Remarks at SAF Day Combined Re-dedication Ceremony
Dr Tan See Leng, Minister for Manpower and Minister-in-charge of Energy and Science & Technology, Suntec Singapore Exhibition and Convention Centre
Mr Lennon Tan, President, Singapore Manufacturing Federation
Rear Admiral Sean Wat, Chief of Navy, Singapore Armed Forces
Distinguished guests
Ladies and gentlemen
Good morning! It is indeed a real privilege and honour to join you for this year’s SAF Day Combined Rededication Ceremony.
This is the third time I have had the honour of officiating at this event - in 2022,2024, and now in 2025. And each time, the world we gather in has grown more complex, more uncertain, and frankly, more dangerous.
Conflicts are no longer distant. The lines between war and peace, foreign and domestic, physical and digital threats are increasingly blurred. And as a small, open country, Singapore cannot afford to be complacent.
We are fortunate to live in peace - to go about our daily lives, build businesses, raise families, and fulfil our dreams and aspirations. But let me remind everyone this peace is not guaranteed. It is protected every day by the men and women of the Singapore Armed Forces.
This year, we mark 60 years of the SAF - six decades of dedication, service, commitment, and quiet strength. From humble beginnings, the SAF has grown into a world-class, future-ready force that guards our borders and contributes to peace and stability across the region.
That peace and stability is more than just defence because it is the very core foundation for all that we do and all that we are able to accomplish. Our economy can only thrive because our nation is secure Our businesses can only grow because our skies are safe, and our streets are calm, and our waters stable and secure. We can only succeed — as individuals, as companies, and as a country — because the men and women of the SAF stands ready to defend us.
That is why today’s ceremony is not just about honouring the SAF. It is also about recognising our shared responsibility in keeping Singapore strong.
To our employers:
You are vital partners in national defence. By supporting your NSmen and our fellow Singaporeans — with flexible work arrangements, with understanding during in-camp training, and with a workplace culture that values service — you are doing your part to uphold what the SAF fights for.
I thank those of you who have led by example, and I urge more to follow. Pro-NS policies are not just patriotic — they are good business ethics. They reflect leadership, resilience, and responsibility.
To all Singaporeans:
Whether or not you have worn a uniform, we all have a part to play. Appreciate the servicemen in your life. Step up for colleagues when they are called to serve. Teach our children, our future generations, the value of duty and commitment and service before self.
Let me share a small story from my own National Service days. Back then, during route marches, our sergeant had a very deliberate strategy. He would always place the least fit among us — myself included — right at the front. Why? So that those who were stronger, fitter, and faster would be behind us — pushing us on, encouraging us, never leaving anyone behind.
That lesson has stuck with me ever since: true strength is not how fast you go, but how well you bring others along. And that’s the kind of society we must continue to build — where we look out for the most vulnerable, where we push forward together, where we never become divided.
Support from society is the SAF’s moral strength. Knowing that their sacrifices are recognised and valued gives our servicemen and women the confidence to serve.
Let me close by saluting all who serve and all who support them.
To our SAF regulars, NSFs, and NSmen — thank you for your service.
To our businesses and fellow citizens — thank you for standing with them.
Let us never take peace for granted. Let us never forget that success depends on security. And let us always stand united behind the great men and women who keep Singapore safe every minute of every day.
Happy SAF Day. And Majulah Singapura! Thank you.