Ng Eng Hen
Singapore
“I think we try to keep this virtuous state of affairs as long as we can to make sure that we can invest steadily. Year-to-year fluctuations would occur, whether it is economic, not so much in COVID-19, but remember the Global Financial Crisis? Everybody needs to take a haircut. If you have to take a haircut, you have to take a haircut.”
“Mr Chairman, as the World around us becomes more unpredictable and changes, the more we need to keep the strongest commitment to strengthen our own defences and, if needed, we must be willing to do more. Singapore celebrates 60 years of Independence this year.”
“MINDEF will continue to work with partners to encourage Singaporeans to raise their digital literacy, develop and maintain good cybersecurity habits, protect sensitive data and guard against scams, fake news and disinformation so as to make the digital domain a safer and more secure space.”
“The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) conducts regular mobilisation exercises (MOBEX) of our National Service (NS) forces. In a silent mobilisation, NSmen are notified through their personal contact numbers. Open mobilisations include the broadcast of unit code-words through mass media.”
“In 2020, the Ministry of Defence replied to a Parliamentary Question on this matter that the relocation of Paya Lebar Air Base (PLAB) would likely occur around 2030 or beyond, after Changi Air Base and Tengah Air Base have been expanded to house the existing assets at PLAB.”
“When incidents or near-misses happen, as it did where one Hunter armoured fighting vehicle rear-ended another during Exercise Wallaby in Australia, thorough investigations are conducted and lessons learnt shared across the units.”
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“This transformed quadri-Service SAF will provide Singapore with a strong core against foreseeable threats. But even so, I agree with many Members here that we must prepare for new disruptive technologies as well as scenarios that we have not seen. The future is still evolving but the overall shape is discernible. In the not so distant future like many Members talked about, militaries will use a new generation of hypersonic missiles, lethal autonomous platforms and directed energy weapons. These are just a few examples. Unmanned platforms are now commonly used in both civilian and military settings. What will be a game-changer is when these unmanned platforms from air, land and sea are scaled to large numbers and weaponised. We have already seen it in the Ukraine war. How do you respond to those? A few years back, drone strikes from Azerbaijan took out Armenian air defences, artillery and armoured vehicles from above. Recently, in Sevastopol, Ukraine launched a coordinated drone attack against the Russian Navy – nine from the air, seven from the sea. These drones were able to break through multi-layered defences around the port and damaged at least two Russian ships. These concrete examples that Members of Parliament have shared are rewriting the doctrine and practice of modern warfare as we speak. So, how does MINDEF and SAF deal with this, I was asked. Well, we set up organically and organisationally the Future Systems and Technology Directorate (FSTD). It is literally called that – the Future Systems and Technology Directorate. In it are SAF planners, DSTA engineers and DSO scientists.”
“It has allowed us to consolidate military intelligence and digital and cyber capabilities. Most of you ask for updates, including most Members of Parliament. I have talked about an SAF digital range. It has made good progress. It will contain virtual replicas of networks and systems that we have nationally so that we can simulate a wider range of cyber-attacks. It will be completed in 2026. It will be used to train our DIS forces and conduct exercises with other military and commercial partners and we will organise joint training with other national agencies – I think Mr Alex Yam talked about that – to defend our critical infrastructure. Some of you ask what our cyber agency DIS' mission is. Digital threats in the cyber arena are pervasive daily – literally tens, if not hundreds of thousands. What our cyber agencies are more concerned with are external and orchestrated attacks by non-state and state actors, for example, terrorist organisations. The DIS has picked up some entities and is monitoring them for their activities. That is as much as I can say. The DIS will also set up the Digital Ops-Tech Centre, run by software engineers and data scientists, to provide in-house software development. This Centre will be operational in 2024. I am giving you discrete dates and these are our targets. Recruitment – some of you have asked this – including Miss Rachel Ong. In 2018, we launched a Cyber Work-learn programme and last year, a new Digital Work-Learn Scheme. Since the launch of both schemes, more than 350 NSFs have signed on. We also saw a 40% increase in applications. A significant number of applications are for non-uniformed roles. So, I think it is doing quite well.”
“We have also flown with other F-35 operators, in particular, very recently, in Exercise Pitch Black in Darwin, Australia. All of these have given us valuable insights. MINDEF and the SAF have concluded that the F-35 is the best choice to meet our defence needs now and in the future. MINDEF will therefore proceed to exercise the option to acquire a second tranche of F-35Bs – eight of them – and they will be added to our fleet by the end of the decade. This acquisition will support the progressive drawdown of our ageing F-16s, which will retire from mid-2030s, which means that at steady state, our RSAF will operate F-35 and F-15 fighter planes – the most advanced in the region. For the Navy, we have launched our second and third Invincible-class submarines a few months ago in Kiel, Germany. Later this year, you can expect the first submarine to return home base. You will only have a fleeting glance. It is, most of the time, underwater, unless you are at Changi Naval Base, where you can see some of it. By the end of this decade, all four submarines will be operational around Singapore waters. These custom-fitted submarines will be stealthier, more agile and will remain submerged for a longer period. This significantly enhances naval capabilities to protect our interests at sea. And people notice. At the recent Munich Security Conference, they said, "You have got new Type-218SG submarines." I said, "Yes" – quietly. For the Army, the next-generation Howitzer and Armoured Tracked Carrier will be introduced as well as more unmanned aerial and ground vehicles in our combat units. Some of you ask about future threats – Mr Alex Yam, Mr Henry Kwek. Indeed, this was the reason we started the DIS.”
“We can have a quiet satisfaction that the SAF today is recognised as one of the most advanced in Asia. I think Mr Dennis Tan asked – what are you preparing to make sure that your sea lines of communication, your airways, towards 2040, how are you preparing? Some perspective: the SAF is not large relatively. There was a reason I gave that the military spending for all the countries around us. But for our size – all our Services, we are the most advanced in Asia. We operate modern state-of-the-art platforms. Together, these Services can prosecute campaigns across a spectrum of security challenges. This modernisation is saying a lot. It has taken two decades but has been completed successfully. Very few militaries have achieved that. As a result, the Army now uses digitalised fighting and support platforms – the Hunter Armoured Fighting Vehicles, HIMARS and Leopard Tanks. The Air Force's Smart Multi-Role Tanker Transport aircraft and Aster-30 Missile Systems are new additions, together with the F-15s. The Navy has brought on a full fleet of Frigates and new Littoral Mission Vessels. In the next decade, more platforms and capabilities will be added. I previously informed this House in 2019 that our Air Force would purchase four F-35 Joint Strike Fighters because we wanted to evaluate it. It allowed us access to information and facilities for a full evaluation. Our pilots have flown in F-35 mission simulators. The F-35 is a single-pilot cockpit. So, you cannot share with anyone. They have flown in simulators and learnt from operational F-35 pilots. They have evaluated the electronic systems on board and made trips to F-35 bases to study how other users maintain their fleets.”
“Barring increasing tensions or persistently high inflation where military spending may have to go up, MINDEF expects this to be the steady state spending. I will repeat that because my officials are very nervous about this. We have stabilised between 3% and 4% of the GDP. That is saying a lot. And barring increasing tensions or persistent high inflation, we expect this to be steady state spending. In fact, this means that over the past few decades, because we have matured, as a percentage of GDP, we have been spending less. What has we achieved? The final accountability – what have we done with all these defence dollars? I think Mr Henry Kwek and Mr Chong Kee Hiong asked about this. With your permission, Mr Chairman, I have asked the Clerks to distribute a handout on SAF's transformation, which Members may refer to.”
“Similarly, we do not want to provide an aggregated amount for the acquisitions – because you can guess – if your capability development is this budget and it is collected over years, what are you spending it for? But the key question, I think, that the Member Gerald Giam is asking is how then do you assure prudence and accountability of your spending? Like all public agencies, we are held to account for the management of funds. We are subject to independent audits by the Auditor-General's Office (AGO), where deep dives are taken into processes. In other words, you do not get to see the aggregated picture but you can see any of the individual processes. For example, AGO had discovered payment errors of flexible benefit allowances in FY2021 and these were promptly recovered. MINDEF does not have any say to what the AGO wants to look at. If it wants to look at platforms, we have to show the detailed processes. As Mr Giam said, the Public Accounts Committee can also request for additional information after examining AGO's audits, as it did in this case. We have strong internal controls to ensure that expenditure is within stipulated ranges of reference costs. In other words, when we pay for something, we take reference from other known quoted figures. Our procurement processes adhere to rigorous standards. When there are large-scale projects, we have senior management committees to ensure oversight and compliance. But I take the point – there is a necessary trade-off between accountability and full transparency. There has to be. But I think overall, Singaporeans – with an NS Army – can see what our dollars go into and, as I said, the detailed processes are subject to audit. Overall, MINDEF's spending has stabilised at between 3% and 4% of our GDP.”
“If the war has taught us anything, it must be that weaponry and fighting platforms are important, but ultimately, it is the fighting spirit of the people that will decide if they end up subjugated or sovereign. We Singaporeans must build and have that same spirit and resolve. Our lives and our country will depend on it. Let me now turn to the actual figures for MINDEF’s Budget. I think Don Wee asked specifically. In the coming financial year, my Ministry projects an expenditure of just under $18 billion. This translates to an increase of 5.6% from FY2022 due to mainly three reasons. 8.00 pm First, inflation. MAS has estimated that core inflation should come in at 3.5% to 4.5% in 2023. Second, we are catching up of projects deferred or disrupted – for example, SAFTI City, NS Square, the delivery of our submarines. Third, we are spending more on digital and other non-kinetic capabilities. I will elaborate on them in the response to your questions on the Digital and Intelligence Service (DIS). I had informed Members previously that MINDEF will strive to keep the growth of our Defence Budget to be in line with inflation and we have achieved this target for the past decade at about 4.3% each year. We expect this to continue for the next decade too, to stabilise at a 3% to 4% year-on-year growth. By design, as Members have noted, MINDEF does not give detailed information in the Budget Book. Members know the reason. It is not in our security interest to do so, just as we do not give the detailed cost figures for acquisition of planes, submarines and Army platforms because they provide an indication of our capabilities.”
“And in particular, when Ukraine’s imports were disrupted and prices of lithium batteries went up and soldiers needed to communicate, volunteers started donation drives to collect and recycle batteries to power drone operations. More recently, we saw footage of improvised grenades reportedly made by the Ukrainian Army in partnership with civilian engineers. Basically, it shows a fragmentation grenade fitted with a shuttlecock that is attached for stabilisation. The grenades could then be lifted by commercial drones and dropped onto targets from above. A cheap and creative solution, perfect for recycling used shuttlecocks. Ukraine’s Armed Forces relied heavily on civilians to gather military intelligence through crowdsourcing. When the invasion began, the government added new features to the Diia app, it is the equivalent of our Singpass. And through a chatbot, citizens could help the military locate Russian troops and vehicles by providing photos and videos together with live locations. As footage flooded in, there were multiple reports of Ukrainian troops successfully destroying Russian convoys, thanks to the tip-offs from the public. There was another crowdsourcing app followed, it is called ePPO, and this was for citizens to report sightings of cruise missiles and kamikaze drones. That is how sophisticated their system had become. Passion, grit, bravery, innovation, even pure genius in the face of overwhelming adversity. Ukrainians had no electricity or running water, endured freezing temperatures, constantly under the threat of incoming missiles, but the resolve of the Ukrainian people to protect their country, to defend their freedom shone through, through all the misery that war brings.”
“For the SAF, major systems and platforms take 10 to 15 years to conceptualise, build and integrate into our fighting force. That is assuming everything runs smoothly, without chop and change. If a military loses a capability and wants to build it back, it may take twice as long. We need to remind ourselves constantly that investing steadily in defence is the more prudent and cost-effective strategy, especially during good times and peace. Because it is not just the dollars spent, but the know-how, the human capital, the culture and most important of all, the psychology and mental build-up of commanders and soldiers, crucial for the SAF, which is made up of NSmen in the majority. Some of you have asked what have we learned from the war in Ukraine? We have learnt many lessons. We are watching it very, very closely. Because it is the only war in which modern state-on-state warfare has been fought in recent years. Mr Vikram Nair asked about this. There are indeed military lessons to be learnt. But more important than military lessons, examples of how people, ordinary citizens make the crucial difference, not only in civilian affairs but military too. Ukrainian civilians have played significant roles in the conflict from the very beginning. Let me just share some examples briefly. Workers cut up old train tracks and welded them together to create obstacles. These were known as “steel hedgehogs” – nobody taught them how to do it – and they put them up to block Russian military trucks. Volunteers produced, repurposed and operated drones for the Ukrainian Armed Forces.”
“But without a robust framework to maintain peace, this upsizing of Asian militaries can spell trouble ahead. Some of you know that there is a metaphorical Doomsday Clock that has been ticking away. Well, this Doomsday Clock has moved 90 seconds closer to midnight this year, the closest to global catastrophe since 1947, post-World War II. It is no wonder that some of us sleep less soundly at night. Here, it would be remiss of me as Minister for Defence if I did not thank Members of this House for their constant and strong support through the years for my Ministry’s budget. The record shows that Members of Parliament of all political parties and Nominated Members of Parliament in successive Parliaments have shown this collective support. None of them were beguiled or rendered complacent by peace to push for less defence spending. Yes, questions were asked about how MINDEF and the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) put our defence dollars to use and if it was effective, accountability, so on and so forth. Questions that needed to be asked and were asked by Members here. But not reduced spending. Outside this Parliament, some political personalities did push for reduction, saying our defence spending is "excessive”, or that external threats for us "don't exist”. I wish that was true. To them, I say, do not sacrifice a strong defence for Singapore at the altar of political expediency. It may win some support, but it risks losing Singapore in that self-interest. As Mr Lee Kuan Yew reminded us even in his later years, “Without a strong SAF, there is no economic future, there is no security”. That is a hard truth that remains constant. We must never forget that defence is a long-term business.”
“Members can refer to them and also access the handouts through your MP@SGParl mobile app. China is estimated to spend in excess of US$270 billion and announced a 7.1% increase last year. Japan has announced plans to double its defence spending to 2% of GDP by 2027 and to develop counter-strike capabilities. For the past decade, Japan’s military spending, albeit as a self-defence force, has been on the same level as France and Germany’s, around US$50 billion every year. Two percent of Japan’s GDP would be around US$85 billion today. That is more than what India spends. South Korea wants to increase defence spending by an annual average of 6.8% over the next five years, with a focus on securing capabilities to counter North Korea. If that happens, South Korea will spend as much as Japan today. Similarly, Australia will reach these levels of defence spending by 2030. I put in comparison ASEAN’s military spending. ASEAN is not a military pact, but in comparison, spends in aggregate about what one of the ASEAN+8 countries spends – South Korea. Taken together, and if these facts bring to your minds that Asia is spending a lot militarily, you are quite right. Taken together, Asia’s military spending on the whole had already surpassed Europe in 2009. The gap has since widened even further. Between 1999 and 2021, the defence spending by EU increased only by 20%, compared to the US that went up by 70%, Russia by 300% and China by 600%. EU countries will now be spending more because of the Ukraine invasion, but Asia’s military spending will be still larger for some time to come. The charts show the trends clearly. All of us of course are asking, as some of your questions alluded to – what will all this lead to? I doubt anyone can really be sure.”
“For Germany, that long believed and worked for the integration of Europe and Russia, those hopes have all but evaporated. Germany downsized its Bundeswehr, its military, in the 1990s to reap the so-called “peace dividends” after the Berlin Wall fell. Today, it has to reverse that policy. Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s Zeitenwende speech in 2022 marked, as the word means, the end of an era and a turning point. European Union (EU) countries have now pledged to spend more on defence in the face of Russia’s war on Ukraine. Some, like Latvia, are also reintroducing conscription while others like Germany, Sweden, Poland and France continue to mull over the reinstatement of some form of national service. Closer to home, Asian countries too are upsizing their militaries, especially in Northeast Asia. With your permission, Mr Chairman, I have asked the Clerks to distribute charts on military spending as many Members asked about it. [Please refer to Annex 7.]”
“President of the World Economic Forum Børge Brende recently described our world as one which is gradually sliding from a period of cooperation to a period of intensifying global competition. China’s ascension into the World Trade Organization (WTO), if we cast our minds back, was in 2001, so some 22 years ago, where US President Bill Clinton at that time spent political capital to get his Congress to support it. Why did the US do it? They wanted to speed up China’s transition to a market-based economy for it to be more globally integrated. As the thinking went, if China was more like the rest of the world, trading with it and co-dependent, then surely Communism as a form of government would be weakened. More than 20 years later, I suspect that some within the US and their Western allies, in retrospect, might think that was a mistake. Because China has indeed risen economically and is now one of the largest trading nations. So, for the very reasons you push for China to be included in the WTO, it has succeeded. But just recently, Czech President-elect Petr Pavel asserted that China was “not compatible with Western democracies in their strategic goals and principles”. Think about this. The world’s second-largest global trading partner is not compatible with you. So, it is not what you do; it is what you are. These forces run deep and will alter the very foundational pillars of countries and their relationships with others. It is inevitable, even for large and middle powers, let alone tiny Singapore. And many of you asked what these structural forces, what these tectonic plates will do to us. Mr Alex Yam, Mr Don Wee, Mr Dennis Tan, Mr Vikram Nair. Let us first look at Europe.”
“Much obliged, Mr Speaker. Colleagues, Mr Speaker, this Committee of Supply (COS), we sit together with the rest of the world coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic. We have learned to live with the disease and are returning to normalcy. But it is also clear to all of us that the world has changed, and some things will never revert to the status quo ante. Among them, hybrid work patterns, greater digitalisation, increased vulnerability of supply chains, rising protectionism. Many of you have spoken about the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and in parallel, that and rising US-China tensions, which many of you touched upon, are seminal forces that will impede, if not unravel, globalisation. For Singapore, whose external trade is three and a half times our GDP, the proverbial “shop in the MRT station”, the “canary in the mine of globalisation”, so dependent on free flow of goods and services, capital and people, these changes are bound to affect us, and our country will feel the effects strongly. There is also the potential of physical disruption to key sea lines of communication. Mr Vikram Nair spoke on this. Mr Dennis Tan alluded to it. The South China Sea and the Straits of Malacca and Singapore are indeed vital waterways. A third of global shipping goes through the South China Sea and the Straits of Malacca and Singapore and carries 80% of the oil transported to Northeast Asia. Coupled with these external forces, internally, many countries see their citizens pushing against globalisation and immigrants. The rise in extreme right parties is a vivid sign of this inward-looking mood. In sum, the post-World War II constructs of increasing free trade and open borders are under severe stress.”
“For example, the NS Mark accreditation is awarded to organisations that have adopted good practices to help NSmen employees balance their personal and ORNS commitments, and the NS Advocate Award to those amongst them who lend exemplary support.”
“Under the Enlistment Act, the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) compensates employers for the salaries due to their NSmen employees, whenever the NSmen employees need to absent themselves from work to perform their Operationally Ready National Service (ORNS) duties. On their part, employers are required to grant their NSmen employees leave of absence and keep the latter in employment during these periods. Employers who fail to do so are liable for custodial sentences and fines. Today, public support for NS is strong and the vast majority of employers understand the critical need for NS and fully support their NSmen employees with ORNS obligations. MINDEF takes a serious view of any unfair treatment by employers. Most cases of feedback and complaints MINDEF receives on possible unfair treatment by employers turn out to be a matter of misunderstanding that can be resolved through clarifications. Since 2017, there have been four cases received by MINDEF which had further follow-up by MINDEF, the Ministry of Manpower or the Tripartite Alliance for Fair and Progressive Employment Practices (TAFEP). One case resulted in the employer reimbursing their NSman staff’s overtime allowances, while another was resolved through advice on how the employer and NSman can better work out mutually acceptable arrangements in advance of his ORNS duty period. For the remaining two cases, agencies advised the complainants on their options for recourse, but the complainants did not follow up on the cases. MINDEF engages employers regularly to encourage them to support their NSmen employees. We also accord recognition to exemplary employers.”
“Under the Vocation Interest Initiative introduced in November 2016, pre-enlistees have been able to indicate their interest in National Service (NS) vocations. Their indicated interest will be an additional factor in determining their vocations during NS, together with other considerations such as suitability, manpower and operational requirements. More popular vocation choices among the pre-enlistees include air defence, artillery, intelligence, island defence, signals and transport.”
“Since 1 January 2023, the coverage under both policies has been doubled from a maximum of $150,000 to $300,000, providing a higher baseline pay out. In addition to this basic tier, further compensation is provided depending on the degree of disability and circumstances of injury or death. Total compensation for service-related injuries and deaths takes reference from industrial benchmarks such as the Work Injury Compensation Act (WICA), but is set several times higher to reflect the mandatory nature of NS. The amounts vary considerably due to individualised circumstances and is reflected by the wide range of payouts, from several thousand dollars to more than $1.5 million, for deaths or permanent disability due to operations or training. For the same injury and comparable circumstances, the total compensation provided to national servicemen, is about four times of the amounts paid under the WICA. Servicemen who sustain service-related injuries are also provided with free medical treatment for their injury for as long as is medically necessary, at SAF/SPF/SCDF medical facilities and public healthcare institutions.”
“Every year, approximately 300,000 male Singaporeans and Permanant Residents (PRs) perform their National Service (NS) duties in the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF), the Singapore Police Force (SPF) and the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF). They train, serve and respond as frontline troops in defending our nation, preserving law and order and dealing with civil emergencies. Over the last 20 years, a total of 42 national servicemen passed away due to service – 35 in the SAF, four in the SPF and three in the SCDF. Of these, a total of six deaths – two SAF, three SPF and one SCDF – were due to traffic accidents on the way to or from work or while on official duties, which are covered under the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF)'s and the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA)'s compensation framework. The corresponding figure over the same period for permanent disability to the brain, spinal cord, eyes or limbs due to serious service-related injuries totalled 52 cases – 43 in the SAF, four in the SPF and five in the SCDF. Of these, a total of 11 cases – eight SAF, one SPF and two SCDF – were due to traffic accidents. The proportions of deaths and permanent disability due to service within the SAF, SPF and SCDF are, therefore, 0.001%, 0.001% and 0.002% respectively. While both the rates of death and permanent disability due to service are low with reference to international or local benchmarks of comparable activity, the SAF and Home Team constantly strive to achieve a zero-fatality rate. Every incident is investigated at the highest levels of command, with corrective measures taken to improve the safety under which our national servicemen to train and operate. Every national serviceman is covered by injury and life insurance, bought on their behalf by MINDEF and MHA.”
“As a general rule, the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) does not provide the precise amounts for cost of acquisition or maintenance of our military assets as it might indirectly disclose the capabilities of components, such as added weapon or protection systems. But taking reference from other militaries of Turkey and Korea that have acquired similar submarines, each submarine costs around $600 million at the time of purchase, or $2.4 billion for a fleet of four submarines ordered. This amount is comparable to a fleet of 12 F15s in the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF). Maintenance cost per year is usually 2% to 3% of the capital cost of platforms. These new four Invincible-class submarines will increase considerably the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF)'s ability to maintain maritime security in our region, one of the world's busiest sea lines of communication. They will replace the Challenger and Archer submarines that are now more than 60 years old and 40 years old respectively. The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) bought these older submarines to gain experience and expertise. Having operated them for over 20 years, it is timely to now acquire the new Invincible-class submarines that are better suited to our operational environment and security challenges for the next 30 years.”
“As announced, MINDEF and the SAF are committed to meet the national targets set under the Singapore Green Plan 2030, without compromising SAF’s operational effectiveness. Apart from developing and implementing these centrally driven plans, SAF has also launched a sustainability challenge amongst units to encourage ground-up ownership and initiatives in sustainability efforts. On single-use items, SAF is guided by our national protocols which take into account that almost all of our waste is incinerated and stored locally. Nonetheless, to inculcate good habits, SAF has largely stopped the use of bottled water for routine meetings. Single-use items will also no longer be used by canteen vendors under new contracts starting January 2022. To discourage the single use of plastic bags, SAF eMarts have also started charging for plastic bags. Besides reducing the use of single-use items, SAF also makes effort to recycle our used items. For example, SAF has established waste disposal contracts that recycles electronic waste, waste oil, chemicals and scrap metals. MINDEF and SAF will continue to consult our External Advisory Panel for Environmental Sustainability and ground advocates on ways to reduce our emissions and waste footprint. Where feasible and practical, we will track our progress.”
“A Digital Ops-Tech Centre and Digital Ranges are being built to enhance capabilities through better training and simulation facilities. The DIS is expected to double its size by 2030.”
“The establishment of the Digital and Intelligence Service (DIS) represents another milestone in Singapore Armed Forces (SAF)'s continuing transformation, to better protect Singapore against evolving and emerging security threats. In particular, from many recent examples including the war in Ukraine, it is clear that the nature of aggression against another country by state and non-state actors has changed, and can involve multiple fronts on air, land, sea and digital domains. Termed “hybrid operations”, these acts of aggression can take place even in peacetime. In this context, the DIS complements the existing services of Army, Navy and Air Force to jointly and comprehensively protect Singapore's sovereignty and interests. However, some missions will be predominantly undertaken by the DIS, namely, to provide accurate, relevant and timely early warning and operational intelligence, ensure the connectivity of the SAF to operate as a networked force, Cyber and Electronic defence of the SAF's electronic networks and systems and strengthen the psychological resilience of soldiers and the SAF. Nationally, the DIS will also work with other Governmental agencies to provide digital and cyber defence for Singapore. The DIS was officially inaugurated by the President on 28 October 2022. Senior leaders of the DIS, led by the Chief of DIS, have been appointed. Organisational structures, manpower and capabilities are now being streamlined and built up to be able to meet their mission outcomes. Specifically, operational commands have been stood up. To raise, train and sustain their digital and intelligence workforce, recruitment and development efforts are being expanded and enhanced.”
“The NS Excellence Award (NSEA) recognises excellent performance by Operationally Ready National Servicemen (NSmen) during In-Camp Training or National Service (NS) training courses. The table below shows the total amount awarded to NSmen under the NSEA from 2017 to 2021. The amounts were lower in 2020 and 2021 due to the scaling down of NSmen activities during the COVID-19 pandemic. Based on our taxation policies, payments which are gifts from the Government to express appreciation for NSmen, such as the NS55 Recognition Package, are not taxable. Monetary incentives and awards tied to performance during NS such as the NSEA are taxable, as they are treated similarly to employment income. However, all NSmen are also eligible for a tax relief of between $1,500 and $5,000 each assessment year as a recognition of their service. As the personal income tax payable by each individual varies depending on multiple factors including overall assessable income, personal reliefs including NSmen relief and marginal income tax rate, we are unable to determine the amount of personal income tax paid by NSmen that is specific to the NSEA. However, in effect, only those who earn higher incomes are taxed for their NSEA.”
“In 2021, about 2,500 citizens by registration and 2,000 Permanent Residents (PRs) enlisted for full-time National Service.”
“This question has been addressed by written reply to Question No 7 on 12 September 2022. [Please refer to “Eligibility for and Issues with NS55 Recognition Package”, Official Report, Vol 95, Issue No 67, Written Answers to Questions section.]”
“I have asked the Committee why specific incidents like this had not occurred before, since changes in wind conditions cannot only have occurred for NDP 2022. They are consulting the external experts on this specific question, as well as reviewing in detail the approach route taken by 3WO Heng. Other issues to be examined include the impact of eddy currents caused by the design of the Floating Platform, the stage and the spectator stands. These findings will be relevant to the design and construction of the NS Square, which will be a permanent site for subsequent NDPs. The Committee is also examining possible measures to enhance safety. One change being considered is increasing the distance between parachutists. This will provide the parachutists more reaction time as they approach the landing zone and enable the landing to be more spaced out. The SAF’s priority is safety, and the Red Lions will continue to be a part of our NDP celebrations, only if safety can be ensured, with appropriate new measures, including those recommended by the Review Committee.”
“Each factor is closely monitored leading up to the actual jump. If any factor exceeds the stipulated thresholds, the jump will be cancelled without hesitation. This was what happened during the 2015 NDP, where the Red Lions segment was cancelled due to low clouds obstructing the visibility of the landing sites. More recently, a planned morning jump on 7 August 2022 for the heartland NDP celebrations at Ghim Moh was postponed to the evening due to weather conditions. While the Red Lions' safety record has been good thus far, following the incident involving 3WO Heng, a review committee led by the SAF Inspector-General Office (IGO) has been convened to assess the cause(s) of the specific incident, as well as to review near-misses and incidents in the past. The Committee includes independent experts outside the SAF in sky diving and military freefall. They have also been tasked to determine if there have been systemic changes, such as stronger wind, other weather conditions or local environment, which have increased the risks. Their findings will also have a bearing on routine training. The Committee has met and let me share some of their preliminary findings. The measured surface wind speeds during the Red Lion rehearsals and NDP 2022 were within the acceptable range stipulated in the SAF’s safety regulations. As to the specific cause of the incident during NDP, the current assessment is that a sudden change in wind conditions during 3WO Heng’s final approach contributed to his hard landing. Red Lion 3WO Heng had assessed that his parachute canopy was unstable and executed the "parachute landing fall" technique in accordance with existing protocol. His actions mitigated the impact of the hard landing and, consequently, he did not suffer severe injuries.”
“The Red Lions have been a regular feature of the National Day Parade (NDP) since 1989 – 31 times over 34 years. Out of a total of about 3,400 individual parachute jumps, there have been four recorded injuries – a rate of 0.12%. The safety record of our Red Lions during NDP is good and equivalent to that in regular military freefall training jumps – over the past five years, where the incident rate has also been about 0.1%. SAF recognises that conditions during NDPs pose tighter constraints due to challenging wind conditions and limited landing area, among other factors. This is why only experienced parachutists are selected as Red Lions for NDP displays. Parachutists must have made a minimum of 180 jumps to qualify for the selection tests. After they are selected for the team, they will undergo continuous and rigorous training to maintain their skills and proficiency. In fact, Red Lions selected for recent NDPs have clocked an average of 400 to 500 jumps and 20 years of jump experience each. For jumps at the Floating Platform or HDB heartlands, landing sites are carefully selected. The sites must be flat, provide sufficient space and are free from obstructions and the wind conditions within safe thresholds. A safety management plan is developed to identity potential risks and design mitigating measures. Prior to the live jump tasks, safety briefings are conducted for all involved personnel, covering pre-operations drills and emergency procedures. There are clearly prescribed "No-Go Criteria" for jumps. These criteria include, but are not limited to, prevailing visibility of the landing site by the parachutists, communications with the pilot and ground personnel, as well as acceptable weather and wind speed.”
“MHA had provided the age breakdown of the number of new male citizens granted citizenship since 2000, in reply to Mr Leong’s Parliamentary Question (PQ) on 1 August 2022. About 57% of new male citizens are below 30 years old when they receive their citizenship. Of these, about 70% are below 18 years old and the remaining 30% are between 18 and 30 years old. New male citizens who stayed in Singapore when young and enjoyed economic and social benefits are enlisted when they reach 18 years of age or older. Males who receive citizenship as mature adults, typically in their 30s and 40s, are not enlisted for NS, as they are not suitable for full-time National Service (NS) at that age and did not enjoy any benefits prior to their citizenship. We have stated this in MINDEF’s reply to Mr Leong’s PQ on 5 July 2022 and in the 2 August 2022 Ministerial Statement on "Liability and Contributions of New Citizens to National Service". The SAF Volunteer Corps (SAFVC) was established in October 2014 and built up progressively. Today, about 250 new male citizens and Permanent Residents apply to join the SAFVC each year.”
“National Servicemen who still prefer to convert their digital credits to hardcopy vouchers despite the various modes of assistance available will generally receive such vouchers within one month of their request. To date, there have been about 4,000 of such servicemen, or less than 0.4% of those eligible for the NS55 credits. These are primarily servicemen who do not have access to smartphones or are not comfortable with making digital payments, notwithstanding our offer of assistance. The statistics above suggest that most recipients have generally found the digital credit disbursement and redemption process efficient and convenient. MINDEF and MHA will continue to review the feedback received and make improvements for our interactions with past and present National Servicemen.”
“This reply also addresses a similar question filed by Dr Tan Wu Meng for a future Sitting on the NS55 Recognition Package (NS55 RP). The NS55 RP recognises National Servicemen for their contributions to Singapore's defence and security. The package comes with $100 worth of credits disbursed via the LifeSG mobile application and a complimentary one-year SAFRA or HomeTeamNS membership. More than one million National Servicemen, past and present, were awarded the NS55 credits. Only about one percent of all National Servicemen were not eligible for the NS55 RP, primarily due to serious offences and disciplinary issues. All eligible recipients have received their credits by end-July and as of end August, more than 50% of recipients have used some or all of their credits. About 47% of all credits issued have already been spent, which is much higher than the figure over the same period for the NS50 package in 2017, when hardcopy vouchers were distributed. The NS55 credit redemption service on LifeSG had an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars. From 1 July to 31 August 2022, MINDEF's and MHA's call centres and email hotlines responded to about 8,000 calls and emails from National Servicemen who required assistance to redeem the credits or requested for hardcopy vouchers. This constitutes about 0.8% of all NS55 credit recipients. Digital ambassadors, who are deployed at accessible locations such as selected community centres and public libraries, as well as SAFRA and HomeTeamNS clubhouses, have also served about 16,000 walk-ins from members of the public, whose queries span a broad spectrum – from how to download the LifeSG app and navigate the credit redemption service, to what the NS55 recognition package entails and what the LifeSG app does.”
“Singapore appreciates the training opportunities that foreign partners have provided to the SAF, that allow the conduct of exercises of a larger scale and complexity not possible locally due to limited land, sea or air space. These opportunities reflect the strong and steady defence relations with our foreign partners that have been built up over many years. Short-term disruptions to overseas training spaces did occur in the initial phases of the COVID-19 pandemic, but have now resumed to pre-COVID levels. The SAF does include some level of redundancy in its overall planning whether due to pandemics or other reasons, but thus far all our international partners have given their assurances that they will continue to provide the SAF with access to overseas training grounds for the foreseeable future.”
“The CNB also informs the SAF Military Police Command when SAF Personnel are arrested for drug offences. Enforcement against SAF soldiers who are drug abusers is strict for deterrence. Any servicemen or women who test positive during urine screening will be charged. They are typically sentenced by the military courts to a minimum of eight to nine months detention in the SAF Detention Barracks. Known or suspected drug abusers who have self-confessed or had recent drug convictions, will be put on the Urine Test Regime (UTR) and drug counselling sessions, during which they will be screened up to three times a week for a period of up to six months. If they test positive during the period, they will be investigated for drug offences and potentially charged in court martial. This serves as both a deterrence and a form of rehabilitation to help them stay away from drugs.”
“The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) maintains a policy that is aligned to our national policy of zero tolerance against drug abuse. The key planks of implementation are prevention and strict enforcement against drug abusers through testing, appropriate punishment and rehabilitation. Both planks are necessary to ensure a drug free culture within the SAF. Prevention of drug abuse is achieved through education and encouraging those who have consumed illegal drugs to seek help to stop or treat their addiction. All recruits attend talks conducted by the SAF Counselling Centre (SCC) during their Basic Military Training (BMT) on the harmful effects of drugs. After BMT, anti-drug talks are conducted periodically by the SCC and Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) at SAF camps and units. Before overseas exercises or postings, SAF personnel are briefed on and sternly reminded of the consequences for taking drugs overseas. To avoid the harsh penalties of drug abuse, those who have consumed illegal drugs can choose to confess without being punished under the SAF Amnesty Scheme. Instead, these personnel will receive counselling and rehabilitation support to help them kick their habit and undergo regular testing. This scheme is only available to SAF soldiers once, after which normal penalties will apply for drug offences. To monitor for drug abuse, urine tests are conducted across the SAF extensively. All enlistees undergo these urine tests during their BMT. Urine tests are also conducted without notice in units, overseas bases and training locations, as well as on returning service personnel. The SAF Military Police also conducts routine spot checks to ensure that illegal products, including controlled drugs, are not brought into SAF premises.”
“In the early 2000s, Permanent Residents (PRs) formed about 1% of all full-time National Servicemen (NSFs) enlisted every year. This proportion has increased gradually over the years. In 2021, 9% of NSFs enlisted were PRs.”
“Now, Madam, I beg to move, "That the Bill be now read a Third time."”
“Madam, I beg to move, "That the Bill be now read a Second time". Mdm Deputy Speaker, the proposed amendments to Article 22(k) of the Constitution of the Republic of Singapore will allow the President to exercise her discretionary powers in the appointment of the new Chief of Digital and Intelligence Service (DIS), in the same way that the President does in the appointment of the Chiefs of the Air Force, Army and Navy. This Bill is related to the Singapore Armed Forces and Other Matters Bill, which this House has debated and passed for the establishment of the DIS. Mdm Deputy Speaker, I beg to move.”
“Let me thank Mr Giam for the reminder. When I said that the formation of the fourth service, the DIS, should compete with the other services, it is not a signal to "chiong". They will have a budget to work with. They have to be attractive. But that is the reality. We say that the DIS is important and we say manpower is important. And with the formation of the DIS, it puts it on a somewhat more equal footing, but they will have to compete. But I agree completely with Mr Giam and, I think, others spoke about it, that we are acutely short of these talents. We will have to grow the overall pie or find ways of being efficient. And I completely agree and, yes, the answer is that we will work with other agencies. It is the task of the commanders to make it attractive to grow the pie to bring people in. [(proc text) Question put, and agreed to. (proc text)] [(proc text) Bill accordingly read a Second time and committed to a Committee of the whole House. (proc text)] [(proc text) The House immediately resolved itself into a Committee on the Bill. – [Dr Ng Eng Hen]. (proc text)] [(proc text) Bill considered in Committee; reported without amendment; read a Third time and passed. (proc text)]”
“It provides the SAF with the right structure and emphasis to continue building a full suite of capabilities that can protect Singapore's sovereignty and independence, whether on land, sea, in the air and in the digital domain. Once again, let me thank the Members who have spoken on the Bill and for their support. Madam, I beg to move. [Applause.]”
“Mr Darryl David and Mr Dennis Tan asked about the environmental impact and public security of military manoeuvres in catchment areas. I feel a little embarrassed about this amendment. I will tell you why. We are just regularising what all of us as NSmen have gone through. All of us, I think, have been into Mandai Reservoir, Kranji Reservoir; some got lost, maybe. Thankfully, I did not; or maybe, I helped somebody get lost; never mind. But we had an agreement with PUB, I think, as far back as in the 1990s to train there. All of us have done it. But we are regularising it to say that now, we can only exercise if PUB says we can. So, that is just regularising it. People asked about the environmental impact from such training. We have been doing it for 40-over years under very strict guidelines that protect our catchment area, water especially. Biodiversity – there have been environmental impact assessments done from time to time. We leave it to the agencies. But I want to sound a word of caution: we do not have much terrain to train in. The SAF will take precautions. But if we say, "Oh, your training can affect", as Mr Darryl David said, "one of nine particular fauna or flora", we may have very limited land to train in. So, please bear that in mind when you are pushing to protect biodiversity – as all of us want to, but there is a balance to be struck. Let me conclude. Mdm Deputy Speaker, the substantive change in this Bill is the set-up of a fourth service. The three services of the SAF were established in 1972 with the enactment of the SAF Act. So, 50 years on, the amendments today bring into existence a fourth service. The DIS positions the SAF and Singapore to better deal with cyber threats today and into the future.”
“Once the composition sum is paid, no further proceedings are to be taken against the accused for that alleged offence, as reflected in the proposed section 79A(4) of the SAF Act. Mr Louis Ng also asked if the Public Prosecutor will provide directions for how authorised composition officers should exercise their composition powers. For military offences, the jurisdiction comes under the Chief Military Prosecutor who will ensure that compounded offences are broadly aligned to the civil justice system but take into account the need for military discipline. For increased fine limits, Mr Louis Ng is broadly accurate that the fine limits under section 118 have increased significantly. However, sections 68, 69, 70, 70A, 70B and 72 will be amended for higher fine limits but to different degrees. Even with the increase in fine limits, it remains for the military courts and disciplinary officers to assess the specific circumstances of the case and to decide on the appropriate fine to impose. We are just raising the limit, but the powers are still theirs. MINDEF and SAF have established guidelines on fine amounts, based on offence severity and the rank of the offender, and will adjust these guidelines as he has asked for, when the amendments of the Act take effect. Mr Ng asked whether the military court would consider the impact of the preceding civil proceedings and any sentences served by the accused for related civil offences, when imposing a sentence for the military offences. The short answer is yes. Before preferring charges against the serviceman in the military court, MINDEF will assess all available information and findings which may be relevant, including, but not limited to, the findings and sentences by the civil courts in related civil proceedings.”
“For the abetment of lesser offences, I think this was mentioned by Mr Dennis Tan as well, MINDEF is open to allowing composition. For example, currently, if a soldier abets another into defaulting on IPPT, say by encouraging him to default or wilfully misleading him with inaccurate information on his IPPT requirements, both would have been charged. With the proposed amendments, both would have committed an offence which may be compounded. There was a question asked whether compared to summary trials, if compoundable offences, will be on your personal records. The current system is that for all STs, it is on your records. So, it is very interesting with people discharged, we see all the offences, maybe some were even committed 20, 30 years ago for minor infractions. I think it is balance between what we need to maintain military discipline and what the organisation really needs. And over time, I think we have found a new balance. So, Mr Dennis Tan and I think Mr Louis Ng asked which specific offences will be put in the personal record and which ones will not. I will say, broadly, our most common offences are IPPT infractions and smoking in non-designated areas. If Members push very hard, I will try and keep that on the personal record. But I think not. Probably, we will not keep that on. But if you repeatedly miss an IPPT, or purposefully go against the superior's order not to smoke in the area, that is a very different kind of situation. Mr Louis Ng asked whether it was a discharge and acquittal. It again depends on whether there is a charge against the offence. In all cases referred to an authorised composition officer, no charge is preferred.”
“I visited such a cyber range, and this was in Estonia and the NATO Centre of Excellence. Very impressive set-up. You build systems but there are water systems, power systems, support systems, hospital systems, so on and so forth. They work with private practitioners and they are taught how to defend and, obviously, to act against penetration attacks. But these are the cyber troops that are raised. The mission and mandate, as scoped for the DIS to be primarily external-facing, reduce the risk of abuse and overstepping the SAF's authority. So, Mr Louis Ng's characterisation of the DIS as a wide-ranging one is not quite accurate. It is, primarily, external facing. In daily practice, the rules of engagement will also apply, just as it does to the SAF troops in civilian settings when they are guarding Changi Airport, Jurong Island or when they are deployed to deal with terrorist attacks or riots. The rules of engagements are spelt out ex-ante to reduce the risk of abuse. I was piqued by Members' grand vision for the DIS because it is not yet formed. Some said that we should commercialise our successes and that we should share our secrets and capabilities with other agencies. I thank Members for your confidence and hope, and we will try to meet your expectations. Let me now address the questions on proposed changes to the disciplinary processes and penalties under the military justice system. Mr Louis Ng asked if abetment will be an offence that may be compounded. That will depend on the actual offence being abetted. For offences, such as those under the Penal Code, like abetting the assault of a superior officer, which I mentioned in my first speech, the maximum penalty has increased to seven years imprisonment to align with the Penal Code, and is not compoundable.”
“So, similar to cyber threats, MINDEF and SAF are external facing for terrorism, working with foreign agencies to detect terrorists, either individually or their networks that mean to do us harm. MINDEF set up the Counter Terrorism Information Facility (CTIF) to facilitate this work and share that information with external partners and local agencies. MHA addresses the internal threats. For cybersecurity, it will do the same, together with CSA. Such coordination already exists today, so we are not starting on a blank sheet. I can foresee exercises to test and improve multi-agency responses to common cyber threats, just as we do against terrorism. So, if you remember, we have had multi-agencies exercises – when it comes to terrorism, I think there are as many as 10 or 11 agencies. We have done exercises in ferry terminals, in Changi Airport, in the southern waters. When the new service, DIS, is formed, it can help build more sophisticated cyber ranges that can add depth and realism for these exercises. I have already announced the setting up of a new Digital Ops-Tech Centre and a state-of-the-art digital training and simulation range. The Digital Ops-Tech Centre (DOTC) will raise a core of practitioners who will apply their cross-cutting digital skills, such as in software development and Artificial Intelligence, towards operational outcomes for SAF. The digital range will provide a rich simulation environment for digital training and will host bilateral and multilateral exercises to bring together militaries, industry and academia to share best practices and insights. Together, the DOTC and the digital range will form a strong foundation, from which the DIS will hone our digital defence capabilities and contribute to our digital defence, alongside the Home Team and CSA.”
“The Cyber NSF Scheme, which Members alluded to, provides training in threat monitoring and assessment for NSFs to become cyber operators during their two-year full-time National Service. Selected ones with leadership aptitude may be selected to become cyber specialists in a three-year or four-year undergraduate work-learn programme where they will perform specialised roles, such as incident response, cyber forensic, malware analysis and penetration testing. Members have asked about the sizing of the DIS. I mentioned before in this House that it will grow organically from the current MIO and, at steady state, I think it will likely be two or three times that. Our digital defence network is multi-layered. I agree with Members that no single Ministry can do it alone. Broadly, DIS will be external facing against potential aggressors, while the Home Team and CSA deal with threats internally. But as Members have pointed out, the cyber arena is much more porous than the physical domain. Mr Darryl David, Mr Desmond Choo, Mr Henry Kwek, Mr Sharael Taha, Mr Shawn Huang, Mr Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim and Mr Gerald Giam asked how the DIS will organise itself and also complement and work with other relevant Government agencies. Let me give a practical answer. Our agencies know that they cannot work in silos, lest the cyber attackers exploit gaps or poor coordination. Inter-agency sharing of information, coordination and cooperation already exists. Our counter-terrorism efforts have taught us valuable lessons about whole-of-Government (WOG) responses and I cite this because it is a very good parallel example of interagency work.”
“As cyber warriors there, they are the frontline troops. This mindset shift is crucial for the SAF as it builds the DIS. I think this was the broader theme which Member Shawn Huang alluded to. As a trained pilot, he knew to ask important strategic and tactical questions about missions for DIS and the key response for effective outcomes, whether for DIS personnel, soldiers, sailors or airmen, is the mission mindset. So, I think the quick answer to Mr Vikram Nair's question – whether it could be a civilian chief – I would say no. You need a military man in a uniform to have a military mindset. Mr Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim, Mr Don Wee and Mr Dennis Tan asked about misinformation warfare and whether foreigners could be part of this force. I think not. Singaporeans must, just like air, land and sea, be the core elements of this fourth service. Obviously, there will be services that they can outsource to third-party contractors. But I agree with them – we have to be very careful even when we do that. There were other questions related to NSmen, and also whether soldiers in DIS would be trained and deployed differently, compared to the Army, Navy and Air Force. Mr Alex Yam asked about women – whether they could join as volunteers. Women can join as regulars. I would like more women to join this if they are up to it. My broad answer is that certain modules will remain common. Without the right military values and mission mindset, there is a limit in using any individual soldier, no matter how talented he or she is. But if someone serving National Service or a regular, has the aptitude and right attitude, I agree that such an individual can do more in DIS, even if his attributes are not best suited for physical combat. In fact, we have already started this.”
“Already, we have our first SAF scholar who applied and was selected to join DIS. I met her last week during the presentation ceremony. I joked with her that we have awarded her the scholarship on the assumption – because DIS has not been formed yet, because we have not passed the Bill – that Parliament approves the Bill and that the President assents. I told her, well, if Parliament or the President does not do what we hope they do, we will have to deploy her elsewhere. She is doing law at Oxford and I think, perhaps, if Mr Vikram Nair will wait for a couple of years, she may be able to give him the answers to the questions that he asked about law and international relations. Just like other services, and perhaps with even more challenges, DIS must ensure that it provides an attractive proposition for jobseekers. It must provide job security, a good working environment and advancement opportunities. But as Members here have pointed out, because it serves a higher calling, it must also bring in people with the right values and commitment and the mission mindset. As Mr Gerald Giam, Mr Alex Yam and Mr Sharael Taha reminded us, we need to be very security conscious. They are guardians of our secrets and I agree with them. This mission mindset was the second key reason for our decision to form a fourth service. In its current configuration, the Command, Control, Communications, Computers and Intelligence (C4I) community is a supporting force that supports the overall mission of the SAF and that of the Army, Navy and Air Force. The C4I community will continue to perform these supporting roles for other domains. But with the DIS as a formal service, it is now also directly responsible and accountable to protect the cyber domain against external aggressors.”
“This, indeed, was a critical issue that MINDEF and SAF leaders looked at extensively for some time. At the end of it, two main reasons led to this decision – manpower and mission mindset. The manpower issue for DIS is, indeed, a serious challenge and I think almost all Members alluded to it – Mr Alex Yam, Mr Gerald Giam, Mr Desmond Choo, Mr Don Wee, Mr Henry Kwek, Mr Sharael Taha, Mr Shawn Huang and Mr Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim. They have highlighted this and given us good suggestions for recruitment and we will study their proposals seriously. But first things first. Forming a formal fourth service on par with the Army, Navy and Air Force is the best footing for DIS to attract the right type of people it needs. It provides their new entrants and existing staff career paths and progressions on par with the Army, Navy and Air Force, including for those with the aptitude to be Chief of Service, and even to be the Chief of Defence Force. Once formed, it puts the onus on the DIS leaders to fight for their fair or unfair share of talent that they need. I completely agree with Members of this House that, indeed, there is a global demand for these types of skills, but this is healthy competition between the services first, and then, for the SAF to compete with the rest of the organisations that need that kind of talent. For soldiers and personnel who join DIS, there will be a dedicated digital vocation which will develop experts in competencies, such as software engineering, app development, data science, AI, cloud architecting, among others. Talents in these fields will be eligible for top-tier SAF scholarships. Compensation, as Members have supported, will be benchmarked against industry norms and regularly reviewed. The formation of DIS will boost their recruitment drives.”
“Mdm Deputy Speaker, I think all of us can agree that the Members' speeches have been quite helpful in fleshing out in greater detail the growing threat in the digital domain, which Singapore and, indeed, all countries will face. I must say that I was very impressed with every speech. Members did their research, have extensive knowledge way above the average citizen and they gave details of digital attacks elsewhere and how other militaries or agencies are addressing these threats and the difficulties faced. I think, perhaps, the first order of the day is to recruit some of them into the Digital and Intelligence Service. So, do not be surprised if you get your SAF100. But in the interest of disclosure and to make sure that we do not perpetuate scams, if you do get one after this, please know it is not from me and do not answer it. [Laughter.] Let me laud Members for their efforts and thank them for supporting the Bill. There has been unanimous agreement that, just as we do in the air, land and sea, SAF's missions must also protect Singapore against digital threats. The issue is how SAF does this and, in relation to DIS, their questions can be summed up in four areas. First, why a formal service, a fourth, to add to the Army, Navy and Air Force? Second, how will DIS meet manpower challenges, given our constraints and demands for IT-related skills? Third, how will DIS and SAF work with partner organisations, such as the Home Team and CSA, to optimise our digital defences? Fourth, how will DIS guard against excesses and abuse of its powers and capabilities? They are four important areas, so, let me address each in turn. Mr Don Wee asked about our considerations in deciding for a formal fourth service.”