President Tharman Shanmugaratnam hosted a reception at MINDEF to honor over 500 personnel from the Ministry of Defence and the Singapore Armed Forces for their contributions to the nation’s defence.
President Tharman Shanmugaratnam hosted a reception this evening at the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) to recognize the dedication and contributions of over 500 personnel from MINDEF and the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF). This annual event, initiated in 1992, honors the commitment of MINDEF and SAF personnel, as well as those from the Defence Technology Community (DTC), towards safeguarding Singapore’s security and way of life.
During the event, President Tharman engaged with various groups, including Operationally Ready National Servicemen (NSmen), Full-time National Servicemen, Regulars, Defence Executive Officers, SAF Volunteer Corps volunteers, and DTC personnel. They shared their experiences and views on National Service and the importance of a robust defence system. Discussions covered a range of topics, from participating in bilateral and overseas exercises to managing National Service duties alongside personal commitments.
The reception was attended by key figures such as Minister for Defence Dr. Ng Eng Hen, Senior Minister of State for Defence Mr. Heng Chee How, Chief of Defence Force Vice Admiral Aaron Beng, and senior officers from MINDEF and SAF. Members of the Government Parliamentary Committee for Defence and Foreign Affairs (GPC-DFA), the Advisory Council on Community Relations in Defence (ACCORD), and the SAF Veterans’ League were also present.
President Tharman praised the personnel for their unwavering dedication and highlighted the essential role they play in maintaining Singapore’s defence readiness and overall security. He acknowledged the significant contributions of those involved in Total Defence efforts, ensuring the nation’s resilience against various threats.
Source – MINDEF
