Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, Dr Tony Tan,
Chief of Defence Force, Major-General Ng Yat Chung,
SAF Officers, NSmen,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen.
Good morning. Welcome to the SAF Day Combined Rededication Ceremony 2003 for the Central Business District.
This year, as CDL celebrates its 40th anniversary, it is a special honour for us to organise and play host for the CBD’s SAF Day Combined Rededication Ceremony. When Singapore gained independence in 1965, CDL was just a small and fledgling company. Today, we owe our growth and success to the nation’s stability and economic progress.
Like all the other 51 companies represented here today, we share the belief that a strong and capable Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) is the foundation to Singapore’s prosperity and survival. As we face new challenges from all fronts, economic, social, medical or terrorist threats, we are constantly reminded that Singapore’s defence should not be taken for granted.
As Singaporeans, we all share a responsibility to keep our country safe and secure, and we have done this successfully through National Service, generation after generation. Today, the high level of dedication and professionalism of our NSmen is a result of this shared commitment by Singaporeans from all walks of life. They are always ready to drop their civilian roles and assume their military duties swiftly in any adversity.
As employers, we also share this responsibility and have a significant role to play in creating an environment conducive for our NSmen to train and be ready to take on any assignment. We want to ensure for instance, that they are able to go for their In-Camp-Trainings (ICT) with an ease of mind that their duties are taken care of by someone or that they can serve their ICTs without the need to defer it.
Some companies even have schemes in place to recognise the contributions made by these NSmen. These are small but important gestures to show our NSmen that we value their contributions to the nation.
With all employers here today, let us salute our NSmen for their dedication in effectively juggling their multiple roles in the family, work and military spheres while we pledge our continued support for the nation’s self defence. Last but not least, on behalf of the participating companies, I would like to thank Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Dr Tony Tan for gracing the ceremony today. It is now my pleasure to invite Dr Tony Tan to deliver the SAF Day message.
I wish one and all a meaningful ceremony.
Thank you.