential Showcase

Sat 15 Feb, Fri 21 Feb and Sat 22 Feb | 9am to 10pm
Sun 16 Feb Thu 20 Feb and Sun 23 Feb | 9am to 8pm
National Museum of Singapore (Singapore History Gallery closes at 5.30 pm daily; Museum rules apply)

More TD events

Besides the flagship Total Defence Interactive Exhibition, visitors can look forward to a host of other events:

Forum Theatre Performance

It is 2022 and Singapore is hit by drought and water contamination. Catch this theatre performance and share how you would fend for yourself and for one another in the midst of the hysteria.

Total Defence Walking Trail

Journey back to 1942 when Singapore fell to the Japanese, and relive the horrors that took place within the Civic District Area.

We Are The Stories We Tell Ourselves: Social Dining Experiment

Share a meal with strangers and discover the Singapore story of someone different from you.

How We Fight The Good Fight: Mystery Speaker Talk

Meet five mystery speakers who will talk about how they overcome adversity.

Project Happy Feet Slipper Race 2014 - Total Defence Edition

Take part in the Total Defence edition of the non-competitive walk in slippers inspired by children in rural places who have to walk long distances to school, sometimes barefooted.

Le Gluttony Singapore Food and Film Festival

Enjoy food, film and music that fellow Singaporeans have to offer.

Visit www.totaldefence.sg for more information.