Total Defence Day 2022: Strengthening Singapore's Resilience

Introduction

Total Defence Day, commemorated annually on February 15th, serves as a poignant reminder of Singapore's enduring commitment to safeguarding its sovereignty and independence. As a nation built on the principles of unity, resilience, and strength, this day provides an opportunity to reflect on the multifaceted nature of defence and the role each individual plays in ensuring the nation's well-being.

The Pillars of Total Defence

Total Defence encompasses six pillars, each representing a crucial element in maintaining Singapore's security:

• Military Defence: The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) and Home Team Defence (HTD) stand as the cornerstone of Singapore's military defence, deterring external threats and safeguarding the nation's territorial integrity.
• Civil Defence: The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) ensures the safety and protection of the civilian population during emergencies and disasters, mitigating their impact and fostering resilience.
• Economic Defence: Maintaining a strong and vibrant economy is integral to Singapore's defence, providing the financial resources necessary to support national security efforts.
• Social Defence: Fostering social cohesion and harmony is crucial for preventing internal divisions and ensuring the unity of the people.
• Psychological Defence: Building a resilient and confident population is vital for countering misinformation, propaganda, and other psychological threats.
• Cyber Defence: Safeguarding Singapore's cyber infrastructure and digital assets from cyberattacks is essential for protecting the nation's critical systems and information.

Why Total Defence Matters

In an increasingly interconnected and volatile world, total defence is not merely an abstract concept but a vital necessity for Singapore's survival.

Deterrence and Protection: A robust total defence strategy deters potential aggressors by demonstrating Singapore's unwavering commitment to its defence. It also provides the necessary infrastructure and capabilities to protect the nation against external threats and domestic emergencies.

Economic Stability: A strong economy underpins Singapore's defence capabilities. It provides the resources to maintain the SAF, SCDF, and HTD, as well as invest in critical defence technologies.

Social Cohesion and Resilience: A harmonious and united society is less susceptible to external manipulation and internal divisions. By fostering social cohesion, Singapore strengthens its resilience against psychological and social threats.

Preserving Independence and Sovereignty: Total defence ensures Singapore's ability to make its own decisions and chart its own destiny, free from external interference or coercion.

Benefits of Total Defence

A comprehensive total defence strategy offers numerous benefits for Singapore and its citizens:

• Enhanced Security: Total defence strengthens Singapore's ability to respond to external threats, protect its borders, and mitigate the impact of emergencies.
• Economic Prosperity: A secure environment fosters economic growth and stability, creating opportunities for businesses and individuals alike.
• Social Harmony: Total defence promotes social cohesion and unity, reducing the risk of internal divisions and building a more inclusive society.
• National Pride and Identity: Contributing to the nation's defence instills a sense of pride and belonging in Singaporeans, reinforcing their commitment to the country.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

While total defence is a shared responsibility, certain common mistakes can undermine its effectiveness:

• Complacency: Assuming that Singapore is safe from threats can lead to a weakening of defence capabilities and a decline in readiness.
• Fragmentation: Failing to collaborate and coordinate between different pillars of total defence can hinder the nation's ability to respond effectively to challenges.
• Underestimating Non-Traditional Threats: Focusing solely on military defence can overlook the growing importance of non-traditional threats such as cyberattacks and psychological warfare.
• Lack of Public Participation: Total defence is not the sole responsibility of the government or military. Active participation from all citizens is crucial for its success.

The Role of Citizens in Total Defence

Every Singaporean has a role to play in contributing to total defence. This can be done through:

• National Service: Serving National Service is a fundamental duty for male citizens and permanent residents, providing essential military training and skills.
• Volunteering: Joining voluntary organizations such as the National Civil Defence Cadet Corps (NCDCC), Singapore Red Cross Society (SRCS), and Civilian Defence Force (CDF) offers opportunities to gain practical skills and contribute to the nation's defence.
• Community Engagement: Participating in community events and initiatives that promote social cohesion, harmony, and national unity strengthens Singapore's social defence.
• Cyber Awareness: Practicing good cyber hygiene, reporting suspicious online activities, and countering misinformation are essential for maintaining cyber defence.
• Preparedness: Being prepared for emergencies and knowing how to respond can reduce their impact on individuals and communities.

Funding for Total Defence

The Singapore government invests significantly in total defence to ensure the nation's security and well-being. In recent years, defence expenditure has consistently accounted for around 3% of GDP. These funds are used to support the SAF, SCDF, HTD, and other defence-related initiatives.

Digital Defence: A Novel Approach

In the 21st century, digital defence has emerged as a critical component of total defence. Singapore is a pioneer in this field, adopting innovative technologies and strategies to safeguard its cyber infrastructure and digital assets.

• The Cyber Security Agency of Singapore (CSA) spearheads national efforts to enhance cyber resilience and respond to emerging threats.
• The National Digital Defence Command Centre (NDDC) monitors and responds to cyberattacks in real-time, ensuring rapid detection and mitigation.
• Singapore has also partnered with international organizations to share best practices and collaborate on cybersecurity initiatives.

Innovation for Total Defence

To maintain its edge in the rapidly evolving defence landscape, Singapore actively invests in research and development (R&D) to develop innovative solutions.

• The Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA) plays a key role in developing military technologies, such as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and advanced surveillance systems.
• The National Research Foundation (NRF) supports academic research in areas relevant to defence, such as cyber security, robotics, and artificial intelligence (AI).
• Private companies and start-ups are also contributing to Singapore's defence capabilities by developing cutting-edge technologies.

Inspiring Initiatives

Numerous initiatives have been launched to promote total defence awareness and engagement among Singaporeans.

• The Total Defence Awards: Recognizing individuals and organizations for their outstanding contributions to total defence.
• The Total Defence Day Parade: A grand spectacle showcasing Singapore's defence capabilities and the unity of its people.
• The Total Defence Exhibition: Educating the public about different aspects of total defence and encouraging participation.

FAQs

1. What is the difference between national defence and total defence?

National defence primarily refers to the military defence of the nation. Total defence, on the other hand, encompasses a broader range of measures, including civil defence, economic defence, and psychological defence.

2. Who is responsible for total defence?

Total defence is a shared responsibility of the government, military, and all Singaporeans.

3. What are the benefits of total defence?

Total defence strengthens Singapore's security, fosters economic prosperity, promotes social harmony, and preserves the nation's independence and sovereignty.

4. How can I contribute to total defence?

You can contribute to total defence through National Service, volunteering, community engagement, cyber awareness, and emergency preparedness.

5. What is the importance of Total Defence Day?

Total Defence Day serves as a reminder of the crucial role total defence plays in safeguarding Singapore's security and well-being. It is an opportunity to reflect on the nation's defence capabilities and the contributions of its citizens.

6. What are some challenges faced by total defence efforts?

Total defence efforts can be challenged by complacency, fragmentation, underestimation of non-traditional threats, and lack of public participation.

7. How does Singapore invest in total defence?

The Singapore government invests significantly in total defence, allocating approximately 3% of GDP to support the SAF, SCDF, HTD, and other defence-related initiatives.

8. What is the role of innovation in total defence?

Innovation is crucial for maintaining Singapore's edge in the evolving defence landscape. The nation invests in R&D to develop innovative technologies for military defence, cyber security, and other areas relevant to total defence.