KEEPING SINGAPORE STRONG TOGETHER

This year's Total Defence campaign has taken a hip new twist.

With a refreshed Total Defence (TD) song -- some new lyrics written by singer-songwriter Gareth Fernandez -- backed by a five-piece local band QuickPick, thought-provoking exhibits within the "Future of Us" exhibition at the Marketplace, and stage plays at the Singapore Discovery Centre, there is something for everyone.

The key message: Total Defence is even more relevant in today's uncertain security landscape, and everyone has a part to play to keep Singapore strong.

Senior Minister of State for Defence Dr Mohamad Maliki Bin Osman said this at the TD Day Commemoration ceremony held at the "Future of Us" exhibition on 15 Feb.

As the threat of terrorism looms in the region, countries around the world face an uncertain global economic outlook, and the Zika virus spreads rapidly in the Americas, Singaporeans must remain united and resilient, said Dr Maliki.

He said: "It (terrorism) is the biggest problem facing all countries This fight is not for security agencies alone." While the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) and Home Team are stepping up their efforts to protect Singapore, this is not enough.

"The fight involves every one of us -- regardless of our race or religion -- all coming together to make a firm stand against any group that threatens to destroy our way of life," said Dr Maliki.

The TD exhibition at the Marketplace, Gardens by the Bay, features stories of individuals and organisations which have overcome challenges and crises. The exhibition will be open till 18 Feb.

There is another TD exhibition, packed with activities for students, at the Singapore Discovery Centre, till 19 Mar. The TD-themed stage plays are also performed there.

One Singaporean who has stepped up to play her part is Ms Juliana Juma'in, a 38-year-old teacher who signed up to serve with the SAF Volunteer Corps (VC).

"I did this because I wanted to experience what my two sons will experience in National Service."

"As a teacher it's also about walking the talk; when I tell my students that they have to keep defence strong, I will have real experience to back it up," said Ms Juliana, who was deployed for a week on board a Republic of Singapore Navy warship in October last year.

Singaporeans can also contribute their ideas for a better society and nation in the on-going SGfuture dialogue sessions. One of these sessions, which was held in conjunction with the TD commemoration, focused on the changing threats and TD. Participants discussed their ideas and put forth suggestions for a better Singapore.

"I think such engagement sessions are useful because they give me a better idea of how various organisations can play a part in helping the country to weather a storm," said participant Nora Osman, 36. She is a teacher in Ngee Ann Secondary School.

"I think our students must realise that we all have a role to play in Singapore's defence -- be it becoming effective in the workforce or in the civil defence sector by learning medical skills."

"The idea is that we cannot be passive recipients of the benefits that Singapore citizens enjoy; we must play a part and contribute," said Ms Nora. To take part in the conversation, visit www.sg/sgfuture.

Speaking to the media after taking part in the session, Dr Maliki said: "One thing that came up quite strongly (during the session) was that many required information on some of the new threats facing Singapore."

"So we ought to continue to engage Singaporeans and share information on what it is that we are facing, and what we can do to prepare ourselves and remain united."

Dr Maliki also caught a live performance of the refreshed TD song and met members of the band. Said vocalist and keyboard-player Ms Calin Wong: "We hope that people will pay attention to the lyrics and feel the message behind this year's TD campaign when they listen to the song." The tune, first released in 1984, was one of Singapore's first national songs.

Not all has changed though. "We kept the melody for the first verse and chorus the same as the original so people can recognise the song and sing along. But the rest we changed to sound more 'pop' and slightly different to sound fresher."

The band QuickPick took about two weeks to arrange, record and produce the song. To hear more from the band, visit their channel quickpickband on YouTube.

For more information on the TD activities this year, visit www.totaldefence.sg.