Newsroom

Good morning everyone,

Mr Chee Hong Tat, Minister for National Development

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

Mr Joseph Teo, Deputy Principal, Temasek Polytechnic

Senior Officers of the SAF

SEOs, Participants, my dear ASME Council Colleagues, Distinguished guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is my honour to welcome you to our SAF Day Combined Rededication Ceremony. As we reaffirm our commitment to Singapore’s defence, we also celebrate the evolution of our Singapore Armed Forces in safeguarding our nation.

This year, we are organising this ceremony in collaboration with the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Command of the Republic of Singapore Air Force.

Today, we gather at a time when the nature of defence is rapidly evolving. The Republic of Singapore Air Force stands at the forefront of this transformation, embodying how technology has shaped not only military capability, but national resilience as a whole.

Our RSAF has progressed far beyond traditional air power. Advanced fighter aircrafts, integrated air defence systems, unmanned platforms, and data-driven command networks now form a tightly connected ecosystem. Real-time information sharing, artificial intelligence, and precision capabilities allow us to respond faster, act smarter, and operate with greater effectiveness than ever before. Technology is no longer a supporting tool—it is central to how we secure our skies.

The recent conflicts around the world remind us why this matters. In both the Ukraine and Iran wars, we have seen how modern warfare is increasingly defined by drones, cyber operations, electronic warfare, and long-range precision strikes. These developments show that even smaller actors can exert significant impact through technology. For a small nation, like Singapore, staying ahead in this domain is not an option—it is essential.

But defence is not just about military strength; it underpins economic confidence. A strong and capable SAF, including a technologically advanced RSAF, provides the stability that allows our businesses to operate, invest, and grow. For small and medium enterprises, this stability is especially critical. SMEs thrive in an environment where trade routes are secure, infrastructure is protected, and disruptions are minimised.

Moreover, the defence sector itself drives innovation that benefits the broader economy. Technologies developed for defence—such as cybersecurity, advanced manufacturing, and data analytics—often find applications in commercial sectors, creating opportunities for SMEs to participate in supply chains, partnerships, and innovation ecosystems.

In this way, a strong SAF is not only a shield for our nation but also a foundation for economic vitality. It ensures that Singapore remains a trusted hub for commerce, a reliable partner in the region, and a place where businesses can confidently build their future.

As we look ahead, the partnership between defence, technology, and industry will only grow more important. Together, we must continue to invest in capabilities, nurture talent, and strengthen collaboration across sectors.

Today, I want to extend my gratitude to the 141 Organisations’ Representatives gathered here for their unwavering support towards national service and our NSmen. The sacrifices made to accommodate and support employees during their NS commitments are crucial for the safety and security of our nation.

On behalf of the organising committee and ASME, I would like to thank:

Our Guest-of-Honour, Mr Chee Hong Tat for joining us at today’s Rededication Ceremony. Thank you Minister.

Mr Joseph Teo, for once again graciously hosting us at this wonderful venue and remember the free parking is till 2 pm today.

Our collaboration partners, the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Command of the RSAF lead by Colonel Benjamin Lee and the National Service Directorate for their unwavering support.

And finally, all of you, for generously lending your time and support to this ceremony. We have about 350 people here today.

A very big thank you to all NSmen for the commitment in keeping Singapore safe. Wishing all a great day ahead!

Thank you!