S'pore to strengthen defence capabilities, ensure military readiness & support NSmen: Mindef, MFA, PMO

During his speech at the opening of the 15th Parliament on Sep. 5, President Tharman Shanmugaratnam commented on how the world around us is changing in "profound ways".

While Singapore had thrived in a “rules-based and inclusive global order” underwritten by American leadership, that order is now fraying, he noted.

He added that acts of aggression, coercion, or unreasonable demands are now more readily tolerated and appeased. At the same time, the weaponisation of trade and economic interdependence has made international relations “more fraught and complex” than ever.

As such, the priority for Singapore then is to "secure our home and safeguard Singapore's place in the world," said President Tharman.

Following his speech, the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), and the Prime Minister's Office (National Security Coordination Secretariat) have released their Addendas to the president's speech.

The ministries committed to strengthening Singapore's defence capabilities, ensuring Singapore's military readiness and supporting the National Service men (NSmen).

On the global front, the government shared that it would deepen relations with like-minded partners and uphold multilateral frameworks to safeguard common goals.

While at home, the government will strengthen the collective resilience and equip Singaporeans to stay vigilant and united against domestic threats and external manipulation.

MINDEF

Enhancing strategic relevance

With new and emerging security threats, MINDEF said it will deepen Singapore's relevance to existing defence partners while actively building and expanding collaborations with new ones.

In addition, MINDEF will contribute to multilateral platforms and partnerships like the ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting (ADMM), ADMM-Plus and the Five Power Defence Arrangements.

Staying ahead in military readiness

As advances in technology redefine warfare, the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) will continue to evolve its operational concepts, accelerate digital transformation, and adopt emerging technologies, especially in cybersecurity and unmanned platforms.

SAF will also strengthen its indigenous capacities and develop a unique value proposition, enabling Singapore to position itself as a partner of choice.

Strengthening NS

For National Service (SAF), the SAF will strengthen overall capabilities through effective deployment of service personnel and adoption of technologies.

SAF will also refine its medical classification system, redesign vocations and roles, and provide more opportunities for Operationally-Ready NSmen to apply their civilian expertise.

Building Whole-of-Nation resilience

MINDEF will expand opportunities for volunteers of all ages, skillsets and backgrounds to contribute to national defence.

Through Total Defence, MINDEF will continue to prepare Singapore for crises and disruptions.

MFA

Strengthening relations with immediate neighbours, Asean and other powers

Singapore will enhance connectivity and strengthen economic and people-to-people ties with Malaysia through special projects, such as the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone and the Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System Link.

Singapore will pursue cooperation with Indonesia in new areas, such as renewable energy and human capital development.

To deepen Asean integration, Singapore will work with the region to upgrade and fully implement trade agreements, deepening cross-border digital frameworks, developing the Asean Power Grid and advancing green economy standards.

Singapore will also strengthen its ties with both the U.S. and China across multiple areas, and expand partnerships with middle powers and countries, including the opening of new diplomatic missions in Africa and Latin America.

Reinforce Singapore's longstanding role as a credible and reliable partner

Singapore will proactively support rules-based multilateralism at the United Nations and the World Trade Organization.

MFA will continue to demonstrate Singapore's commitment to be a responsible co-steward of the global commons, through advancing positive agendas on Artificial Intelligence, climate change and pandemic preparedness.

For Singaporeans overseas, the MFA will continue to provide prompt and effective consular services and enhance emergency response coordination through digital tools, such as the eRegister platform.

It will also engage Singaporeans at home to foster a better understanding of Singapore's core foreign policy considerations.

PMO (National Security Coordination Secretariat)

The National Security Coordination Secretariat (NSCS) will work with different government agencies to identify key security risks, assess the implications of these risks, develop solutions and coordinate responses to address them.

The NSCS will support efforts to strengthen the Public Service's capability to organise itself to respond to risk.

This will take on a whole-government approach to cover not only operational and technological aspects, but public education and communications.

Top photos via MINDEF/Facebook