Standing United in Defense: Celebrating Total Defence Day

The Essence of Total Defence

Total Defence is a comprehensive approach that encompasses every aspect of society, emphasizing the interdependence of military and civilian efforts in safeguarding national sovereignty. It involves the coordinated actions of the government, military, private sector, and the public. Recognizing that defence extends far beyond traditional military operations, Total Defence incorporates a holistic range of measures to protect against various threats, both internal and external.

Historical Significance of Total Defence Day

Singapore commemorates Total Defence Day on February 15th, marking the anniversary of the Japanese invasion during World War II. This solemn occasion serves as a poignant reminder of the nation's past vulnerabilities and the paramount importance of preparedness. By reflecting on the lessons learned from history, Singapore progressively strengthens its Total Defence posture to ensure its security and resilience.

The Pillars of Total Defence

Singapore's Total Defence strategy rests upon five foundational pillars:

1. Military Defence: The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) and Home Team play a pivotal role in deterring and countering military threats. They maintain a state of readiness through robust training and advanced weaponry to safeguard Singapore's territorial integrity.

2. Civil Defence: The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) and National Civil Defence Emergency Management Committee (NDCMC) are responsible for protecting lives and property during emergencies. Their specialized capabilities in firefighting, rescue operations, and disaster management ensure a swift and effective response to any incident.

3. Economic Defence: The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) and other regulatory bodies work to maintain economic stability and protect against financial threats. They employ measures to prevent financial crises and safeguard the integrity of the financial system.

4. Social Defence: The Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) and community organizations promote social cohesion and resilience within society. They foster a sense of belonging and encourage individuals to contribute to the community, thereby mitigating the risk of social unrest and extremism.

5. Psychological Defence: The Ministry of Communications and Information (MCI) and other agencies work to protect Singapore's information environment from misinformation and disinformation campaigns. They promote critical thinking, digital literacy, and responsible media consumption to ensure that the public remains informed and discerning.

Statistics on Total Defence

Military Defence:

• Singapore ranks 32nd in the Global Firepower Index 2023, with a defense budget of $11.9 billion.
• The SAF comprises over 72,000 active personnel and 300,000 reservists.
• Singapore operates a fleet of advanced fighter jets, warships, and armored vehicles.

Civil Defence:

• The SCDF responds to an average of 180,000 emergency calls per year.
• The NDCMC coordinates disaster management efforts, including flood relief, evacuation operations, and emergency shelters.
• Singapore has one of the world's highest rates of fire safety, with less than 0.5 fires per 1,000 population.

Economic Defence:

• Singapore ranks 1st in the Global Competitiveness Index 2022 and 2nd in the World Bank's Ease of Doing Business Index 2023.
• The MAS maintains an exchange rate regime that supports economic growth and financial stability.
• Singapore's banking system is regularly ranked among the most sound and secure in the world.

Social Defence:

• Singapore has a strong social safety net that provides assistance to low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities.
• The Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY) promotes community engagement and interfaith harmony.
• Singapore ranks highly in global indices measuring social cohesion and trust.

Psychological Defence:

• The MCI regularly conducts public education campaigns to raise awareness about misinformation and disinformation threats.
• Singapore's media landscape is diverse, with multiple independent media outlets and a strong tradition of press freedom.
• The government works closely with social media platforms to combat online hate speech and cyberbullying.

The "Cyber Defence" Dimension

In an increasingly interconnected and digitalized world, cyber threats pose a significant risk to national security. Singapore recognizes the importance of defending its cyberspace and has developed a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy. The Cyber Security Agency of Singapore (CSA) leads efforts to protect critical infrastructure, detect and respond to cyberattacks, and promote cybersecurity awareness among businesses and the public.

Implementing Total Defence in Daily Life

Tips for Individuals:

• Stay informed about potential threats to Singapore.
• Develop a personal emergency preparedness plan and emergency kit.
• Volunteer with community organizations or participate in national service.
• Be vigilant against misinformation and disinformation online.
• Promote harmony and understanding among different communities.

Tips for Businesses:

• Conduct risk assessments and develop cybersecurity measures.
• Train employees on cybersecurity best practices.
• Protect critical business data and infrastructure from cyberattacks.
• Support national defence initiatives by partnering with relevant agencies.

Tips for Schools and Educational Institutions:

• Incorporate Total Defence education into the curriculum.
• Organize drills and simulations to practice emergency procedures.
• Foster a sense of patriotism and community involvement among students.
• Partner with community organizations and the SAF to provide students with hands-on defence experiences.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the main goal of Total Defence?

Total Defence aims to protect Singapore against all forms of threats, both internal and external, through the coordinated efforts of the government, military, private sector, and the public.

2. What are the different pillars of Total Defence?

The pillars of Total Defence are Military Defence, Civil Defence, Economic Defence, Social Defence, and Psychological Defence.

3. How can individuals contribute to Total Defence?

Individuals can contribute to Total Defence by staying informed about threats, preparing for emergencies, volunteering, being vigilant against misinformation, and promoting harmony.

4. What is the role of the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore (CSA)?

The CSA leads Singapore's cybersecurity efforts, protecting critical infrastructure, detecting and responding to cyberattacks, and promoting cybersecurity awareness.

5. How can businesses support Total Defence?

Businesses can support Total Defence by implementing cybersecurity measures, training employees, protecting critical data, and partnering with national defence initiatives.

6. What role do schools play in Total Defence?

Schools play a vital role in Total Defence by educating students about defence, practicing emergency procedures, and fostering patriotism and community involvement.

Conclusion

Total Defence goes beyond traditional military preparedness. It encompasses a comprehensive approach that recognizes the interconnectedness of society and the need for all stakeholders to work together to protect Singapore's sovereignty, resilience, and way of life. By embracing Total Defence principles and actively contributing to these efforts, Singapore's citizens and institutions can ensure the nation's continued peace, stability, and prosperity for generations to come.