Singapore’s Minister of Defence Ng Eng Hen released a video message on his Facebook, commemorating the 80th anniversary of Singapore’s fall to the Japanese in 1942.
In his video message, Ng said that Total Defence Day falls on the same day Singapore fell to the Japanese invasion and is a reminder of the dreadful consequence of a weak national defence.
He reflected on how Singaporeans suffered under foreign occupation for nearly 4 years.
He said that NS is the strongest commitment to Military Defence, as he highlighted that this year is the 55th anniversary of Singapore’s National Service, and that it is one of the key pillars of national defence, the backbone of the SAF to defend against any potential aggressor.
He then urged every Signaproean to do their part if they are to overcome the enemy.
Ng then reflected on how over the last 2 years, Singapore has been putting up Total Defence against the Covid-19 pandemic.
He said that a strong psychological defence is necessary to maintain mental health and that he is glad that Singaporeans stepped up to support each other to keep morale high in solidarity.
He also highlighted how economic defence was at play, and how some businesses are even doing better than before the pandemic hit.
He also touched on civil defence, and spoke about how everybody was responsible for reducing infections through wearing masks and safe distancing.