Total Defence Day in Singapore: A Call to Strengthen Our Nation's Resilience

In the face of a rapidly evolving security landscape, Total Defence Day serves as a timely reminder of Singapore's unwavering commitment to safeguarding its sovereignty and well-being. Commemorated annually on February 15th, this day underscores the critical role every citizen plays in contributing to the nation's resilience and security.

A Multifaceted Approach to Defence

Total Defence recognizes that national security encompasses a wide range of threats and challenges, spanning military aggression, terrorism, cyberattacks, and even non-traditional threats such as pandemics and climate change. To effectively mitigate these risks, Singapore has adopted a comprehensive approach to defence that incorporates five key pillars:

• Military Defence
• Civil Defence
• Social Defence
• Economic Defence
• Psychological Defence

Military Defence: The Bedrock of National Security

The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) forms the core of our military defence strategy, providing a credible deterrent against external threats. With a formidable arsenal of state-of-the-art weapons and highly trained personnel, the SAF stands ready to defend Singapore's territorial integrity and sovereignty.

In 2022, the SAF's budget was allocated approximately 3.8 billion Singapore dollars, accounting for around 14% of the government's total recurrent expenditure. This investment reflects Singapore's unwavering commitment to maintaining a robust and modernized military force.

Civil Defence: Shielding the Population from Emergencies

Civil Defence plays a crucial role in protecting Singaporeans from non-military emergencies, such as fires, explosions, and natural disasters. The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) is responsible for responding to these incidents, providing emergency medical services, and conducting rescue operations.

Over the past decade, Singapore has witnessed a steady increase in the number of civil defence incidents. From 2012 to 2022, the SCDF responded to an average of over 15,000 incidents annually. This highlights the importance of having a well-equipped and highly trained civil defence force.

Social Defence: Strengthening Community Bonds

Social Defence emphasizes the importance of fostering a strong and cohesive society that can withstand external pressures. By promoting social harmony and resilience, Singapore aims to deter potential threats that may seek to exploit social divisions.

Singapore is a multiracial and multireligious society, with a diverse population of over 5.6 million people. The government has implemented various policies and initiatives to promote social cohesion and integration, including:

• The Inter-Racial and Religious Confidence Circle (IRCC)
• The Singapore Racial Harmony Day
• The National Integration Council

Economic Defence: Ensuring Economic Stability and Resilience

Economic Defence focuses on protecting Singapore's economic interests and infrastructure from threats such as cyberattacks and economic warfare. The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) and the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore (CSA) work closely to safeguard Singapore's financial system and critical information infrastructure.

In 2022, Singapore's gross domestic product (GDP) reached approximately 643 billion Singapore dollars, making it one of the wealthiest countries in Southeast Asia. The government has also implemented various measures to strengthen Singapore's economic resilience, such as:

• The National Research Foundation
• The Economic Development Board
• The National Productivity Fund

Psychological Defence: Safeguarding the National Psyche

Psychological Defence aims to protect Singaporeans from psychological warfare and propaganda that may seek to undermine their morale and loyalty. The National Education Programme and the Ministry of Communications and Information (MCI) play key roles in shaping public discourse and promoting national values.

Singapore faces a constant barrage of misinformation and propaganda from various sources. To combat this, the government has invested heavily in education and media literacy programs. In 2023, the National Education Programme reached over 1.5 million students in primary and secondary schools.

Total Defence: A Shared Responsibility

Total Defence is not just a government initiative; it requires the active participation of every Singaporean citizen. By embracing the five pillars of defence and contributing in our own ways, we can collectively strengthen our nation's resilience.

Here are some tips on how you can contribute to Total Defence:

• Be informed: Stay updated on current events and security threats.
• Be prepared: Have an emergency plan in place and know what to do in different emergency situations.
• Be involved: Participate in community events and initiatives that promote social cohesion and resilience.
• Be vigilant: Report any suspicious activities or incidents to the authorities.
• Be courageous: Stand up for what is right and do not let fear silence you.

Conclusion

Total Defence Day in Singapore is a powerful reminder of our collective responsibility in defending our beloved nation. By embracing the five pillars of defence, we can create a more prosperous, resilient, and secure Singapore for ourselves and future generations. As we commemorate this day, let us all pledge to play our part and strengthen our nation's total defence.

Useful Tables

Table 1: Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) Budget (2012-2022)

Table 2: Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) Incidents (2012-2022)

Table 3: Singapore's Gross Domestic Product (GDP)

Table 4: Singapore's National Education Programme (NEP) Reach