Newsroom

Good morning everyone,

Officiating Minister, Mr Chee Hong Tat, Minister for National Development

Mr Joseph Teo, Deputy Principal, Temasek Polytechnic

Mr Eric Tan, Chairman SAF Day Organising Committee, ASME

Major-General Kelvin Fan, Chief of Air Force, Republic of Air Force

Colonel Benjamin Lee, Commander, Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Command (UC), Republic of Singapore Air Force

Participants of SAF Day Combined Rededication Ceremony 2026, ASME Members and fellow SMEs, Distinguished guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Thank you for joining us this morning at the SAF Day Combined Rededication Ceremony 2026. We are incredibly proud to bring together business leaders and fellow NSmen for this meaningful event where we affirm our shared commitment to National Service and the defence of our nation.

We gather today at a time when the world around us remains deeply unpredictable. In 2026, we continue to navigate a complex global landscape marked by shifting geopolitical tensions and fragile supply chains. As Singaporeans — and as the businesses that power this economy — we understand a simple truth: our growth and our continuity are anchored in our nation’s security.

For a small and open economy like ours, a strong and capable Singapore Armed Forces is not a luxury, it is the foundation. It protects our sovereignty, safeguards our people, and provides the stability on which our enterprises can confidently innovate, invest, and venture beyond our shores.

But protection is not a one-way street. Just as a strong SAF gives our businesses the confidence to grow, and it is also our businesses that help sustain the SAF in return. And in Singapore, these businesses are overwhelmingly SMEs – 99% of all enterprises, and the majority of the 99% are small and micro firms. These are the very companies that release their people for National Service and reservist duty – often a young manager, a key engineer, an irreplaceable pair of hands on a very small team. When a small business sends its NSman back to camp, it does so knowing the burden falls heavily on those who remain in the office and it is no small sacrifice. It is, quietly, one of the most patriotic things our SME community does.

So the pledge we make today is more than a gesture. It is our half of a compact: we stand behind the SAF that stands guard over us. The strength of our defence and the vitality of our enterprises are not two separate stories — they are one.

This commitment to safeguarding Singapore’s future goes beyond our shores, and with Singapore actively fostering robust international relationships and global defence cooperation. Last month, our Republic of Singapore Air Force concluded its participation in Exercise Red Flag, some of you may have read about that, in Alaska, a multilateral large-scale air combat exercise. They successfully clinched three awards from the exercise, highlighting the operational readiness and world-class capabilities of our armed forces. Furthermore, at the recent 23rd Shangri-La Dialogue, Minister for Defence, Mr Chan Chun Sing reinforced our vital defence ties with international counterparts, reaffirming Singapore’s active role in building a secure and connected world.

These global efforts are mirrored by our unity at home. This year holds an incredibly special significance for all of us as we celebrate the 60th anniversary of our National Pledge. For six decades, the pledge has been a reminder of our commitment to achieve happiness, prosperity, and progress for our nation. In line with this historic milestone, we will be reciting the National Pledge later this morning just before we take our SAF Pledge, anchoring our dedication to the country not only as citizens but as business owners and this year we also celebrate our ASME 40th year of supporting Singapore enterprises.

National defence is a shared duty that involves every layer of society. While our NSmen stand guard on the frontlines, our employers play an equally vital role in supporting them as they fulfill their operational and training duties. Today, I am heartened to share that 141 have stepped forward for this year’s SAF Day ceremony. When employers actively support National Service, we strengthen the foundation for a resilient economy and a secure home.

Once again, I would like to extend our deepest appreciation to our Officiating Minister, Mr Chee Hong Tat, Minister for National Development, for gracing this event.

Our heartfelt thanks to our supporting partner, Temasek Polytechnic, for providing this venue over the past years, and to our official technology partner, Lenovo, for their unwavering support.

My sincere thanks to the organising committee for their dedication and hard work in putting this seamless event together.

And finally, to all the NSmen and business leaders present today, thank you for your enduring support, your sacrifices, and your unwavering commitment to national defence.

Thank you, and have a meaningful SAF Day.