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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“Mr Speaker, the hon Member, Mr Dennis Tan has asked for the state of SAF readiness during this COVID-19 pandemic. It is a pertinent question, because despite the COVID-19 crisis being dubbed as the test of this generation, our other security threats are in no way diminished. So, let me elaborate. The SAF operations that are deemed critical such as island defence, protection of key installations, maritime security, air defence and counter-terrorism, continue around the clock even in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. So, they never stop, whether we had circuit breaker or before that or even now. And it will not stop. Similarly, training schools that are essential to sustain our operational units have also continued, namely the Officer Cadet School, the Specialist Cadet School and essential In-Camp Training or ICT. To be able to achieve that, to be able to continue to be Readiness Condition 1, REDCON 1, for these critical missions, the key aspect is manning. You have to plan for manning, in the face of the risk of infection. So, to minimise the risk of infection for these critical units, the SAF implemented strict health and safety measures. They include cohorting, safe distancing measures, reduction in training group size and testing regimes. But, in order to make sure that you maintain REDCON 1 across the span of duties, some personnel performing critical operations had to isolate themselves in camps and bases for a period of time. Why? Because this is how it works. You have to make sure that you are ready and you are free from infection before you start your duty. And the only way they could do that was to stay in camp for two weeks away from their families as a cohort before they start their duties and during their operational duties.”
“This regular training both locally and overseas keep the RSAF sharp and able to protect us well. It’s not against theoretical or imagined threats. Since the 9/11 twin tower attacks in Manhattan, the RSAF has put its pilots and Ground Based Air Defence systems on alert. On any given year, the RSAF responds to more than 350 suspicious air threats. In June last year for instance, there was a bomb threat on an inbound Scoot flight. Our fighters were scrambled and took to the skies within minutes to intercept the aircraft and escorted it back to Changi Airport. That case was reported in the news; many more go unreported for a variety of reasons. This state of high operational readiness of the RSAF is only possible with regular and realistic training. I thank Singaporeans for their continued support to maintain an operationally ready and capable RSAF.”
“On one of my visits to Luke Air base, where our F16s pilots train, I hosted the mayor and residents of the surrounding town to an appreciation lunch. I thanked the mayor for their support and understanding for our fighter detachment's training there, especially to tolerate the noise, just as our resident here do. He smiled, and replied, "it's the sound of freedom." Singapore is thankful that we have our good friends and partners in many countries who support our defence efforts. Even for local training, a significant proportion is done through simulators. During actual flying, the RSAF has introduced measures to reduce the noise. First, most of the local flying is conducted over waters rather than land, and avoiding residential areas except during take off, landing and transit to and from training areas. To illustrate, the northern end of the runway at Paya Lebar Air Base is approximately six kilometres from our territorial boundary. The fighter pilots have mere seconds after take-off to bank a sharp left in order to keep within our territorial airspace. Sorties taking off from Paya Lebar Air Base and Tengah Air Base are already clustered where possible, in multiple groups, even when smaller number of aircraft are involved. In addition to these routine measures, the RSAF does adjust its training tempo to accommodate sensitive periods. When national school examinations are held, the frequency of flights are reduced and night flying activities end earlier. During this COVID-19 pandemic where more residents are working and studying from home, the RSAF has kept the level of local flying activities to the minimum needed to maintain operational readiness. Flying is also spread across the week and on selected weekends.”
“As a small country with no strategic depth, it is critical for Singapore’s survival to maintain a capable and operationally-ready RSAF. Without this crucial deterrence, Singapore's national defences can easily be compromised and with potentially catastrophic consequences. Our own history demonstrates and reminds us of this existential vulnerability. Within hours after Japanese forces invaded Peninsula Malaysia in 1941, General Yamashita sent an air raid over Singapore – 17 planes were involved. With air superiority established, Japanese forces advanced swiftly down and reached Singapore within days. The British forces had to retreat into Singapore and blew up the causeway to slow down the Japanese assault. But without an airforce then to protect our skies, residents on our island were still at the mercy of bombs that fell from Japanese fighter planes. The death and destruction that ensued was horrendous. As one survivor, Mr Conceicao, who was 17 years old at that time, vividly recalled "we saw hands, heads maybe, legs and parts of the human body lying about… this affected us throughout the course of the war and our life". That we have a capable RSAF today able to defend our skies is taken for granted. It’s a virtuous state of affairs, but one that can slip if ever the capabilities of our pilots and planes degrade. And to keep up their skills, RSAF pilots need to train adequately. We recognize the inconvenience and disruption to residents here. MINDEF/SAF has done as much as we can to keep the RSAF training tempo locally to essential levels and activity. Let me elaborate. The RSAF has reduced its local training as far as possible. About half of actual flying training occurs overseas in countries that are willing to provide us those opportunities.”
“This regular training both locally and overseas keep the RSAF sharp and able to protect us well. It’s not against theoretical or imagined threats. Since the 9/11 twin tower attacks in Manhattan, the RSAF has put its pilots and Ground Based Air Defence systems on alert. On any given year, the RSAF responds to more than 350 suspicious air threats. In June last year for instance, there was a bomb threat on an inbound Scoot flight. Our fighters were scrambled and took to the skies within minutes to intercept the aircraft and escorted it back to Changi Airport. That case was reported in the news; many more go unreported for a variety of reasons. This state of high operational readiness of the RSAF is only possible with regular and realistic training. I thank Singaporeans for their continued support to maintain an operationally ready and capable RSAF.”
“On one of my visits to Luke Air base, where our F16s pilots train, I hosted the mayor and residents of the surrounding town to an appreciation lunch. I thanked the mayor for their support and understanding for our fighter detachment’s training there, especially to tolerate the noise, just as our resident here do. He smiled, and replied, "it’s the sound of freedom." Singapore is thankful that we have our good friends and partners in many countries who support our defence efforts. Even for local training, a significant proportion is done through simulators. During actual flying, the RSAF has introduced measures to reduce the noise. First, most of the local flying is conducted over waters rather than land, and avoiding residential areas except during take off, landing and transit to and from training areas. To illustrate, the northern end of the runway at Paya Lebar Air Base is approximately six kilometres from our territorial boundary. The fighter pilots have mere seconds after take-off to bank a sharp left in order to keep within our territorial airspace. Sorties taking off from Paya Lebar Air Base and Tengah Air Base are already clustered where possible, in multiple groups, even when smaller number of aircraft are involved. In addition to these routine measures, the RSAF does adjust its training tempo to accommodate sensitive periods. When national school examinations are held, the frequency of flights are reduced and night flying activities end earlier. During this COVID-19 pandemic where more residents are working and studying from home, the RSAF has kept the level of local flying activities to the minimum needed to maintain operational readiness. Flying is also spread across the week and on selected weekends.”
“As a small country with no strategic depth, it is critical for Singapore’s survival to maintain a capable and operationally-ready RSAF. Without this crucial deterrence, Singapore's national defences can easily be compromised and with potentially catastrophic consequences. Our own history demonstrates and reminds us of this existential vulnerability. Within hours after Japanese forces invaded Peninsula Malaysia in 1941, General Yamashita sent an air raid over Singapore – 17 planes were involved. With air superiority established, Japanese forces advanced swiftly down and reached Singapore within days. The British forces had to retreat into Singapore and blew up the causeway to slow down the Japanese assault. But without an airforce then to protect our skies, residents on our island were still at the mercy of bombs that fell from Japanese fighter planes. The death and destruction that ensued was horrendous. As one survivor, Mr Conceicao, who was 17 years old at that time, vividly recalled "we saw hands, heads maybe, legs and parts of the human body lying about…this affected us throughout the course of the war and our life". That we have a capable RSAF today able to defend our skies is taken for granted. It’s a virtuous state of affairs, but one that can slip if ever the capabilities of our pilots and planes degrade. And to keep up their skills, RSAF pilots need to train adequately. We recognize the inconvenience and disruption to residents here. MINDEF/SAF has done as much as we can to keep the RSAF training tempo locally to essential levels and activity. Let me elaborate. The RSAF has reduced its local training as far as possible. About half of actual flying training occurs overseas in countries that are willing to provide us those opportunities.”
“Mindef had previously announced that the relocation of Paya Lebar Air Base (PLAB) would likely occur about 2030 or beyond and only after the Changi Air Base East and Tengah Air Base have been expanded to house the existing assets at PLAB. Specifically for CAB East, the works there would also need to align with other development works including the building of additional runways for Singapore Changi Airport. The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the construction sector severely and caused some project delays with regard to the works at both Changi and Tengah Air Bases. Despite these disruptions, the current assessment is that barring further disruptions, the relocation of PLAB can still occur within previously projected timelines. Site surveys and preliminary designs of the expanded air bases have been completed. The current focus is on the land preparation works that include the realignment of roads and the construction of facilities at Tengah Air Base and Changi Air Base will commence thereafter.”
“The Cyber NSF scheme was introduced in 2018, to attract and train Full-time National Service (NSF) personnel with the requisite interest, aptitude and skills to be Cyber Specialists. Successful applicants receive undergraduate work-learn programmes and on-the-job training which is sponsored, after which they are deployed in various roles to defend networks and systems within Mindef and the SAF. From inception, about 170 NSFs have been enrolled through the scheme over a period of two years. The proportion of successful applicants is about 23%. As with other vocations, these cyber NSFs complement regulars who serve as SAF Command, Control, Communications and Computers Experts (C4X) or the non-uniformed Defence Cyber Expert (DCX). Over the past year, more than 150 personnel have been recruited to these two vocations. Again, as with all science and technology based vocations, there are programs for upstream cultivation to promote awareness and interest in the realm of cyber defence. To this end, the Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA) has organized Cyberthon competitions and Cyber Defenders Discovery Camp. This year’s virtually-held Cyber Defenders Discovery Camp attracted a record participation of 3,200 youth, ranging from secondary school students to university undergraduates. It is our hope that some amongst them will be inspired to join MINDEF and the SAF as cyber vocationlists. We will continue to enhance these initiatives and develop new ones so as to build up a cyber workforce to defend our digital borders.”
“On the bilateral front, we will continue to develop defence ties with our neighbours Malaysia and Indonesia, and other partners such as Australia, China, India, and the US. With the US, we will build upon the 2019 Protocol of Amendment to the 1990 Memorandum of Understanding to facilitate the US' presence in our region and work together on areas of mutual interest. With other regional partners, we will grow our military ties as established through defence cooperation agreements to scale up bilateral military exercises, and conduct regular dialogues and exchanges. To strengthen Singaporeans' collective commitment to Total Defence, MINDEF and the SAF will step up engagements with key segments of society, including families, employers, businesses, and educational institutions, as well as the wider public. We will also instil pride in and support for the institution of NS, and continue to recognise NSmen and their supportive families and employers for their sacrifices. The 55th anniversary of NS in 2022 and upcoming development of the prominent NS Square at Marina Bay will provide valuable opportunities to commemorate NS and reaffirm the central role that it plays in our nation and our lives. Together, Singaporeans will build a strong defence that keeps our families safe and our nation peaceful, and enables us to advance our lives and develop a better society.”
“Upgraded local training facilities including SAFTI City and overseas ones such as the Shoalwater Bay Training Area in Australia will allow us to train more effectively. We will also be strengthening our local defence ecosystem, to enable us to develop bespoke technological capabilities for the SAF, while building resilience amidst uncertainties in our global supply chains. As we do all these, we will continue to be prudent in defence spending, taking into account the economic downturn and competing needs due to COVID-19. NS remains the crucial backbone of Singapore's defence. We will enhance the NS system to drive the Next-Gen SAF and support the needs of a new generation of national servicemen. The National Service Review Committee established in 2020 will develop mechanisms for better matching of skills and experience to vocations and deployment, and continual professional development of our servicemen. We will also revamp our servicemen's end-to-end NS journey for a more meaningful and efficient experience. As a small city state, it is vital that we uphold a global system and regional security architecture that are based on openness, inclusivity, co-operation, and respect for international law. MINDEF and the SAF will contribute towards constructive dialogue and partnerships at multilateral platforms, including the Shangri-La Dialogue, the ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting (ADMM), the ADMM-Plus, and the Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA). We will support the ADMM-Plus Experts' Working Groups' new three-year cycle of cooperative initiatives in areas such as counterterrorism and maritime security. We will reaffirm our commitment to strengthening defence consultation and cooperation with member-nations of the FPDA, which marks its 50th anniversary in 2021.”
“We will also comprehensively relook how we operate, train, and work, and make fundamental changes that are necessary for the new normal. The Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) and the SAF also remain ready to contribute to national COVID-19 efforts when called upon. We have led national health surveillance and contact tracing operations to contain COVID-19's spread, built and managed community care and recovery facilities, and taken care of COVID-19 patients and migrant workers in dormitories. Our defence scientists and engineers have stepped up to contribute technology and testing solutions in support of frontline operations. Even as we face a more volatile external environment and a widening array of threats, the SAF's enlistee pool will shrink. In response, the Next-Gen SAF will seek to protect the peace and security of Singapore by fighting with enhanced situational awareness, greater connectivity, and sharper strike precision, all enabled by a leaner but better trained force. It will transform its fighting concepts, restructure its units, and strengthen operations-technology integration to maintain a decisive edge over potential adversaries. The Next-Gen SAF will be one that harnesses the power of digitalisation, autonomous and unmanned systems, and big data and artificial intelligence. In the cyber domain, an integrated cyber force will defend our digital borders. The SAF's transformation is possible because of our long-term planning and steady investments over the years. New land, maritime, and aerial platforms, as well as Command, Control, Communications, Computers and Intelligence (C4I) systems will be progressively deployed in the coming years.”
“A strong defence safeguards Singapore's peace, security, and sovereignty, and lays the foundation for our pursuit of economic and social progress. The geopolitical environment and security landscape which we face is becoming more complex, and further exacerbated by disruptions and differences brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. Contestation between the US and China is rising across all spheres, while territorial, maritime, and other disputes among countries have intensified. Sensing opportunities, terrorists and cyber-attackers continue to pose significant threats. Across borders, the rules-based order which has contributed to global stability and multilateral institutions that have forged cooperation to transnational problems are unravelling. Within each nation, COVID-19 is inflicting enormous health, economic, and social damage. As we navigate through these turbulent times, the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) must stand ever prepared to defend our nation. Despite COVID-19, the SAF has not compromised on operational readiness, be it in island defence, maritime security, air defence, counter-terrorism, or cyber defence. To generate new units to meet security needs, we have resumed more training activities, including Basic Military Training for new enlistees and essential In-Camp Training for National Service (NS) units. The SAF is also progressively restarting overseas exercises to sharpen our capability edge. In August 2020, RSS Supreme joined 22 ships from nine other navies at the biennial Rim of the Pacific Exercise 2020 held at sea off Hawaii. To protect the health of our servicemen, the SAF will continue to undertake comprehensive safety measures, supported by robust COVID-19 surveillance and testing regimes.”
“With regards to Question No. 1, the Member's question has been addressed in my reply to similar oral Questions 1, 2 and 3, as raised by MPs in this sitting.”
“I do not know that there will be excess packs. As I said, the mood may change. Let us all hope, maybe come August – given the wonderful job that my colleagues at the Multi-Ministry Task Force have done and Singaporeans taking necessary precautions – that actually come August, there will be a mood to come out of this and people want these packs because they want to join in the celebrations. But if they are excess bags, 80% is less than what we have usually produced – there will be no shortage of avenues to distribute to, say, to certain homes or institutions, so they would not be wasted.”
“For the healthcare workers, some were so fearful. They were not fearful about going to work but they were so fearful that they would pass on their infections if they got infected to their families, that they chose to stay away from their families, and the hospitals facilitated and found hotel rooms for them to stay alone. Never a time have we been so physically divided. Never a time have we been so psychologically affected. And I say this to you not to frighten you, but the months ahead will be harder. This is not a time to show up our divisions. It does not mean we do not ask for feedback. But this is maybe a time, in gentle tones, to put aside some of our differences and come together.”
“Let me thank Member Louis Ng for those kind comments. I had known that he had been involved and helped us for the last six months. But I chose not to cite his help in the reply to Mr Leon Perera because, it is better that Mr Ng himself said it. Otherwise, they will say, you know, whatever they will say. I thank Mr Ng for the suggestion that General Choo should be considered to be NDP 2021, in Hokkien, we say, "Ho Gai Siao" or a good recommendation. I am not sure if he would want it, but nonetheless, we will think about it. Member Mr Ng's point was more substantial. Why not have, before each NDP, a full public consultation as I think was the point that Mr Perera made. Just for practical purposes – Members of this House lead organisations, you are in businesses or in your organisations, you should know – there is a limit beyond which analysis becomes paralysis. You want to have feedback but you have to ultimately make a decision. Because why just a funpack? I cite this but I am not suggesting you make this an issue, but in terms of carbon production, my fighter planes probably produce more. While we "rah rah" to the zoom of fighter aircraft, jet fuel is being burnt up there. Why focus just on the funpack? It could be many other things. So, I think there is a limit to consultation. We will be forward-leaning, we will take in views, but there is a balance to be struck. There is a time for every activity, a season for everything under the heavens. That is the ecclesiastical injunction. What is this year a time for? Twenty-twenty. What is this year a time for? We have been divided like never before by a little organism, barely 0.125 microns. Relatives have been separated, grandparents from their grandchildren, couples, even spouses.”
“But if any interest group decides to say, "My interests are not shown. What you represent as Singapore does not show my narrower sets of preferences or who I am." If they choose to assert those differences during National Day Parade, it is what it is, it is what it will become, but it will shrink our common space. I do not know the details of the REACH survey. If Mr Perera wants to know that, he can put it to that Ministry and I am sure that Ministry will give him a full reply.”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, I am glad that the Non-Constituency Member of Parliament (NCMP) has agreed with me that this is an important time for us to rally together. I agree fully with him that we need to engage groups to see what for them represents a good way to celebrate our National Day Parade. But as I said in my primary answer, while the Exco needs to be open, forward-leaning, consultative, there is a balance. If every group with their individual preferences decide to use the National Day Parade to press for their differences, then I think the Exco has a very difficult task. Because it will never be able to satisfy all groups, it will never be able to be all things to all men. It will have to balance, as we do every year. In previous years, when they, even ourselves, who are conscious about climate change, want to reduce and they press for disposable water bottles, the Exco had to balance the need for elderly and children who need bottled water. The disposable water bottles are actually recyclable the Exco even looked at giving reusable water bottles, then putting water stands, whether it is at the Floating platform or the stadium or Padang, but they found it was undoable. So, they did the next best thing; instead of two small bottles, they gave one big bottle, which will reduce the amount of plastic, I presume. It is always these choices to make between different interests. But the more important point is this: for this balance to be struck, how does each individual group want to press for its own interests? We have gone past race, religion and language, I hope – I am talking about the NDP show. But at every NDP show. I am still very careful that there must be proper representation, that even when we carry soft stories that we should represent all of Singapore.”
“So, when I read notes that say why do we not be prudent, I completely agree with them. But I want to make sure that this is not despondency or fear. If Members of Parliament, judging by the conditions, want to organise events near 9 August for your constituencies and you want us to facilitate with more bags, let me know, and if we can, we will produce more. I promise you this. Because for many heartlanders, these are physical touch points, commonalities, that when they wave the flag, it is the same flag, when they have tattoos, it is a physical token for them to latch on to. Never dismiss these symbols even though the cost is little. So, I make this pledge to you. If you hand in your request and you know there are groups that will want it, whether it is various groups, please let MINDEF know and we will try to facilitate for more.”
“Let me thank Miss Cheng Li Hui for her questions. Our past experiences show that 80% will be enough. It is actually less than what we produce usually. We produce usually about 90% of households, sometimes 95%, but we have taken into account those who said they do not need one. I would like to believe that they feel that we are confident enough to celebrate and to join other Singaporeans without all these facilitative things – the flag, tattoos, the iron-on and your masks. We will leave them as they wish and so we will produce 80% which should be adequate. The difficulty that the NDP Exco had is trying to shoot a moving target. They started planning this in March. So, when they presented to me the plans, they had a number of scenarios. One scenario was – this was before circuit breaker – the normal NDP, the usual, thousands upon thousands. An interim scenario is where you can have crowds of 50 or even 500. When I saw the plans, I said "Let us dispense with Options A and B. Don't waste time about it. Let us go to Option C. Let us just assume the worst that COVID-19 will bring". You can come out of the circuit breaker but in August, suppose something happens and we have to reimpose the circuit breaker. The mood will be down, Singaporeans will become despondent and that is the time when we say, "Come together, have this National Parade even despite your fears, come out and celebrate" – not come out literally, because you must stay at home; but come out in spirit and celebrate. We have had two months off circuit breaker. The psychological effects are there. Some people actually like it; they find working from home more productive and they found a sweet spot. For others, there is actually fear, fear to come out, fear to join others.”
“What the Exco can do this year is to produce fewer Singapore Together Packs, taking into account those who have said that they do not need one. It will therefore produce packs for about 80% of households, which from prior experience should be adequate. All those who want them to celebrate our NDP together can collect them from the CCs. Mr Deputy Speaker, the COVID-19 pandemic will define this generation of Singaporeans, just as the first NDP, those who attended the first NDP, the Merdeka Generation, were defined by the difficulties we had as a newly formed Singapore. For this generation, our response will determine whether Singapore continues to thrive in the post-COVID world. As with every crisis, people have a choice to make – to overcome or be overwhelmed. As we did at the very first NDP, I urge all Members of this House and all Singaporeans to reaffirm our unity, to reaffirm our resilience, bonded by the same vision and optimism that Singapore will prevail and overcome the challenges that this COVID-19 pandemic has brought upon us. The months ahead will be trying and the difficulties ahead will test our resolve and cohesion. Despite all of this, Singaporeans can, and Singapore will, celebrate NDP 2020 with confidence and hope for a brighter future. [Applause.]”
“Full details are still being worked out but let me share what I can. Singaporeans will find the bag for the pack useful as a reusable grocery bag; it is practical, foldable into a small pouch. The designs on the bag are by local artists with disabilities and some of our Primary 5 pupils – each design an expression of their feelings for their country and fellow citizens, and their hopes for the future. As families will be at home, there is no need for single-use water bottles, neither plastic clappers nor packaging. These have been done away with, to reduce waste. There will be items that express our collective love and wishes for Singapore like the National flag – a full-sized cloth flag, a handheld one – as well as iron-on patches for your masks, a pledge card and face tattoos. Well-wishing corporations have asked to add to the pack items to express their gratitude for what Singapore has given them, by giving back to Singaporeans. The Exco has decided to include hand sanitisers, thermometers, face masks – I think Miss Cheng asked about this – and a snack and drink from a local F&B company. Companies are also offering vouchers and we have decided to put them as an e-discount booklet. Mr Leon Perera asked about cost – the cost of each Singapore Together Pack will be around $2.40. For every NDP, the Exco aims to be inclusive and they take in views and accommodate different interests where possible. I think this is good and forward-leaning. But let me just say this as a gentle caution. If every interest group pushes for its own agenda especially during the NDP, then our common ground to celebrate this national event shrinks. Because the Exco simply will never be able to satisfy every request adequately.”
“With Changi Airport being one of the busiest in the world, that was all the air space and the air time that we could be allocated for NDP. We expect air travel to pick up in the months ahead and I know that MOT and CAAS are working very hard. But this year, let us turn this into an opportunity so that the SAF aircraft can fly in formation over the heartlands of Singapore, so that Singaporeans can watch it from their homes. Mobile columns from the SAF and Home Team will also travel through various parts of the island. With them will be the frontline heroes and heroines who have shown exemplary sacrifice and courage in fighting this COVID-19 pandemic. I know that Singaporeans want to thank them personally. The NDP will be a good occasion from a safe distance for Singaporeans to cheer them on and show them their much deserved appreciation. Instead of an NDP show with thousands of participants, there will be a boutique studio show at night, with performances by some local artistes and talents which will be broadcasted live. There will be interactive elements for Singaporeans to sing along, join in the Pledge during the show. And as we do each year, there will be fireworks across a few sites in Singapore to cap the day's and night's events over the Singapore skyline, both in the Central Business District and the HDB heartlands. The fireworks will not be as long or spectacular as recent centralised NDPs, but I hope that it will lift the spirits of Singaporeans all across the island. To facilitate Singaporeans joining in as one people and one nation, the NDP Exco provides what they call a "Singapore Together Pack". Mr Leon Perera and Miss Cheng Li Hui asked about this. The Exco had engaged various groups in designing this pack and has also taken in public feedback.”
“The Exco for NDP 2020 has stayed true to its roots, but has adapted the format to reduce the risk of infection in the face of an imminent threat from COVID-19. Their concept, which Ms Denise Phua asked about, is a simple one. Not being able to hold the NDP at a central location with large crowds should not prevent Singaporeans from expressing their pride and love for Singapore and the call for unity. NDP 2020 will be celebrated in the safety and comfort of every household in Singapore. We may be physically apart, but we want to join in spirit as one people with that same confidence and optimism and unity that the founding generation fostered despite harsher and grim circumstances. Most elements will follow the traditions of past NDPs, but some items will be new. The morning segment will begin with the Prime Minister's National Day message. To remind us of that founding Singapore spirit of that first NDP and to gear Singapore up to face difficulties ahead, it is only right that a parade be held at the Padang. The President will be the Reviewing Officer but for a much smaller scale parade comprising only SAF and Home Team contingents. This will be telecast live. SAF helicopters carrying the Singapore flag will fly over the Padang and also make their way across the housing estates through Singapore. When the Anthem is played at the Padang, flag-raising ceremonies around the island will take place concurrently, so that Singaporeans across the island, whether in their constituencies, camps, workplaces or elsewhere will be singing Majulah Singapura in unison. In past NDPs that Members of this House have enjoyed, the SAF aircraft could fly only over the NDP site, whether at the Padang or the Float.”
“Indeed, through every troubled period of Singapore's history – whether it was the British withdrawal in 1971, the recession of 1985, the Asian Financial Crisis in 1998, SARS in 2003, the Global Financial Crisis in 2008, the H1N1 epidemic in 2009 – the drumbeat of the National Day Parade that Singaporeans marched to, neither faltered nor reduced in intensity. Even through those difficult years, Singaporeans chose to celebrate the National Day Parade as we have always done, and rallied together. Because of that hope and optimism, Singapore emerged stronger. It has been five months since COVID-19 struck our nation. It is, by any account, the most severe disruption globally for at least a century. In fact, experts have to go very far back to find events that matched the equivalent magnitude of the impact. Events like World War I, the Great Depression of the 1920s and 1930s, World War II are cited. For tiny Singapore alone, the infections will last many more months. But the impact of disrupted lives and livelihoods will last even longer. If at this early stage, Singaporeans lose their mettle, their inner strength and equanimity, lose their resolve, weaken their resilience, sharpen their differences, then, we are already in trouble. This is not the Singapore that you and I know. This is not the Singapore spirit that has ensured our survival through many previous hardships. So, I say, despite the difficulties and indeed, because of the more challenging times that are ahead, we should celebrate this year's NDP as we have done before and just as our founding generation did during the first NDP. That, for us, is the most important aspect for this year's NDP.”
“So, over the years, the NDP has now evolved into softer tones. It has become more individualistic, more of an affirmation of what Singapore is and what being Singaporean means to each citizen. So, you would remember the videos that we played in previous NDPs. They had resonance, Singaporeans liked them because they focused on individuals, differences among our people and yet the unity that we could form from it. That may be today's zeitgeist but we should never forget that the first NDP and the origin of that spirit remains essential for our nationhood. When the NDP Executive Committee (Exco) revealed some details for NDP 2020, some Singaporeans felt that these celebrations were wasteful and that the same resources ought to be spent elsewhere, especially in light of the impact that COVID-19 had on our economy and jobs. We have had four Budgets, and each time, we dig into our reserves, to make sure that we protect lives and protect livelihoods and jobs. I appreciate that point of view and agree fully with them that we ought to be prudent. The final cost figures are not yet in, but at very least, this year's NDP should be able to reduce the usual budget by a third, with savings from the cost of infrastructure that would have been built if we had held it in the usual way at the Padang or the Float @ Marina Bay. I am all for prudence. I think Members of Parliament know me. But we should guard against the mood of despondency overcoming us or allow individual preferences to divide us. If we allow despair to prevail in our national psyche, particularly in this COVID-19 pandemic, then, I say that would be the greatest harm to the future of Singapore – much more devastating than the economic impact, the loss of jobs and businesses.”
“At night, there was an illuminated sea dragon, 150 metres long, 12 metres tall, lit up by 12,500 bulbs. It may be prosaic to us today, but at that time, it was quite spectacular. It sailed across what is today's Marina Bay. By all accounts, it was an extraordinary event, especially for a nation that was barely a year old. Could Singapore afford it in 1966? Could the money have been put to better use? Remember that our fledgling nation had a host of unsolved problems – high unemployment, few could afford to own homes, high drop-out rates even at Primary 6, inadequate medical care. I am just naming a few. Why did the first NDP proceed that way? Because the unity and collective confidence for the future that it engendered among Singaporeans was priceless. It showed to the rest of the world that despite great difficulties, ours was a country that would not be beaten down, ours was a people that will rise and overcome. Without that unity and confidence, Singapore could not have survived, let alone thrived against the challenges that our founding generation faced. Member of this House will readily recognise that subsequent National Day Parades take reference from and pay homage to that seminal NDP of 1966 – both in spirit and form. At each National Day, as we did during the first, we are making a conscious act of the will. It is a willful event that we have said we will celebrate, whether individually or as one people, to celebrate each National Day with the same indomitable spirit, never mind the prevailing difficulties and never mind the differences among people. As Singapore prospered over the years, that focus on survival, overcoming difficulties, even unity, may have inadvertently diminished. We have had a good run.”
“In Singapore's relatively short history as a nation, the National Day Parade has always taken centre-stage as we celebrate each year of independence. Members in this House have attended these National Day Parades. And many of you have kindly told me after each parade that it was well done, the mood was lifted, there was a sense of togetherness as Singapore and Singaporeans. So, I think, in turn, the National Day Parade has served our nation well – both as a rallying call for all Singaporeans to stay united but also a clear statement of our confidence and determination to succeed collectively, no matter the odds. Through thick and thin, good times or bad, it showed Singaporeans celebrating and standing firm as one people, regardless of race, language or religion. I am so used to the mask that I spoke with it; forgot to take it off! That is what COVID-19 has done to us. How did it come about? Not all countries celebrate their national days the way that we have or put the national day parade as centre-stage. There is a history to the National Day Parade. The first National Day Parade (NDP) in 1966 was held amid the most testing of times. But that inaugural NDP would set the example for the subsequent 54 years. On the morning of 9 August 1966, 500,000 school children assembled in schools and sang the new national anthem, Majulah Singapura, Onward Singapore. That first NDP was held at the Padang with 21-gun salute as the President reviewed various contingents that we have become accustomed to the SAF, the Police, NTUC, uniformed youth organisations and so forth. The military units then marched from the Padang into Chinatown, to waving crowds. Fireworks at that time, took place at the Padang and Fort Canning. It followed the Parade and it adorned the skies.”
“Mr Deputy Speaker, the first three questions on the Order Paper are related to the National Day Parade. For Question No 3 put by Member of Parliament Ms Denise Phua, I will be answering on behalf of the Prime Minister. Can I seek your consent to take these questions together?”
“So, I think there has to be a central role for the SAF, which is similar to what we have defined as our role in protecting Singapore's sovereignty and stability. So, that will be the context. Now, having defined our missions, then, who do you need? There are pros and cons, for example, even within the SAF and MINDEF context. We have talked about this. Is this better uniformed or non-uniformed? The comfort for any Minister or indeed, anybody who oversees the security for MINDEF and SAF is that the SAF is the quickest to mobilise. All of us know that. When you push a button, you know that the SAF can move. Whereas other units, there is a little bit more discussion, I think. But we also want it to be effective and efficacious, as well as efficient. So, I think that we have settled that it should be the CDF to see C4I. As to how you raise them and what type of people you need, you are quite right, and that is why this committee will look at the recruitment processes. We take that for some, it would be similar to what we raised, for example, technicians in the technical force, but not quite similar; and there will also be certain, I suppose, they sit on the right side of the curve, they are very brilliant, but you do not know whether they can sit nicely in uniform and whether they can adapt to it. I think you know what we are talking about. So, there are these considerations which, over time, I think, we will be able to address.”
“That is a good question, Mr Chairman. The cyber arena is enormous and there is a whole-of-Government approach where there is a committee which Senior Minister Teo chairs, looking at the overall picture, not only for cyber but business continuity under various aspects, logistics, so on and so forth. So, that is the whole umbrella. There are various agencies dealing, for example, with cyber threats. The SAF is one component of it. So, let us situate what the SAF does. And, of course, we have the Cyber Security Agency, which is primarily responsible for protecting our networks and they were very involved when there was a – some Members here talked about data ex-filtration, rightly so – they were the ones. There are other Government agencies. For the SAF, it would be similar to identifying threats as we do in the kinetic world, in the real world – air, land and sea. In other words, if there are state and non-state actors who are using the cyber realm to first infiltrate, then to decimate, to diminish our will, as a precursor, for example, to a kinetic move, as we talked about, a hybrid. A few years ago, I mentioned to this House this concept of hybrid warfare, which was surfaced by some military experts. We see it as the SAF's responsibility to identify these external threats. For example, if there is a terrorist plot, first, to capture our population. Not necessarily jihadists. It could be any religion. To capture acolytes for their movements, as a long-term plan or even a medium term plan. We ought to be able to identify that. And together with that, information warfare, then to gather arms or to have plots or to commit sabotage.”
“But if you speak to the pilots and the technical side of the house, they are quite confident that the main problems have been ironed out and that the platform will reach a steady state in which it is operational. There are some issues related to maintenance and parts and so on, but that is logistics. What I meant was that it is good that we are in no hurry and we have to allow the systems to mature. I think most of the issues that were raised initially when the F-35 procurement was in its infancy would have been ironed out.”
“First, on the process which is specific to the US requirements, the US DoD has to support, which they have. The administration has to support, which they did when we submitted our letter of request. On the Congressional side, it is not so much approval, but they can raise objections, which they have not. So, basically, those processes have been done and the Member is quite right, we are at a stage where we are doing the terms of the sale and purchase agreement which will include aspects beyond the purchase of the F-35s for us – where we would like to base them when we are training together with the DoD and so on and so forth. I have said that we are in the final stages and we are. If all things proceed as we planned, then we will acquire it in 2026, we think. For the second part of Ms Sylvia Lim's question, by the time we acquire it in 2026 or beyond – we have evaluated the first four F-35Bs that we have acquired and then made a decision – I think, in production, you would probably have, for F-35s and F35Bs, across the world a few thousand platforms used by many, many militaries. 3.15 pm That is a good position. In other words, there are many vested interests for many countries who plan their air defence systems based on that acquisition. With new platforms, not only with the F-35s but also F-16s and F-15s, you will always have design issues, operational issues. So, the assessments, of course, will be done technically as well as with our pilots. Basically, for us, in the Ministry, we have to ask questions and satisfy ourselves that there is a rigorous technical assessment.”
“It is the collective resolve and commitment of all Singaporeans, including Members of Parliament here, to build a strong SAF that protects our home and provides us assurance and space in this unpredictable world. [Applause.]”
“But in specific circumstances, which Ms Lim asked about, where requirements can only be fulfilled by a single vendor, DSTA does its own stringent costing and we will compare the bid price versus our internal costing, if it is too far from our evaluation, whether too high or too low, we re-evaluate it. Too high because this is not fair value. But too low, we are worried that you cannot deliver the product that I want. These processes have strengthened our procurement and indeed if you ask the industry and the industry is well-informed, DSTA is widely acknowledged as a "tough customer" and "reference buyer"; people have said that to me. Because when DSTA signs off on this, it tells to the whole universe of procurers that this product is value-for-money. That is why sometimes they go the extra mile – the suppliers and the vendors make the extra efforts to try to sell things to us – because DSTA does a thorough evaluation not only in terms of ability, but value for money. The other significant aspect to stretch the defence dollar is through design from inception. So, for example, the Army's Hunter Armoured Fighting Vehicles (AFVs) that were commissioned last year were chosen not only for their new capabilities but because they were maintenance-friendly by design. We saved up to 40% in maintenance costs as compared to other armoured vehicles. And there are many such examples where cost has been saved through maintenance or reduction in crew. Mr Chairman, let me conclude. Let me thank the Members of this House for their strong and continued support both as Members of Parliament and in their individual capacity outside this House.”
“Mr Chairman, as I have indicated previously, we can continue to maintain and grow the SAF with a defence spending that avoids sharp ups and downs but which at least keeps pace with inflation, about 3% to 4% nominal increase each year. A number of Members have asked – Mr Vikram Nair, Mr Douglas Foo and Ms Sylvia Lim – whether we are able to meet our challenges with the defence spending and I would say our assessment for now is yes. The commitment holds, with a projected increase for this year's Budget over last year's of 3.2%. A number of questions have been asked, how do we make sure that not only are we prudent, but that our processes give us the maximum returns for each defence dollar – Mr Douglas Foo, Ms Sylvia Lim. When we procure platforms or services, a thorough study is made on life-cycle costs. Ms Lim is quite right, I can sell you something with the low price but really dock off your dollars with high maintenance cost. We are a little better at the game. We put everything as life-cycle costs, so that I know the exact cost of a platform over its life-time; a thorough study is made. Even though we have sensitive needs for the majority of projects, it is really by open tenders to ensure competitive building. So, if you take all our contracts that the SAF and MINDEF put out, majority are still by competitive bidding and open tenders. That is how we ensure we can get fair value. But even for classified needs, we ensure that a few companies pass security requirements. We pre-qualify them, in other words, we ensure that we have more than one company that satisfies our security requirements so that they can bid competitively. That is the second prong.”
“In the grand global scheme of changes necessary to mitigate climate change, one could say that our total reduction of CO2 emissions that I just talked about might be considered insignificant, and I would agree. But all agencies and countries must start on this road to recovery. Let me focus on the NSmen who make up the bulk of our SAF. Senior Minister of State Heng will touch on some initiatives to recognise their contributions, but I mentioned earlier a second high level committee. This committee has been formed to look at two areas – the In-Camp Training (ICT) and the deployment of manpower, chaired by Deputy Secretary (Administration) and the Chief of Army. This committee must address the reduction in manpower and changes necessary to fulfil the aims of the SAF, as well as to meet the needs of a new generation of NS men, which many of you eloquently spoke for. The number of ICTs for each NSman will remain the same. Let me say that again – the number of ICTs for each NSman will remain the same. But we want to improve the outcome and efficiency of each ICT. 2.30 pm For manpower, while we have already restructured the SAF to match the reduction in overall manpower, we do need to better match skills and aptitude of National Servicemen to their vocations, as well as to make training more focused on their operational roles. We will announce these specific changes in due course. Last year, I informed the House about the Inspector-General’s Office (IGO) which was stood up to strengthen safety and Senior Minister of State Heng Chee How will share and reply to some of the questions that Members have raised.”
“And we are looking to expand this to 10 more cookhouses. If successful, this will be expanded to all cookhouses. MINDEF has commissioned net zero energy buildings at Kranji and Seletar Camps, and by the end of this financial year, the buildings in 12 of our camps will be equipped with solar panels. In March, we will deliver, which we already are, we will deliver the first net positive energy aircraft hangar at Changi Air Base, which can generate more electricity than that consumed due to certain features that were incorporated into the design of the hangar. When fully realised, these efforts combined will reduce 11,400 tonnes of CO2 emissions by the end of this financial year and support our national efforts to combat climate change. These measures extend to our training areas overseas as well. We have mentioned Shoalwater Bay training facilities. We are working with the Australian Department of Defence to incorporate environmentally sustainable design measures, such as solar-powered lighting and using building materials that have a higher proportion of recycled content. We are taking proactive efforts to mitigate flood and fire risks, through the use of flood modelling, and the construction of fire breaks and the use of non-combustible fire-rated materials. And this is in answer to Mr Charles Chong's question. Adapting to use "green" technologies could also reap operational advantages. The Navy is exploring the use of hybrid propulsion systems in designing its incoming vessels. Such technologies enable our new ships to not only reduce carbon emissions, but become more energy efficient.”
“But obviously, this is an important project which we are learning from as we create new land for countering rising sea levels. And if this succeeds, that model and that template can be used for other areas in Singapore. So, it is an important project. And MINDEF and SAF understand this. MINDEF and the SAF are on track to meet our national targets to reduce energy and water consumption. Some Members have raised the NS Hub. It will be completed in 2023. Mr Duriasamy talked about it. It was designed to maximise natural ventilation and daylight. I would have thought all SAF buildings were designed for natural ventilation and daylight nowadays. But take this as what is meant, it is to maximise natural ventilation and to reduce solar heat gain. So, that is a plus now – solar heat gain and energy demand. We have set an aim for the NS Hub to be the top 10% of energy-efficient buildings in Singapore. I expect that aim to be achieved. The SAF is also taking discrete steps to reduce carbon emissions, even changing modes of operation without loss of any effectiveness. First, we intend to replace our 400 administrative vehicles to reduce CO2 emissions. To hybrid models first, reducing emissions by up to two-thirds per vehicle and later when our island's infrastructure is built, with electric vehicles. We also established a waste management system under a joint collaboration with NEA and DSTA that turns recycled food waste into energy. Here, a caveat, we have cut down waste. I noted that I have replied to a particular question on it. It is not much waste but that is a first important thing to do. But where there is waste, we turn it into recycled energy. Currently, food waste collected from eight cookhouses is processed by microbes and enzymes at recycling plants to generate biogas.”
“2 million masks, delivered them to 89 Community Centres and Clubs to distribute to 1.37 million households within two days. The SAF also helped MOH with contacting personnel as well as manning thermal imagery machines at the airport. And these efforts by the SAF were to enhance our psychological, social and economic resilience. My colleague, Senior Minister of State Maliki will speak more on Total Defence. There is another threat for which the SAF may not be primarily responsible, but must join in the efforts for Singapore's security and safety. Mr Chong Kee Hiong alluded to it. Mr Seah Sian Peng talked about it. And yes, I agree with Mr Seah that we must adopt climate defence. The Government has laid out key directions – Senior Minister Teo's Inter-ministerial Committee of Climate Change has done very deep second, even third order work in terms of how we can step wise deal with this issue. And I appreciate the efforts because it focuses our attention. It also gives, to the extent available, quantitative or if not, semi-quantitative projections of what each does. And I think that is the right approach. The SAF is also making significant change as part of the whole-of-Government (WOG) plan. Against the effects of rising sea levels, MINDEF and SAF is working with relevant agencies closely on coastal adaptation. Mr Chong Kee Hiong asked about the progress in Singapore's first polder development at Pulau Tekong that is led by HDB. As he described it, the polder comprises a dike which protects the reclaimed land from the sea and a network of drains and pumps to keep the land dry. The tracts of land created, which are below sea level, will be used for Army training. It is early days yet so I do not have anything concrete to report.”
“Ms Svlvia Lim raised good questions about the question marks over the F-35 and we watch it very closely. We said we will buy four, evaluate it fully before deciding to commit on a further eight. And our timelines are, if you like, useful to us. We are in no hurry – the F-15s and F-16s are adequate for our air defence and air capabilities. And we will evaluate them fully, including all the questions that were attributed to the F-35s, including cost and maintenance before we decide fully on a full fleet of the F-35s. I have talked about conventional and traditional operations. Let me move on to non-traditional operations, for which we must prepare not only the SAF, but indeed, I think, our entire population, for a more uncertain and expanded array of threats – we call these "grey zone" threats, as opposed to black and white. Low-level terrorist attacks are a good example of "grey zone" threats that can turn deep black when the whole country is destabilised. What happened to Ukraine in the early stages is a salutary lesson on "grey zone" threats – incipient, then it cascades, extrapolates and blows up. And when you try to mount the defence, you are finished. So, the SAF has compiled the range of such "grey zone" threats – of course, you will pardon me if I do not give you a list of "grey zone" threats – and the options available to respond for each. Each, by themselves, if limited, do not threaten our sovereignty but nevertheless can lead to instability or, cumulatively, whittle away our ability to defend national interests. Another example of a non-traditional threat occurred, as some Members pointed here, when COVID-19 hit Singapore, that tested our Total Defence. At a very short notice, the Army packed 5.”
“What about the Air Force, as Mr Henry Kwek asked. For the Air Force, the skies have opened up. In December last year, I signed an MOU with US Secretary of Defence Mark Esper to establish a fighter training detachment in Guam. The RSAF plans to deploy our F-15s, F-16s and supporting assets, such as the Gulfstream 550 – Airborne Early Warning to Guam for training. The airspace around Guam, together with training facilities, will allow the RSAF to conduct larger scale, more complex and realistic air-to-air and air-to-ground training. At the same time, this detachment in Guam, alongside other deployments in Australia, India and Thailand will allow quick re-deployment back to Singapore when required. So, it is a significant asset. You can train nearer; we can bring you back if we need you. Some have asked for an update on our acquisitions of the F-35s. We have decided on the F-35B variant of the aircraft, which can take off from a shorter runway and land vertically, and it is an important feature in land scarce Singapore. I do not know whether it can land in one of your HDB carparks but we will consider this scenario. The F-35B performed in the recent Singapore Airshow and its ability to swivel 360 degrees was simply, as some people said, "Awesome". We did not buy the F-35B or we did not order F-35Bs just because it can do that. As Mr Kwek rightly pointed out, it has a full suite of sensors and fighting capabilities. We have obtained the US government and Congress' assent. MINDEF is in the final stages of acquiring our four F-35s, with an option to purchase eight more. And when delivered, which we hope will be around 2026, the F-35Bs will be deployed in US for training and in-depth evaluation.”
“When these facilities are completed, the SAF will be able to conduct integrated training across all three Services, involving up to 14,000 personnel annually and over a span of up to 18 weeks. This is a significant asset for our defence capabilities. Mr Charles Chong asked what will be the effect of climate change on these plans. The short answer is probably nobody knows and we have to watch it very carefully. There were the incidents of the bush fires this year. And it not only will affect us but also more impactfully, the Australian Defence Force (ADF). For the Shoalwater training area, there was some halt in some activities not because there were bush fires there but because of the fear that it may accentuate it. So, we are watching it very carefully, and if we have to make adjustments, we will have to. For the Navy, our ships have ample opportunities to train overseas. During Exercise Pacific Griffin, the US and our ships successfully fired the full suite of missiles, destroyed surface and air targets and hunted submarines. We also conducted the inaugural trilateral maritime exercise in the Andaman Sea with India and Thailand. This year, the RSN will take on a key leadership role in the world's largest multilateral maritime exercise, Rim of the Pacific Exercise (RIMPAC), alongside established navies in the Pacific Ocean. The RSN does well in these overseas deployments that validate its systems and benchmark competencies. The Navy is also making good progress to strengthen our conventional capabilities. The last three of the fleet of eight Littoral Mission Vessels entered into service last month. In Germany, our new Invincible-class submarine has commenced trials in the water and her pioneer crew is undergoing work-up training.”
“So, let me deal with conventional operations. For conventional operations, the SAF aims to have the best training facilities globally. So, we talked about conventional; we talked about unconventional. For conventional training, our simple goal is that we want to have the best training facilities in the world. It is a high mark but we are confident we will achieve this. Some Members have asked about developments in Shoalwater Bay, Mr Charles Chong, in particular. And let me give some updates under our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with Australia, which will be a key node for best of class training facilities. It will provide the SAF with modern instrumented training ranges such as the Combined Arms Air-Land Ranges and the Urban Operations Live Firing facilities in an area approximately 10 times the size of Singapore. 2.15 pm Significant progress has been made, with completion of an ammunition storage building last year. The Combined Arms Air-Land Ranges is now being developed for the Army and Air Force to train together with tanks, infantry vehicles, drones, artillery and other combined arms platforms. This will be complemented by the Urban Operations Live Firing facilities for air and combined arms live-firing in a realistic environment. And these facilities will be equipped with advanced targetry and instrumentation. In essence, when completed, we can conduct complex training on a much larger scale, that only few militaries are able to, elsewhere. We expect construction at Shoalwater Bay to be completed by 2024 and Greenvale – that is another site – to be completed by 2028.”
“For a start, four refurbished patrol vessels will be dedicated and deployed for greater persistence to protect our territorial waters. But all of us know that maritime threats are transnational in nature and cannot be solved without co-operation and collaboration of our neighbours. We have reached out to our counterparts in Malaysia and Indonesia to propose that the Malacca Straits Patrol initiative, which has worked so well through coordinated patrols to reduce piracy in the Malacca Strait, be extended to other areas in our surrounding waters. Discussions are on-going. These significant restructuring efforts against terrorism, cyber and maritime threats reflect the rapidly evolving spectrum of threats that today’s Singapore faces. But whatever the threats, for each SAF unit, effective training makes the decisive difference. In an uncertain landscape, we must raise, train and sustain units within the SAF to deal with both conventional and unconventional threats. I think this was a point that Mr Henry Kwek was alluding to. With your permission, Mr Chairman, may I display some slides on the screens.”
“So, the committee intends to be bold in examining ways that we can address this challenge but also as important, is to recruit soldiers of the right aptitude, their training and deployments. Because what you recruit for air, land and sea, may be different from what you need in the cyber arena. Nevertheless, for command integrity and accountability, after the restructuring, CDF will continue to be in charge of mission outcomes – never mind the challenges; there has to be a command structure, there has to be a Commander who is in charge, who is looking at the problem, making decisions, raising training, sustaining forces to be able to meet these challenges. And the Chief C4I will be the pinnacle position that holds accountability and reports directly to the CDF, similar to the other services. The SAF cyber command will have to provide threat assessments and early warning in cyber attacks, and also respond accordingly. The universe of cyber threats and activists is large and the cyber command will have to prioritise its efforts and focus on key threats so as to not dissipate resources. This restructuring effort will take some years to accomplish. Let me turn to maritime security, which a number of Members has brought up, including Mr Vikram Nair. The SAF and indeed the whole-of-Government had made changes to better tackle maritime threats, which have expanded in recent years. The recent spike in sea robbery incidents in the Singapore Strait is but one example, as well as intrusions into Singapore Territorial Waters. RSN’s Maritime Security Task Force (MSTF) will be acquiring new purpose built platforms that can enhance our capabilities to deal with such threats.”
“And also responding to these plots are now part and parcel of the core mission to protect Singapore. It will be a key deliverable and accountability for SAF intelligence units even as they work together with other Singapore agencies dealing with this space. Some Members asked about cyber – Ms Joan Pereira, Dr Teo Ho Pin, Mr Seah Kian Peng. To guide the restructuring efforts required to meet security challenges, the SAF and MINDEF have convened two high level committees. One of the committees is against cyber threats, headed by Permanent Secretary (Defence Development) and CDF to spearhead this effort. In the SAF’s history, this is as important as raising another service, just like Army, Navy and Air Force, namely to build an integrated cyber command and force to defend our digital borders, especially against foreign cyber actors, both state and non-state who seek to undermine our stability and/or pose a threat to national security. Dr Teo Ho Pin asked for updates from last year when we talked about building up a cyber force. We have thought about it, gone deeper. And basically, the challenge is to build, just like Army, Navy and Air Force, an integrated cyber command and cyber force that can operate, defend and protect our interests in the cyber domain. None here, I suspect, will question the need for such a cyber force. But in many aspects, the cyber domain is more difficult to plan and execute than in air, land and sea, and may require different types of units and force configuration. The simplest question: who is the enemy? For air, land and sea, you have a limited number who are potential aggressors. But in cyber, it could be potentially many more.”
“This year will be the first time the SAF is planning to conduct two bilateral exercises with the PLA in the same year. At our recent Airshow, for the first time, the Ba Yi aerobatics team performed as did the US’ F-22 and F-35B. With India, our militaries held bilateral exercises across all three Services under the ambit of our Bilateral Agreements and we continue to welcome India’s engagement of the region. With Australia, as Mr Charles Chong said, our 30th year of our training in Shoalwater Bay this year, our strategic partner, we are building our joint training facilities and it is on schedule. I will give some details later. And we were very glad that we could contribute two Chinooks and RSAF personnel to assist the Australian Defence Force during the recent bushfires. Against the changing geopolitics, we have to watch it, we have to respond nimbly to it if we can, and we have to prepare for it. Even so, we would need to respond to clear and present security threats – namely three, and Members have talked about them: terrorism, cyber threats and maritime threats. Against terrorism, which Ms Joan Pereira highlighted, we are not immune to the returned fighters. In fact, not only not immune, but quite vulnerable. Because there are choice targets in this region. Against them, we have stepped up efforts and formalised intelligence sharing through the ASEAN "Our Eyes" initiative. The SAF will assist in this effort and work closely with other like-minded countries. The SAF is restructuring its own military intelligence outfits, so that counter-terrorism intelligence to detect, forewarn – what Ms Pereira warned about. We need an outfit that tells us, at least alerts us, that there are plots being undertaken.”
“Military spending in Asia has grown more than 50% in the last decade, with both China and India in the list of top five global spenders. ASEAN member states have doubled their spending on defence over the last 15 years. Willy-nilly, these events, conflated, have resulted in the Asia arena becoming more militarised and contested, as Members of this House have noticed. The South China Sea dispute adds grist to the mill but the motivations go much deeper, that of time-old dominance in an evolving world order. For Singapore, a small city state, 700 sq km, five-odd million people, we watch these developments ever so closely, carefully trying to preserve space for ourselves, to maintain our sovereignty and pursue our own interest, something which Member Desmond Choo talked about. We have no desire to take sides or be caught in the crossfire. We stand for our national interest. And so far, we have maintained independence and space for ourselves. But as contestation increases in this region, it will be increasingly difficult to do so. So, I appreciate Members' questions, "What will you do? What will the Singapore Government do to maintain this wonderful brand of diplomacy?" Despite the challenges, Singapore was able to forge even stronger defence relations with the US, China and key partners. With the US, as Members observed, we renewed a key document – the 1990 Memorandum of Understanding for the US’ use of facilities in Singapore. And this document had underpinned defence relations between both sides for the last 30 years. The renewal, signed between Prime Minister Lee and President Trump, allows the US forces’ continued access to our air and naval bases for another 15 years. With China, we enhanced the 2008 Agreement on Defence Exchanges and Security Cooperation.”