SINGAPORE - The prerequisite of an independent country is the ability to defend itself, a conviction that Singapore must renew against changes to the existing global order.

Speaking on March 15 at the commissioning of Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) officer cadets, Health Minister Ong Ye Kung said that the security backdrop that saw trade flourish, businesses internationalised and economies becoming more integrated has changed.

“We have witnessed a rise in nationalism and protectionism, and the new US administration is taking a different approach to foreign policies.

“More than ever, we must renew the conviction we had when Singapore first became independent – Singapore must be successful in order to be secure, we must make as many friends around the world as possible, and only we can defend ourselves,” he said.

Mr Ong noted that the commissioning of officers at the Safti Military Institute was taking place amid uncertainties in the world.

But he added that the parade is special, as it is also taking place during SG60.

“First, it takes place during SG60, which marks 60 years of Singapore’s independence, as well as 60 years of the SAF’s establishment.

“The two numbers are not similar by coincidence, but by conviction.

“Because we have always believed that the prerequisite of an independent country is the ability to defend ourselves,” added Mr Ong, who was the reviewing officer at a parade which saw 214 cadets commissioned as SAF officers following 38 weeks of training.

They comprised 140 officers from the Singapore Army, 20 from the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) and 54 from the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF).

Mr Ong said that much like Singapore, the SAF has transformed significantly over the past six decades.

“Since the early days of independence, we have conscripted our young men to serve National Service. We have been consistently devoting 3 to 4 per cent of our GDP every year to train our people, invest in platforms, and build capabilities,” he added.

This has seen the SAF go from two infantry battalions, two ships and no air force to a highly professional military force equipped with advanced platforms capable of carrying out a wide spectrum of missions.

Mr Ong highlighted three major difference since independence.

“The major difference between 60 years ago and now is that, first, we have a far more capable SAF. Second, earlier generations have accumulated significant reserve...