Debate on President’s speech: Yip Hon Weng on defence and diplomacy as 'twin pillars' for survival

Singapore's security rests on two pillars - defence and diplomacy. Defence gives credibility to diplomacy and diplomacy ensures that defence is well-positioned. MP Yip Hon Weng highlighted these “twin pillars of (Singapore’s) survival” in parliament on Tuesday (Sep 23). On defence, he stressed the need to redesign National Service vocations and harness civilian expertise, as well as retain high-value technical talent. On foreign policy, Mr Yip stressed the need for Singapore to stay open, credible and constructive. Through it all, defence, diplomacy and community must be sustainable, guided by careful planning and prudent stewardship, he added.