When the tsunami hit on Boxing Day, the SAF quickly got down to planning a disaster relief mission. The Navy, Air Force and Army mobilised their helicopter landing ship, aircraft, field engineers, medical personnel and a host of equipment and supplies. The SAF was able to respond swiftly and in an integrated manner because it had over the years built up its capabilities and trained its personnel to respond to contingencies. It was prepared and ready to move when the moment came.

2.         Similarly, we were able to respond quickly and effectively to the fall-out from the 911 attacks because we did not have to start from scratch. The SAF and the Home Team had been building up capabilities to deal with non-conventional threats, such as chemical and biological attacks, even before 911.

3.         Among our people, we could talk about sensitive issues candidly because we have worked hard at building social cohesion from the time we became an independent nation. Our racial and religious harmony and the trust among the various communities and religious groups have been fostered and steadily built up over many years.  Such bonds help us withstand the shocks of the uncovering of the Jemaah Islamiyah network in our midst.

4.         We have also faced economic crises in recent years, and we have been able to get back on our feet quickly. Our people were willing to take the necessary tough measures and we had built up economic resilience over the years. In good times, we had worked hard to build a strong foundation for our economy – through prudent fiscal policies, strong reserves, a skilled labour force, harmonious industrial relations, and a healthy investment climate. All this helped our economy to cushion the impact of external shocks and to adjust to rapid changes in the global economy.

5.         The common feature of our response to these challenges is our preparedness and readiness. Our history and geography, our lack of natural resources, remind us of our vulnerabilities and the importance of being mentally and physically prepared to deal with any challenges that may arise. This is the concept of Total Defence. The superstructure is our military and civil emergency response capabilities and economic systems – so that we can have the capacity to deal with hard knocks that may come our way. The foundation is the social cohesion and psychological commitment of all Singaporeans. This is the key principle of Total Defence – every Singaporean has a role to play. We will do well to remind ourselves that we are only as strong as the weakest link in the ‘Pentagon of Total Defence’ – Military, Civil, Economic, Social and Psychological.  Our fight against SARS illustrated the critical importance of such active involvement. Everyone in Singapore came together to play their part, big or small, as individuals or as members of organisations, to combat the deadly virus.

6.         This year’s Total Defence Campaign theme – There is a Part for Everyone – highlights this. The world is fraught with uncertainties and complexities, and we may have to deal with challenges and threats at any time. If a major crisis should happen, even in Singapore, we must be able to draw upon our inner strength to overcome the adversity and to pull through like we have done many times in recent years.  We have every reason to be confident of the future but let us continue to strengthen our Total Defence and remember – “Every one has a part”.

7.         It is now my pleasure to launch the Total Defence PhotoFest 2005.      

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