National Service brings Singaporeans from all walks of life and different social, racial and religious backgrounds together in the defence of Singapore. Almost every Singaporean family has sent husbands, sons and grandsons to undergo National Service, to be prepared to defend family and country. The peace and stability that Singapore has enjoyed over the last three decades was built upon the sacrifice and dedication of our past and current generations of NSmen.

Since National Service was introduced in 1967, it has enabled Singapore to develop and maintain a capable armed forces over the last 35 years. During the past three and a half decades, the Singapore Armed Forces has grown from a two-ship Navy and a two-Battalion army in 1965 to become a credible tri-service defence force comprising a 50,000-strong standing Armed Forces of regulars and Full Time National Servicemen, with another 300,000 Operationally Ready National Servicemen. Being a National Institution, the SAF is today a predominantly National Service armed forces with NSmen making up over 80% of its strength. Full-time and Operationally Ready National Servicemen thus form the backbone of the SAF and they play a critical role in Singapore’s defence.

2002 marks the thirty fifth year since National Service was introduced in Singapore. MINDEF and the SAF have designated the theme "Bonding our People, Defending our Nation" for this year’s commemoration of National Service.

At the time of our independence in 1965, we were a fledgling state with a limited sense of a shared past or of a common bond amongst our multi-racial population. Our security situation and our future seemed bleak as Singapore faced the twin threats of communalism and communism. National Service has contributed to making Singapore stronger by bringing Singaporeans from diverse racial, religious, language and educational backgrounds, to train, live and serve together. Such common life shaping experiences have helped to foster greater cohesiveness among our people and provided the foundation for the creation of a strong national identity.

In any multi-racial society, social integration and cohesion are critical to nation-building. The government has therefore always put a high priority on strengthening our social fabric so that our different races and religious communities are not torn apart whenever we are put under strain. Our approach has been to enlarge the common space where Singaporeans of all races and religions come together, and in the process strengthen the Singaporean social fabric. The Singapore Armed Forces is a key national institution. The SAF is one of the most important elements of that common space. Beyond school life, it brings Singaporeans of all backgrounds together to serve in the defence of our nation when they enlist as NSF and throughout their National Service cycle of 13 years.

The Sep 11 terrorist attacks in the U.S. and the recent arrests made in Singapore in January have tested our social cohesion and national unity. Because of the sense of social cohesion and national identity which we have built up over the years, these events have not caused rifts within our society. These events serve to remind us of the importance of social cohesion and the need for us to stay united as one people as we face increasingly complex security challenges.

Since the Sep 11 attack on the US, the SAF has worked closely with other Home Team agencies to strengthen our homeland defence. Singapore has demonstrated its ability to respond very quickly to the security challenges that have evolved as a result of the terrorist threats. Our efficient and effective NS system has enabled us to employ our National Servicemen quickly in operational tasks, including the protection of our key installations in Singapore. SAF Regulars and National Servicemen have worked side-by-side to protect and defend our nation, together with their Home Team counterparts. This has ensured that our social and economic activities can continue unimpeded. Foreign investors have also expressed confidence that Singapore is and continue to be safe and secure. This speaks well of our ability to ensure the safety and security of our nation. Through this and previous episodes, our commitment to invest in National Service has been vindicated. For the SAF, National Service allows us to mobilise our professional and committed NSmen promptly in the defence of our nation, whenever our sovereignty, security and national interest are challenged or threatened. National Service therefore remains our best guarantee for a safe and secure future.

To commemorate 35 years of National Service, MINDEF and the SAF have lined up a series of events this year, including an enhanced SAF day parade, a Navy Exhibition, an Army Open House, the National Service Commemoration Dinner and other key events. MINDEF will also be publishing a "35 years of NS" Commemorative Book.

Given Singapore’s small population, NS remains the most viable option for us to continue to build up a credible, cohesive and committed defence force to deter external aggression, to preserve and protect Singapore’s security, sovereignty, and national interest to underpin our continued economic success. National Service has been, and will continue to be, a key cornerstone of Singapore’s nation building ensuring our country’s continued peace, stability and economic success.

Thank you.