In 'dangerous and unpredictable' world, national service forms 'backbone' of Singapore's security: PM Wong

SINGAPORE: In a world that is becoming more dangerous and unpredictable, Singapore needs to continue building up its security and defence capabilities, said Prime Minister Lawrence Wong on Tuesday (Aug 27).

“Of course, the backbone of our security and defence is national service,” said Mr Wong at the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) Basic Military Training Centre (BMTC) in Pulau Tekong.

It was his first official visit to the SAF since taking office in May, one which he said brought back memories of his time as a recruit over 30 years ago.

During the visit, Mr Wong, who is also the finance minister, joined two companies of recruits in a run, participated in a strength conditioning exercise, and took part in a SAR 21 rifle technical handling training session.

He also had engagement sessions with about 420 recruits, as well as BMTC trainers and staff.

Mr Wong was accompanied by Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen, Senior Minister of State for Defence Zaqy Mohamad, Chief of Army Major-General David Neo and other senior army officers.

He last visited BMTC in September 2011, when he was minister of state for defence and education.

KEEPING SINGAPORE SAFE

"We are living in a world that's becoming more dangerous and unpredictable. You can see armed conflicts erupting in many different places," said Mr Wong.

"Fortunately, Asia, this part of the world, Southeast Asia, we've been spared, we've not had conflict in this part of the world."

However, Singapore still has to be mentally prepared for any eventuality, so it is critical to have a strong and effective SAF and Home Team, he added.

He said generations of Singaporeans have answered the call to national service and that every new generation must continue to do so.

On his engagement with the recruits, Mr Wong said: "You can see and sense a strong sense of conviction in all of them, that they're prepared to step forward, to train hard and to do their part now to defend Singapore and to keep Singapore safe."

He said it is vital to maintain a strong level of support for national service, because it is ultimately about "safeguarding our homes, our loved ones, and our freedom to choose our own way of life".

"It's about making sure that Singapore remains a beacon of peace and stability, even in uncertain and trouble period," said Mr Wong.

APPROACH TO DEFENCE

Mr Wong noted that the methods of instructing, engaging and training soldiers have evolved over the years to become "more science-based".

"We are making use of new technologies and solutions and supporting soldiers through the training programme, and so it's a lot more methodical and systematic and we do not compromise training standards," he said.

He said that the SAF continues to evolve its technology and its ability to improve its capabilities, not just to train soldiers more effectively, but to make it a more effective fighting unit.

"So the resets and the upgrades and the transformations, in fact, are continually taking place," said Mr Wong.

On the government's part, it will continue to put in heavy investments into both the SAF and the Home Team, he added.