REAFFIRMING THEIR COMMITMENT TO DEFEND SINGAPORE

Servicemen of the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) came together across the country on 1 Jul to not just commemorate the 45th SAF Day, but also to reaffirm their conviction and determination towards national defence.

In the course of the day, more than 690 Operationally-Ready National Servicemen (NSmen) and their employers gathering at four combined rededication ceremonies held across the island to listen to the SAF Day message and to retake the SAF Pledge.

Delivering the SAF Day message at the ceremony held at the Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel, Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen highlighted that a strong and operationally-ready SAF does not only give confidence to the citizens, but also provides assurance to partners in the region that the SAF can be relied on when tensions flare up.

He lauded servicemen for their commitment, professionalism and fighting spirit, and said: "If each new generation commits itself to defending Singapore, without wavering in conviction or actions, then Singapore's peace and prosperity will be assured."

This message was not lost on KH Security Agency Senior Business Development Manager Gary Haris, whose company makes great effort in supporting National Service and its NSmen employees.

He said: "NS has always been an integral part of Singapore's safety and security, hence taking care of NSmen and allowing them to fulfil their obligations without any worry is in a way, helping to defend our sovereignty."

The company has adopted a slew of initiatives, including a gold pendant, as well as granting off days to servicemen who have just returned from In-Camp Training (ICT), on top of financial incentives.

The Singapore Police Force NSman, who holds the rank of Sergeant (SGT), added: "As employers, we should take it as a corporate social responsibility...because being in the security sector, we know how important it is to protect something valuable. We must never take our national security for granted."

His NSman employee, 3rd Sergeant (3SG) (NS) Chan Meng Chuen, appreciates the policies that his company has implemented: "It definitely puts me more at ease because I don't have to worry about the handing over of my work whenever I go back for my ICT."

He added: "I'm able to focus on my training because I won't have any distractions from work, and give my 100 percent for every ICT."

Captain (CPT) (NS) Khoo Sze Boon, an executive director from Langdon & Seah, said: "National defence and National Service are very important... A strong SAF does not only serve as an important deterrent to foreign threats, but also helps to promote a strong and prosperous economy."

National servicemen also reaffirmed their commitment to defence at the SAF Day Parade held at the SAFTI Military Institute in the evening.

Chief of Defence Force Lieutenant-General (LG) Ng Chee Meng led more than 3,000 SAF personnel present in reciting the SAF pledge. And a minute of silence was observed in remembrance of servicemen who had lost their lives in the line of duty.

The best units of the year were also recognised at the parade officiated by President Dr Tony Tan Keng Yam. Dr Tan presented the State Colours to Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) Iain Hoo, Commanding Officer (CO) of the 1st Commando Battalion, this year's Best Combat Unit. He also presented the other Best Unit and Best NS Unit awards to the winning units.

This year's parade also saw new regimental colours for the SAF Military Police Command, Maritime Security Command and 48th Battalion, Singapore Armoured Regiment, being consecrated and presented to their respective COs by President Tan.

Guests at the parade included Senior Minister of State for Defence Chan Chun Sing, Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Dr Mohamad Maliki bin Osman, senior SAF officers, as well as members of the Government Parliamentary Committee for Defence and Foreign Affairs, and the Advisory Council on Community Relations in Defence.

SAF officer lauded for act of valour

Most would remember him as the hero who injured his left shoulder while saving the life of a recruit during the throwing of a live grenade. For his gallant deed, 2nd Lieutenant (2LT) Kamalasivam S/O Shanmuganathan received the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) Medal for Distinguished Act from Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen at this year's SAF Day Parade.

On receiving the award, the Platoon Commander from Cougar Company, Basic Military Training Centre (BMTC) School 1, said: "It's definitely a proud moment, and because my Operationally Ready Date (ORD) is coming soon, I think it's a fantastic way to end my NS."

He added: "OCS (Officer Cadet School) has trained me well, and I learnt how to keep calm under stressful conditions. That's why I was able to react quickly and properly during the (grenade) incident."

The 25-year-old said: "From this incident, I've learnt not to take safety for granted. Even if the best prevention methods are in place, accidents can still happen... This is also true when it comes to protecting our county."

Earlier this year, 2LT Kamalasivam was awarded the Chief of Army Coin from Chief of Army Major-General (MG) Ravinder Singh.