预算辩论 · 2020-03-02 · 第 13 届国会
国防预算与未来威胁应对
Committee of Supply – Head J (Ministry of Defence)
议员质询国防预算及新兴威胁应对，强调全球大国竞争及区域不稳定带来的安全挑战。政府回应指出新加坡需通过科技创新和装备升级（如F-35战机）应对人力减少和训练空间有限等问题。核心争议在于如何平衡有限资源与不断演变的安全威胁。
关键要点
- • 全球大国竞争加剧
- • 区域政治不稳定
- • 科技创新应对挑战
推动科技升级，保持防卫能力
关注预算效率与威胁多样性
强化科技驱动国防现代化
"The only way forward for SAF is to evolve, to invest in technology so that we can do more with less resources."
参与人员（17）
- Ang Hin Kee
- Arasu Duraisamy
- Charles Chong
- Chong Kee Hiong
- Desmond Choo
- Douglas Foo
- Heng Chee How
- Joan Pereira
- Kwek Hian Chuan Henry
- Minister for Defence
- Mohamad Maliki Bin Osman
- Ng Eng Hen
- Seah Kian Peng
- Senior Minister of State for Defence
- Sylvia Lim
- Teo Ho Pin
- Vikram Nair
完整译文（中文）
Hansard 英文原文译文 · 翻译日期：2026-05-02
主席：国防部J项负责人，Vikram Nair先生。
下一代新加坡武装部队
Vikram Nair先生（实巴旺）：主席，我提议，“将预算中J项的总拨款减少100元”。
去年，全球多方面的紧张局势不断升级。中美之间的竞争在多个领域展开，包括南中国海、贸易战，甚至涉及5G网络和下一代技术。俄罗斯与西方的紧张关系也在持续，普京总统最近表示，如果美国想要，他准备迎接另一场古巴导弹危机。这些大国竞争总会对世界其他地区产生影响。虽然新加坡努力与尽可能多的国家保持友好关系，但这并非总是容易。
在本地区，存在相当大的不确定性。就在北边的马来西亚，过去两周经历了总理职位的争夺，导致总理和政府更替。穆希丁总理昨天宣誓就职，但街头似乎仍有动荡，新总理很可能面临挑战，比如下一届议会的不信任投票。通常，当邻国出现动荡时，政府可能会感受到压力，采取更民族主义的立场，这可能不利于与其他国家的关系。
与此同时，非传统威胁在增长。网络安全威胁和假新闻威胁着从内部颠覆我们的系统。一个典型例子是新冠疫情初期，错误解读DORSCON橙色警戒含义的信息引发恐慌，建议民众囤积物资以防短缺；讽刺的是，正是这些信息引发的恐慌导致了临时短缺。
在中东，美伊紧张局势升级，沙特与伊朗以及沙特与卡塔尔之间的争端持续存在。ISIS依然是威胁，继续控制领土并在其他国家发动和激励袭击。
新加坡武装部队一直是我们国家防御的中坚力量。它显然面临着需要准备的各种威胁和突发事件。虽然新加坡不寻求麻烦，但麻烦可能会找上门，我们必须做好准备。然而，尽管威胁在增长和演变，武装部队面临两个关键限制——由于出生率下降导致的人力减少，以及随着土地被用于其他用途，训练空间减少。
武装部队唯一的出路是进化，投资技术，以便用更少的资源做更多的事。近期有一些令人振奋的大型采购公告。部长宣布空军将采购F-35战斗机，最终替代F-16。海军方面，宣布计划用四艘“无敌”级潜艇替换现有潜艇。人力方面，计划发展混合部队，越来越多的无人技术将替代作战部队中的人力。
这些无疑是令人兴奋的头条新闻。恳请国防部长更全面地介绍国防部确保下一代武装部队持续有效、能够保障新加坡国家安全的计划细节。我提议通过。
（程序文本）提案已提出。（程序文本）
训练区域
Kwek Hian Chuan Henry先生（义顺）：主席，去年我有机会访问了武装部队在文莱的训练营。看到我们驻外分遣队官兵的奉献精神，以及他们协助来访武装部队士兵训练，令人感到欣慰。
多年来，海外训练已成为武装部队成员的常态，无论是常备军、国服役兵还是预备役军人。我们进行海外训练，是为了克服空间限制，给官兵提供更好、更真实的多样化环境训练机会。
国防部和武装部队与合作伙伴努力，确保武装部队能使用海外训练设施。国防部最近宣布与美国签署谅解备忘录，在关岛设立空军战斗机训练分遣队（FTD-Guam）。请国防部长介绍空军关岛分遣队的更多信息，以及它如何提升空军训练水平？
F-35采购最新进展
我的下一个削减。去年预算委员会辩论中，国防部宣布计划采购F-35第五代多用途战机，具备空对空、空对地及情报、监视和侦察（ISR）任务能力。F-35的隐身能力有助于保持空中优势，突破复杂防空系统。同时，F-35能融合来自不同来源的传感器和信息，实现第四代飞机和武装部队资产的联网。
国防部最近宣布美国已批准向新加坡出售F-35。请国防部更新F-35采购进展，包括F-35如何提升武装部队能力？
海上安全
Vikram Nair先生：主席，200多年来，海上贸易对新加坡经济至关重要，至今依然如此。新加坡是全球最繁忙的转运枢纽之一，维护海上通道安全对我们非常重要。
去年，有两艘马来西亚船只进入新加坡水域，似乎是挑衅行为。但马来西亚政府未升级事态，马来西亚海军也未介入争端。这很可能是因为新加坡海军实力强大，显然能够在必要时保护新加坡。
最近，2019年12月，有报道称马六甲海峡海盗事件增多，自2018年以来此类事件数量上升。这类威胁可能削弱使用我们海上航道的信心。国防部和武装部队采取了哪些措施保障我们的水域安全？
安全形势
Sylvia Lim女士（亚历山大）：主席先生，东亚再次成为更激烈权力竞争的场所，尤其是在南中国海。令人担忧的是，这种竞争在整个地区呈现出更军事化的特征。这些发展不幸地促使其他地区行为体采取更军事化立场，包括武器采购和在争端上的强硬态度。这些发展挑战了稳定和自由通行，尽管未直接涉及新加坡。
请国防部长向议会通报政府应对日益复杂安全形势的策略。仅靠威慑无法完全解决这些问题，国防开支需保持审慎。特别是，武装部队在日常和突发情况下应发挥何种作用，武装部队如何朝这些目标努力？
防务外交
Desmond Choo先生（淡滨尼）：新加坡的防务策略受国家独立的独特环境和持久的地缘战略限制影响。鉴于我们的战略环境，强大的防务是确保和平稳定、保护主权和领土完整的必要条件。
为捍卫主权和促进国家利益，新加坡与国际伙伴紧密合作，构建稳定的区域架构。尽管应对日益复杂的安全环境存在挑战，新加坡仍与美国、中国等关键伙伴保持强劲关系。国防部如何与主要防务伙伴加强合作，应对共同安全挑战？
新加坡是美国和中国的好朋友。美国是我们的主要安全和经济伙伴。我们的部队与美军广泛训练合作，也在反恐方面紧密协作。美国在新加坡的投资规模远超其他国家。
与中国，新加坡建立了“与时俱进的全方位合作伙伴关系”。我们与中国有广泛的经济合作，中国也是我们的最大出口市场。
这两个国家对我们都很重要。但我们必须清醒认识自身国家利益，理解政府在双边、区域或国际问题上采取原则立场的考量。我们如何继续与美中在安全合作上保持接触？
2019年10月，国防部主持第12届东盟防长会议（ADMM）。会议通过了东盟空军军事遭遇准则（GAME），这可能是全球首个此类多边准则。我们如何继续在此基础上推进？
主席：Charles Chong先生，请同时提出您的两个削减。
区域和平与稳定
Charles Chong先生（榜鹅东）：主席先生，去年预算委员会辩论中，部长谈及国防部成功主持2018年东盟防长会议（ADMM）及ADMM Plus。国防部努力确保武装部队在需要时能防御传统和非传统威胁，保护新加坡。
然而，更好的方式是尽力防止这些威胁产生。讽刺的是，如果我们从未真正需要动员官兵保卫新加坡，武装部队才算真正成功。请部长更新国防部为确保地区稳定和平所做的工作？
全面战略伙伴关系
谈到我的下一个削减。新加坡于2015年6月与澳大利亚签署全面战略伙伴关系（CSP）。澳大利亚是亲密且重要的防务伙伴，CSP的签署清楚体现了我们与澳大利亚朋友的关系。尽管我们与澳大利亚已有多年良好防务关系，CSP为两国防务交流进一步深化提供框架。
下午1点15分
多年来，我们的部队一直在澳大利亚接受训练。许多官兵在Shoalwater Bay训练区训练。去年9月至11月举行的Wallaby演习，约有3000名武装部队人员参与，训练区面积约为新加坡的四倍。今年，我相信将是我们使用Shoalwater Bay训练区的第30年。我们非常感谢澳大利亚政府和军方的支持。
然而，近期澳大利亚东海岸发生森林大火，请部长告知Shoalwater Bay训练区是否受影响，以及这是否影响武装部队充分利用该训练区。特别是干旱和火灾威胁可能影响我们使用弹药和火器，这本是使用Shoalwater Bay训练区和投入军事设施建设的重要原因。
回到CSP，该协议还为我们的部队提供更大范围使用澳大利亚训练区的机会。请部长更新Shoalwater Bay训练区和新Townsville野外训练区设施的提升情况，以及CSP如何提升武装部队训练效能？
恐怖主义
Joan Pereira女士（丹戎巴葛）：非传统安全威胁如恐怖主义对我国风险日益加大。中东持续动荡为恐怖组织提供了加大攻击的机会，不仅在当地，也波及邻近地区。曾在伊拉克和叙利亚作战的前战士带回技能，回流东南亚。新加坡无法完全隔绝这些归国战士的影响。
鉴于海外恐怖威胁，国防部能否向议会介绍反恐工作进展？采取了哪些措施限制恐怖分子传播激进信息、减少其对社区的影响？此外，国防部如何识别、预防和监控潜在恐怖分子入境新加坡？对于可能激进化的新加坡公民、外国居民和劳工，我们是否有足够的监控措施和资源进行发现、监控和控制？
化学、生物、放射、核及爆炸物（CBRNE）材料被恐怖分子用于攻击人员和基础设施。国防部如何限制此类材料的获取，以减少潜在伤亡和破坏？
近期海外袭击中，恐怖分子还使用了常见工具，如刀具甚至车辆，袭击无辜路人。我们是否建立了早期预警和响应系统，能检测异常行为并触发警报和紧急支援？
主席：Chong Kee Hiong先生，请同时提出您的两个削减。
气候变化缓解
Chong Kee Hiong先生（碧山-大巴窑）：主席，去年国庆集会上，李总理谈到气候变化是我们面临的最严峻挑战之一。我引用：“武装部队和气候变化防御对新加坡都是生死攸关的事。”
最大威胁是海平面上升，将侵蚀我们这个小岛的海岸线，除非采取缓解措施。优先保护区域包括军事设施、机场、中央商务区以及裕廊和大士工业区。我们的防务和经济岌岌可危。
全球变暖导致天气更极端。新加坡变得更热，干旱期延长，同时出现更强降雨。风力也增强。一个关注点是缓解干旱对水库的影响。我们还需考虑与马来西亚合作保护供应我们的水库。我们必须规划保护人民和设施，减少暴雨和风暴中洪水和倒树的潜在损害。
简言之，需要协调良好的国家努力，应对与气候变化相关的经济、社会和军事防御挑战。请部长详细说明国防部和武装部队采取了哪些措施应对这些问题？
围垦试点开发
主席，我的第二个削减。新加坡是低洼岛国，易受气候变化导致的海平面上升影响。政府已承诺投入50亿新元设立海岸和防洪保护基金，以抵御海水侵蚀，并承诺未来预算允许时继续追加资金。
考虑的缓解措施包括大型工程，如围垦和离岸岛屿填海，以及沿海适应措施，如种植红树林。虽然新加坡有传统填海经验，但围垦对我们来说是新技术。它涉及围筑堤坝，排干内部水分。围垦的低洼土地称为围垦地，低于海平面，由海堤保持干燥。
围垦技术用于在直落布兰雅岛西北端增加810公顷军事训练用地。该项目计划于2022年完成。请问国防部该工程进展如何？我们从建设经验中获得了哪些教训，未来如何应用此技术于其他填海区域？与传统填海方法相比，该技术在建设和维护成本、效益及风险方面如何？
国防开支
Vikram Nair先生：主席，武装部队在威慑潜在侵略者和保护新加坡方面发挥重要作用。作为小国，我们在防务上处于天然劣势，但防务又是生死攸关的。我们传统上通过增加防务开支、投资最先进技术，以及与邻国和包括美国在内的中大国建立良好防务关系来弥补规模小的不足。
然而，近年来，区域及全球多地防务开支不断上升。随着大国投资和强化军力，我们的技术优势可能减弱，预计我们将面临增加开支以保持竞争力的压力。国防部和武装部队有何计划？是否预见长期增加防务预算以应对不断增长的需求？
财政审慎
提名议员杜格拉斯·傅先生：主席先生，我们是一个开放型经济的小型城邦，因此容易受到外部因素的影响。正如国防部长黄永宏博士多年来反复强调的，新加坡在前线防御上绝不能失败，以保护我们的主权。通过前辈们的努力，我们的武装部队现已成为本地区较为现代化的军队之一，装备先进，战斗力强大。
国防部此前宣布了建设现代化三军武装部队的计划，包括采购F-35S联合攻击战斗机以替代现有的F-16战斗机，采购新型无敌级潜艇和多用途作战舰艇，以及为我们的防务部队配备新一代装甲战斗车辆。虽然这类开支对于现代化建设是必要的，但我们看到国防预算支出从2018年的148亿新元稳步上升至2019年的154.7亿新元。今年预算虽略降至151亿新元，但仍是所有部委中最高的开支。
维持强大武装部队的重要性以及对纳税人的问责要求我们保持平衡。鉴于当前经济放缓，企业面临经营困难，是否应将大量纳税人的资金用于国防，还是更好地用于支持本地企业，这一辩论无疑会再次浮现在许多人心中。
部长能否分享现代化开支的可持续性，并说明国防部如何确保国防预算的每一分钱都被明智且谨慎地使用？
物有所值
林秀玉女士：主席先生，国防部此前曾向议会说明如何最大化新加坡的国防资金，例如只采购所需物品、改装现有资产等。国防部长能否进一步阐述采购决策——国防部如何评估供应商报价的合理性，并确保采购物有所值？这些决策涉及数亿甚至数十亿美元，更重要的是关系到我们军人的生命安全，最终关系到新加坡的安全。
一个关键问题是，与政府采购的其他产品和服务不同，国防物资由于规格保密或依赖专业承包商，可能无法自由进行市场测试。某些系统的售价可能伴随昂贵的售后维护和升级服务，涉及专有和受保护的信息。毕竟，现代国防平台高度定制，涉及多个系统的集成，由众多供应商和分包商监管。
以美国F-35项目为例。截至今年1月，新加坡拟采购最多12架飞机，估价27.5亿美元，正处于美国国会审批程序中。然而，该项目一直受到成本超支和可靠性问题的困扰。还有关于机密数据泄露的问题，导致各供应商和分包商进行昂贵的重新设计和改装。这只是一个单一项目的著名例子。
我的问题更广泛。国防部能否详细说明如何在采购决策中注入严谨性，确保物有所值？
训练安全
张志贤先生：主席先生，我们所有人都曾服役于武装部队，或有子女、父母、亲戚或密友服役。武装部队是新加坡的内在组成部分，也是我们作为新加坡人的身份象征。武装部队之所以成功，部分原因是新加坡人与武装部队之间存在信任。武装部队获得公民的广泛支持，我们都理解为何必须实行强制国民服役，尽管这会影响个人在学术、体育等方面的追求。
然而，当父母送儿子入伍，或子女送别参加营内训练的父母时，有一种合理的期待，即武装部队已尽一切可能确保他们安全归来。不幸的是，正如议员们所知，过去几年发生了几起训练事故，其中一些导致了官兵死亡。
就在去年的拨款委员会辩论前，武装部队宣布成立监察长办公室（IGO），负责审查武装部队各级单位的安全实践。部长能否提供IGO过去一年的工作进展，包括发现了多少不安全行为实例，以及采取了哪些切实措施加以解决？自IGO成立以来，武装部队的训练安全是否有所改善？是否引入了额外的安全措施？
最后，部长能否提供陆军、海军和空军安全热线的来电数量，以及自我们加强训练安全重视以来，来电是否增加？针对这些报告是否采取了具体行动？
安全意识
提名议员阿拉苏·杜赖萨米先生：主席先生，训练事故调查委员会发现，训练相关事故是由于涉事官兵的疏忽造成的。这表明训练安全不仅仅是安全指南和规章的问题，而必须成为武装部队的组织文化，并由每一名士兵在各级别践行。部长能否分享武装部队如何在基层国民服役兵中灌输安全意识和个人安全责任？
下午1点30分
医疗支持
张志贤先生：主席先生，即使我们力求零训练死亡，武装部队的性质决定了事故可能发生，我们的挑战是确保事故发生时，官兵能获得最优质的医疗护理。
武装部队医疗兵团已有50多年历史，已发展成为专业管理的医疗服务机构。然而，持续更新和升级医疗能力至关重要，以确保医疗支持在实践、程序、设备和技术方面均保持先进。部长能否介绍武装部队如何提升应急医疗能力，以及采取了哪些措施确保医疗兵团持续为官兵提供所需的医疗支持？
主席：张志贤先生，请将您的三个发言合并。
国民服役群体多样性
张志贤先生：主席先生，新加坡人口结构随着时间演变，人口背景日益多样化。
如今，跨种族和跨国婚姻子女比例增加，许多新加坡人曾在海外出生和生活多年，还有永久居民和来自多国的新公民。这意味着我们的国民服役资源日益多元。
我想请教部长，近年来每年有多少年轻新加坡人需从海外返回服役，新公民比例及持有外国护照者的比例分别是多少？
对于长期在海外生活的年轻男性，国民服役尤其具有挑战性。是否有专门的适应性培训项目帮助他们调整文化差异？国防部和武装部队如何帮助来自多元背景的国民服役兵理解国民服役的必要性并适应服役生活？最重要的是，武装部队如何在这些群体中建立团结和凝聚力？
提升国民服役体验
主席先生，我的第二个发言。我们的官兵为国民服役做出巨大牺牲。为了训练和保持体能，他们必须牺牲个人和工作生活的部分时间。国防部和武装部队应尽力减轻官兵负担。
部委是否考虑利用科技，与雇主及其他政府机构更紧密合作，系统收集反馈，汇聚关于托儿和养老等关键问题的建议？此举旨在为官兵提供全方位支持，使他们在营区能更专注于军事任务，安心生活的其他方面得到妥善照顾。
虽然重点放在两年义务役，但也应关注预备役和后备役阶段的服役体验。这些经历将影响下一代准备为国服役的年轻人。
国防部和武装部队如何提升不同阶段国民服役兵的服役体验？如何利用他们多年来的兴趣、能力和经验更好地服务国家？
技能未来
主席先生，我的第三个发言。所有年轻新加坡男性都必须在生命黄金期服役两年。我们应认可他们的承诺和贡献，并尽力支持他们在接近预备役服役结束（ORD）时为进一步学习或就业做准备。
国防部去年在总参谋长演讲中推出了一系列SkillsFuture@NS计划，支持义务役兵的终身学习。部长能否介绍国防部如何帮助义务役兵更新或获取新技能，助力他们的服役后过渡？
我关心国防部在时间安排和财政支持方面为义务役兵提供了哪些支持？是否有协调机制，使课程既符合义务役兵在武装部队的职责，也符合他们的兴趣？
此外，这些计划的效果是否会被监测和评估？部委是否采纳义务役兵、教育机构和雇主的反馈和建议，持续改进计划？
科技
佩雷拉女士：主席先生，许多新加坡人在线满足各种需求。我们的数字连接为国防部提供了机会，促进军民双方在联合行动中的合作。部委有何计划进一步利用科技加强双方合作保障安全？部长能否分享我们如何利用科技提升士兵的国民服役体验和福祉？
科技进步改变了全球的国防战略和训练方式。部委能否介绍这些技术发展如何影响武装部队？我们是否有足够准备应对日益复杂的装备？获取这些技术的主要挑战是什么？我们在自主国防研发方面进展如何？
国民服役中心
阿拉苏·杜赖萨米先生：主席先生，在人力有限的小国，国民服役兵在确保我们拥有可信赖且强大的防御力量中发挥关键作用。每位新加坡男性都必须奉献两年青春服役。我们必须为年轻男性提供无缝便捷的入伍准备方式。去年总参谋长辩论中，国防部宣布2023年将推出国民服役中心，集中处理入伍前流程。部长能否介绍国民服役中心的最新进展？
支持国民服役
宏茂桥区议员洪兴基先生：主席先生，2017年我们庆祝了新加坡国民服役50周年。面对恐怖主义、网络攻击等威胁，我们需不断调整国民服役方式。国民服役体验必须不断塑造，以应对未来经济和世代的压力、需求和期望。
所有新加坡人、机构和社区都应参与确保国民服役体系稳健。家庭、雇主、学校和社区团体是关键支柱，支持官兵专注训练。
我们许多人见证并参与了武装部队的社区参与项目。陆军、海军和空军举办开放日嘉年华，开展学校合作项目。此外，国民教育和全面防卫日也是学校课程的一部分。
我想问是否有其他计划，如与新公民和基层社区互动，帮助他们理解和认可国民服役的重要性？对于新雇主，包括新调派到新加坡运营的企业，是否有相关参与计划？这将确保我们的预备役官兵同样获得良好支持，其角色被充分理解。
国民服役认可
杜格拉斯·傅先生：主席先生，国民服役已成为每位新加坡男性的成年礼，但服役旅程并未在义务役结束时终止。之后，他成为预备役国民服役兵，开始长达10年的预备役训练周期。作为新加坡人子弟，我亲身经历了整个周期，深知这是独特的体验。事实上，我仍在服役，我的儿子Donavan刚加入预备役旅程，我还有三个儿子即将加入。
然而，服役两年意味着推迟教育或职业规划。无论是公民还是在新加坡工作的外国人，都间接受益于新加坡子弟的牺牲。我们希望所有人都能认识并感激他们为国家和平与主权所做的贡献。
作为新加坡制造联合总会（SMF）主席，我很高兴分享SMF是国防部的积极合作伙伴，全面支持国民服役。自2013年参与以来，SMF每年支持武装部队重申誓言仪式。通过这一年度活动，我们鼓励雇主支持国民服役及其员工，并提醒他们国民服役在保卫国家中的重要作用。
我们的国民服役兵牺牲时间和精力保护新加坡。除了两年全职服役，预备役官兵每年还需离家两三周参加营内训练。我们必须持续表达对他们承诺和贡献的感激。国防部如何确保对国民服役兵的认可既及时又充分？
防范新冠肺炎措施
海洋坊区议员谢健鹏先生：主席先生，武装部队迅速响应新冠肺炎疫情，动员官兵包装口罩分发给众多家庭。在抗疫过程中，必须保护官兵健康。
武装部队训练常涉及密切接触和高强度体能活动，可能导致飞沫传播，且许多士兵在狭小空间内训练。
我知道我们不能因停训而影响国家安全和部队战备，但相信我们可以调整部分训练程序，确保官兵强健、安全和健康。针对新冠疫情，国防部采取了哪些防范措施保护官兵？
数字防御
佩雷拉女士：主席先生，近年来，社交媒体和应用程序上错误信息和假新闻传播趋势加剧。在某些国家，假新闻甚至影响了选举结果。在新加坡，疫情期间也出现多起假新闻传播，造成部分民众不必要的恐慌和担忧。
国防部如何支持政府整体努力，帮助新加坡人应对网络虚假信息传播？部委是否有评估框架判断网络虚假信息何时威胁国家安全？何时启动应对措施？
网络安全
张皓斌医生（武吉班让）：主席先生，过去一年，我们目睹了网络安全漏洞事件的增加。作为对这些事件的回应，许多国家正在加大力度加强其网络安全能力。在去年的供应委员会辩论中，国防部长宣布将设立国防网络安全中心。请问部长能否提供国防部在加强我们的网络安全能力以威慑和应对潜在威胁方面的最新进展？
数据保护
谢健鹏先生：数据安全是新加坡强大防御和持续经济成功的核心。随着来自各种来源的恶意威胁出现，包括数据外泄的尝试，强化我们的能力和防御至关重要。去年发生的两起事件具有启示意义，均涉及通过恶意恶意软件和勒索软件从承包给新加坡武装部队（SAF）的供应商泄露SAF人员数据。
显然，我们看到有不友好的势力在观察我们的系统可能存在的弱点，以便加以利用。数字防御是全面防御的新组成部分。每一位公民都在保卫我们的国家和生活方式中扮演角色——包括在网络上保持警惕。
如今，敌人是看不见的——诈骗、假新闻和网络攻击。鉴于全球持续报道的安全漏洞，国防部正在做些什么来保护我们的安全系统，确保我们的数据和信息不被泄露？
下午1时45分
企业数字防御
郭贤泉先生：我们的许多企业依赖安全可靠的网络进行贸易、交易和沟通。他们还在新加坡存储大量个人和商业数据。
随着数字领域的扩展，保护企业网络和系统变得尤为重要。我们已经看到网络攻击对个别企业造成的毁灭性影响。更重要的是，这类攻击也可能损害新加坡作为可信赖枢纽的声誉。
鉴于数字威胁的普遍性，国防部和信息通信媒体发展局于2019年将数字防御纳入全面防御的支柱。国防部如何与合作伙伴协作，装备企业应对数字领域的威胁？
心理防御
谢健鹏先生：在社会压力加剧的时期，心理防御尤为重要，以确保新加坡人在面对外部威胁时保持团结。我们已经看到恐慌和恐惧如何迅速扰乱我们的生活方式。
在我的预算主旨演讲中，我提到了伟大者、智者和善良者，以及那些嘲笑他们的人。这些摘自叶芝的诗《来吧，让我们嘲笑伟大者》。他敦促我们嘲笑这些嘲笑者，那些在大风暴中不伸出援手的人。
鉴于近期新冠疫情爆发，人们很容易袖手旁观，保持安全，同时嘲笑那些正在工作、承担风险并制定新规则以维持社区运转的人。我们的心态、心理防御有多重要？新加坡人能做些什么来帮助克服这场危机？
社区韧性建设
张皓斌医生：主席先生，全面防御于1984年首次提出时，就认识到威胁不仅影响我们的军队，还可能影响新加坡人，无论是战斗人员还是非战斗人员。因此，我们必须继续在人民和社区中建立韧性。
为了让新加坡战胜威胁，强化整个社区的韧性至关重要。面对恐怖主义、网络攻击等威胁，尤其是近期新冠疫情爆发，这一理念更加突出。
先生，我想请教部长，国防部在与社区互动、装备他们以具备应对新加坡可能遇到的各种威胁所需的心理状态、知识和技能方面有哪些最新进展？
教育
乔安·佩雷拉女士：多年来，除了军事防御这一核心支柱外，新加坡还建立了民防、经济防御、社会防御、数字防御和心理防御五个非军事支柱，以巩固全面防御的综合安全结构。所有新加坡人，无论个人还是集体，都在我们的安全中扮演重要角色，贡献各自的专业知识和能力，建设一个强大且有韧性的国家。
全面防御使我们克服了过去的挑战，如非典、恐怖主义和经济衰退。继续教育下一代新加坡人保持团结、共同应对新威胁非常重要。国防部或新加坡武装部队如何教育我们的年轻人了解全面防御？
全面防御
张皓斌医生：主席先生，全面防御的成功依赖于社会各界的积极参与和贡献，包括政府、企业、社区和个人。不幸的是，今天看到的全面防御举措大多由政府发起。我们应当争取更多公民参与全面防御。
公民参与体现在一个名为“西北911”的应用程序中，由西北社区发展理事会（CDC）的志愿者开发。该应用程序可以帮助新加坡人更好地应对和响应14种危机情景，并提供基础急救等功能。我们正在鼓励更多人下载此应用，以便他们随时随地拥有危机指南和资源目录。
先生，我呼吁部长支持“西北911”计划，并敦促所有新加坡人，尤其是制服服务成员，下载该应用，做好应对未来紧急情况的准备。先生，我想请教部长，政府主导和社区主导的加强全面防御的努力及其成效有哪些最新进展？
主席：谢健鹏先生，您可以一起回答您的两个问题。
新的全面防御标志
谢健鹏先生：主席先生，全面防御自推出以来已36年。像许多新加坡人一样，我们很高兴得知国防部最近发起了新的全面防御标志设计竞赛，旨在设计一个代表六大支柱的新标志，并设有5000新元奖金。
共有10个设计入围，我想请问部长，新加坡人对设计新标志的响应如何？部长能否解释新标志的意义？毋庸置疑，我认为设计不错，但我觉得让大家了解标志背后的含义同样有用且重要。
全面防御中的气候防御
我的第二个问题。新加坡采取全社会参与的国家安全方法。全面防御于1984年构想，作为新加坡防御的综合模型。从1984年到去年，我们一直有五个支柱。2019年，我们增加了数字防御，因为网络威胁与实体威胁同样严重。
今天，2020年，我请求本议会考虑再增加一个支柱——气候防御。有人可能认为我们增加得太快，但我认为我们动作太慢。气候变化是新加坡的生存威胁，我们需要正视它。不仅越来越多人谈论它，我们都在看到并感受到气候变化的影响。
在我对总理办公室的质询中，我曾主张鉴于气候变化的复杂性及其跨越多个部委的特性，我们需要政府整体应对气候变化。
随着全球趋势和威胁的变化，技术和气候的安全化已成为我们国家的生存威胁。青年行动党（YPAP）和环保人士已提议将气候防御作为全面防御的第七支柱。我支持这一呼吁。
这一声明不仅是政策效率的问题，更是提升该议题政治重要性的问题，使其不再被搁置。环境问题也不应在官僚决策中被视为经济增长的次要因素。
在本预算中，我们为长期规划腾出了空间，包括环境议题。这是正确的做法。按照这一思路，国防部是否考虑将气候防御纳入全面防御的支柱？
主席：黄永宏部长。
国防部长（黄永宏博士）：主席先生，首先，感谢各位议员持续支持建设新加坡强大防御——不仅是过去的预算，议员们都给予了支持，我也希望本预算同样如此——以及许多议员的个人承诺。
许多议员曾服兵役，许多议员的子女也在服兵役。正如傅建明先生所述，他的儿子们。听他发言时，我希望他能有更多儿女，培养下一代兵役青年。
副总理兼财政部长在总结发言中提醒我们李光耀先生所说的义务。我们最大的义务是对未来负责，听着议员们发言，我认为这是美德。大家对外部环境的困难有深刻认识——环境多变、变化迅速，影响我们，作为一个小国，我们几乎无法控制外部事件，更难以改变降临我们的变化——无论是气候变化、恐怖主义，还是邻国的派系政治。
但同样，大家高度关注如何建设强大国防。议员们提出了许多好问题，关于审慎、管理、国防开支如何使用、如何确保流程最大化价值，以及确保资金投放得当且国防预算可持续。
有许多问题，我和同事们将尽力回答。首先，我想让大家更好地理解国防部和新加坡武装部队如何看待这些问题。让我先谈谈我们如何看待新加坡的防御。
军事史上有一句熟悉的格言——导致失败的一个根本错误是根据上一场战争准备下一场战斗。分析人士特别指出越南战争，美国在二战欧洲战场获胜的战术在越南游击战中失效。许多人可能看过Netflix上的纪录片系列，生动展示了这一根本错误。
新加坡作为一个资源有限的小国，如果措手不及，应当铭记这一格言。维克拉姆·奈尔先生说得对，“我们必须做好准备”。但准备什么？
我们没有资源为所有可能性做计划。正如议员们所暗示，新加坡必须敏锐地意识到周围环境的变化及其影响。我们的地区，乃至全球，正处于一个转折点，许多议员指出了这一点，新加坡必须为这一新环境做好准备。
内部，新一代武装部队士兵已建立并操作新军事能力，且操作得当。我必须说，这得益于历届政府的坚定承诺和议会各党派议员的广泛支持——国会议员、非选区议员、提名议员——我们共同成功建设了一支强大的武装部队，今天被公认为现代化、专业的军事力量，能够捍卫国家利益。傅建明先生提到了这一点，张志贤先生也正确指出。武装部队的成功在于我们未被考验，正如我们财政预算书中的使命声明所言——“威慑”。
即便如此，为应对新的安全挑战环境，武装部队必须果断重组，以应对新挑战，保持相关性、响应性和效能。我认为林秀怡女士谈到了这一点——变化的格局将带来新威胁，武装部队必须准备好。我稍后会详细介绍所需的重组。
但首先是新环境。议员们谈到了它。张志贤先生、朱德明先生、林秀怡女士、维克拉姆·奈尔先生。我完全同意议员们的看法，和世界其他地方一样，新加坡已进入地缘政治的新阶段。局势更复杂、更不可预测，因此有更多未知事件。二战后70年，由美国及其西方自由盟友主导的时代不再是唯一主导叙事。新篇章已开启，既有旧元素，也有新主要参与者。中国是崛起的全球大国，区域大国如日本、印度和澳大利亚也在增强实力。
不仅亚洲变化迅速，欧洲的跨大西洋联盟也在演变。当英国政府决定允许华为在其5G网络中扮演有限角色时，英国媒体断言美英关系已“少了特别之处”。今年慕尼黑安全会议的主题旨在激发反思，但也反映了不安——主题是“无西方主义”。
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在全体会议上，德国总统施泰因迈尔严厉批评美国的“美国优先”政策和“再次伟大”是以邻国和伙伴为代价。美国希望欧盟放宽贸易政策，购买更多美国产品并增加国防开支。作为回应，一些欧盟领导人确实希望减少对美国的依赖。去年，法国总统马克龙直言不讳地说，“过去几年美国的决定……促使我们重新思考根本的外交和军事战略，有时甚至是我们曾认为永远不可剥夺的团结元素”。欧洲离新加坡很远，但那里的变化必然影响我们所在地区。
中东最大的变局是美国近70年来首次成为能源净出口国，比历史上任何时候都更少依赖中东的原油和天然气。俄罗斯首次拥有通往地中海的直接通道——叙利亚的温水港口，并开始在那里建立和施加军事存在。另一方面，中国、日本和其他亚洲国家仍依赖通过霍尔木兹海峡从中东进口石油。这就是特朗普总统讽刺但不无道理地说美国仍在“为其他国家保护航道却没有任何补偿”的原因。美国对下一次中东危机的反应将受这些新考量影响。
美国国防部作为外交和国家政策的执行机构，明确表示我们的地区——印太地区——是他们的“优先战区”。原因明确，就是中国，他们将其视为“战略竞争者”和“对手”。美国国防部正在落实这一政策，向日本和韩国的基地调动更多舰船、飞机、装备和部队，已有7.8万驻军。去年，美国海军陆战队创纪录地部署到澳大利亚，美国计划在国会批准后在澳大利亚建设更多军事设施。特朗普总统支持增加国防预算，这些努力将得到推动。
中国会怎么做？中国人民解放军在远洋能力、空中投送、导弹和太空项目上取得进展。其海军现为世界最大舰队，至少按舰船数量计。去年，中国首艘国产航母山东号服役。美国近期声明和行动可能加速而非减缓解放军现代化步伐。
欧洲大国也在响应美国号召或独立行动，力图在亚洲布局。我的法国同行弗洛朗丝·帕利部长表示，法国“不会离开，因为[它]是该地区的一部分”。言出必行，法国派遣军舰穿越南海，2018年其空军在东南亚进行了自2004年以来最大规模部署，从澳大利亚到印度，彰显法国在该地区的存在。英国也积极在亚洲布局。仅2018年，英国皇家海军就向该地区部署了三艘舰艇。去年，皇家海军加强了与美国海军在南海的联合军演。
亚洲国家也加强了军力。过去十年，亚洲军事开支增长超过50%，中国和印度均位列全球前五大军费开支国。东盟成员国过去15年军费开支翻倍。
这些事件交织，导致亚洲地区军事化和竞争加剧，正如议员们所注意到的。南海争端加剧了紧张局势，但动机更深层，是对不断演变的世界秩序中长期主导地位的争夺。
对于新加坡这个面积仅700平方公里、人口约五百万的小型城市国家来说，我们密切关注这些发展，谨慎地为自己保留空间，维护主权，追求自身利益，正如议员朱德明所谈及的那样。我们无意选边站队或卷入交火。我们坚持国家利益。迄今为止，我们已保持独立和空间。但随着本地区竞争加剧，这将变得越来越困难。
因此，我感谢各位议员提出的问题，“你们将做什么？新加坡政府将如何维护这一卓越的外交品牌？”
尽管面临挑战，新加坡仍能与美国、中国及关键伙伴建立更强的防务关系。正如议员们所观察的，我们与美国续签了关键文件——1990年关于美国使用新加坡设施的谅解备忘录。该文件支撑了双方过去30年的防务关系。续签协议由李总理与特朗普总统签署，允许美军继续使用我们的空军和海军基地15年。
与中国方面，我们加强了2008年签署的防务交流与安全合作协议。今年，武装部队计划首次在同一年内与中国人民解放军举行两次双边演习。在最近的航空展上，八一飞行表演队首次亮相，此外还有美国的F-22和F-35B战机。
与印度方面，我们的三军在双边协议框架下举行了多次双边演习，继续欢迎印度参与本地区事务。正如张志贤议员所说，今年是我们在澳大利亚Shoalwater Bay训练的第30年，作为战略伙伴，我们正在建设联合训练设施，进展顺利，稍后我会详细介绍。我们也很高兴能派遣两架CH-47“支奴干”直升机和空军人员协助澳大利亚国防军应对近期的森林火灾。
面对不断变化的地缘政治，我们必须密切关注，灵活应对，并做好准备。即便如此，我们仍需应对明确且迫切的安全威胁——即恐怖主义、网络威胁和海上威胁，议员们也谈及了这些。
针对恐怖主义，正如佩雷拉女士强调的，我们并非对归国战斗人员免疫，实际上不仅不免疫，而且相当脆弱，因为本地区存在优质目标。对此，我们加强了努力，通过东盟“我们的眼睛”倡议正式共享情报。武装部队将协助此项工作，并与志同道合国家紧密合作。
武装部队正在重组自身的军事情报机构，以便更好地进行反恐情报工作，实现预警——正如佩雷拉女士所警示的。我们需要一个机构，至少能提醒我们有阴谋正在酝酿。应对这些阴谋也将成为保护新加坡的核心任务之一。这将是武装部队情报单位的重要职责和问责点，同时他们将与其他新加坡相关机构协作。
一些议员提及网络安全问题——佩雷拉女士、张鸿宾博士、谢健鹏议员。为指导应对安全挑战所需的重组工作，武装部队和国防部已成立两支高级委员会。其中一支专注于网络威胁，由国防发展常任秘书兼武装部队总司令领导，负责推动此项工作。在武装部队历史上，这项工作的重要性堪比组建新的军种，如陆军、海军和空军，即建立一个综合的网络司令部和部队，保护我们的数字边界，特别是防范寻求破坏我们稳定或威胁国家安全的外国网络行为者，无论是国家还是非国家主体。张鸿宾博士询问了自去年谈及组建网络部队以来的进展。
我们对此进行了深入思考。基本挑战是建立一个类似陆军、海军和空军的综合网络司令部和网络部队，能够在网络领域运作、防御和保护我们的利益。
我相信在座无人会质疑建立网络部队的必要性。但在许多方面，网络领域比空中、陆地和海洋更难规划和执行，可能需要不同类型的单位和部队配置。最简单的问题是：敌人是谁？空中、陆地和海洋的潜在侵略者数量有限，但网络领域的潜在敌人可能更多。
因此，委员会打算大胆探索解决这一挑战的方法，同时同样重要的是招募具备合适能力的士兵，进行相应培训和部署。因为空中、陆地和海洋所需的人才与网络领域可能不同。
尽管如此，为确保指挥完整性和问责制，重组后，武装部队总司令将继续负责任务成果——无论挑战多大，都必须有指挥结构，有一位指挥官负责审视问题、做出决策、提升训练、维持部队以应对挑战。首席C4I官将是最高职位，承担问责，直接向总司令汇报，类似其他军种。
武装部队网络司令部将负责提供网络攻击威胁评估和预警，并做出相应响应。网络威胁和活动者范围广泛，网络司令部必须优先考虑重点威胁，避免资源分散。该重组工作将耗时数年完成。
让我转向海上安全，许多议员提及此议题，包括维克拉姆·奈尔议员。武装部队乃至整个政府已作出调整，更好应对近年来扩大的海上威胁。新加坡海峡近期海盗事件激增，以及对新加坡领海的入侵，都是例证。
海军的海上安全特遣部队将采购新型专用平台，提升应对威胁的能力。首先，四艘翻新的巡逻舰将专门部署，以增强对领海的持续保护。但我们都知道，海上威胁具有跨国性质，无法单靠一国解决，必须与邻国合作。我们已与马来西亚和印度尼西亚同行接触，提议将马六甲海峡巡逻倡议——通过协调巡逻有效减少海盗行为的成功经验——扩展至周边其他水域，相关讨论正在进行中。
这些针对恐怖主义、网络和海上威胁的重大重组反映了新加坡面临的威胁谱系迅速演变。但无论威胁如何，对于每个武装部队单位来说，有效训练是决定性因素。在不确定的环境中，我们必须培养、训练并维持部队，既能应对传统威胁，也能应对非传统威胁。我认为这是郭振辉议员所暗示的观点。
主席先生，若获允许，我想在屏幕上展示几张幻灯片。
主席：好的，请。 [幻灯片向尊敬的议员们展示。]
黄永宏博士：那么，让我谈谈传统作战。对于传统作战，武装部队的目标是拥有全球最佳训练设施。我们谈及传统，也谈及非传统。对于传统训练，我们的简单目标是拥有世界上最好的训练设施。虽然目标很高，但我们有信心实现。
一些议员询问了Shoalwater Bay的发展情况，特别是张志贤议员。让我介绍一下我们与澳大利亚的全面战略伙伴关系下的最新进展，该基地将成为顶级训练设施的关键节点。它将为武装部队提供现代化的仪器化训练场，如联合陆空训练场和城市作战实弹射击设施，面积约为新加坡的十倍。
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进展显著，去年完成了弹药储存大楼。联合陆空训练场正在为陆军和空军开发，支持坦克、步兵车辆、无人机、炮兵及其他联合兵种平台的联合训练。城市作战实弹射击设施将为空军和联合兵种提供逼真的实弹射击环境。这些设施配备先进的靶标和仪器设备。完成后，我们将能进行大规模复杂训练，全球仅有少数军队能做到。预计Shoalwater Bay的建设将于2024年完成，Greenvale另一个场地将于2028年完工。届时，武装部队将能进行涵盖三军的综合训练，每年最多可容纳14,000名人员，训练周期最长达18周。这是我们防务能力的重要资产。
张志贤议员问气候变化对这些计划的影响。简短回答是可能无人知晓，我们必须密切关注。今年发生的森林火灾事件不仅影响我们，更对澳大利亚国防军影响深远。Shoalwater训练区部分活动曾暂停，原因不是火灾本身，而是担心火势加剧。我们正密切关注，必要时将作出调整。
海军方面，我们的舰艇有充足机会在海外训练。在“太平洋狮鹫”演习中，美军与我舰成功发射全套导弹，摧毁海空目标并追踪潜艇。我们还首次与印度和泰国在安达曼海举行三边海上演习。今年，海军将在世界最大多边海上演习“环太平洋演习”（RIMPAC）中担任关键领导角色，与太平洋地区成熟海军并肩作战。海军在海外部署中表现出色，验证了系统并标定了能力。
海军也在加强传统能力方面取得良好进展。八艘近岸任务舰中的最后三艘上月服役。在德国，我们的新型“无敌”级潜艇已开始水下试航，首批船员正在进行训练。
空军方面，正如郭振辉议员所问，天空已开放。去年12月，我与美国国防部长马克·埃斯珀签署谅解备忘录，在关岛设立战斗机训练分遣队。空军计划部署F-15、F-16及支援资产如湾流550预警机赴关岛训练。关岛周边空域及训练设施将支持空军进行更大规模、更复杂、更逼真的空对空和空对地训练。同时，该分遣队与澳大利亚、印度和泰国的其他部署相辅相成，能在需要时迅速返回新加坡，极具战略价值。
有人询问F-35战机采购进展。我们已决定采购F-35B型，该型号可在较短跑道起飞并垂直降落，这对土地稀缺的新加坡尤为重要。我不知道它是否能降落在你们的组屋停车场，但我们会考虑这种情景。F-35B在最近的新加坡航空展上亮相，其360度旋转能力令人称赞。我们采购F-35B并非仅因其旋转能力，正如郭议员指出，它配备完整的传感器和作战能力。我们已获得美国政府和国会批准。国防部正处于采购四架F-35的最后阶段，并有购买八架的选项。预计2026年前后交付，届时F-35B将在美国进行训练和深入评估。
林秀丽女士提出了关于F-35的疑问，我们密切关注。我们计划先购四架，全面评估后再决定是否追加八架。我们的时间表对我们有利，我们不急于采购——F-15和F-16足以满足我们的防空和空中能力。我们将全面评估，包括F-35相关的成本和维护问题，才会做出最终决定。
我已谈及传统作战，接下来谈非传统作战。我们必须为武装部队乃至整个社会准备应对更不确定且威胁范围更广的挑战——我们称之为“灰色地带”威胁，与黑白分明的威胁相对。
低强度恐怖袭击是“灰色地带”威胁的典型例子，可能演变成严重的国家不稳定。乌克兰早期阶段的情况是“灰色地带”威胁的警示——初期隐伏，随后迅速扩散，最终爆发。防御失败即意味着失败。
因此，武装部队已汇编了各种“灰色地带”威胁及其应对选项。虽然单一威胁有限，不足以威胁主权，但可能导致不稳定，或累积削弱我们维护国家利益的能力。
另一个非传统威胁是新冠疫情对新加坡的冲击，考验了我们的全面防卫。在极短时间内，陆军包装了520万个口罩，分发至89个社区中心和俱乐部，覆盖137万个家庭，仅用两天时间。武装部队还协助卫生部联系人员，并在机场操作热成像设备。这些努力增强了我们的心理、社会和经济韧性。我的同事，资深国务部长马利基将进一步讲述全面防卫。
还有一种威胁，武装部队可能不是主要负责方，但必须参与保障新加坡安全的努力。张启雄议员提及此事，谢健鹏议员也谈到。我同意谢议员，我们必须采取气候防卫措施。
政府已制定关键方向——资深部长张志贤领导的跨部委气候变化委员会进行了深入的二阶甚至三阶研究，探讨如何逐步应对这一问题。我感谢他们的努力，因为这聚焦了我们的注意力，也尽可能提供了定量或半定量的预测。
武装部队也在作为政府整体计划的一部分，进行重大调整。
针对海平面上升的影响，国防部和武装部队正与相关机构密切合作，推进海岸适应措施。张启雄议员询问了由建屋发展局主导的新加坡首个围垦地项目——直落惹岛的进展。正如他所描述，该围垦地由堤坝保护填海土地免受海水侵袭，并配备排水和抽水系统保持土地干燥。该低于海平面的土地将用于陆军训练。
目前仍处于早期阶段，暂无具体报告。但显然这是一个重要项目，我们在创造新土地以应对海平面上升方面正不断学习。如果成功，该模式和模板可推广至新加坡其他地区。因此，这是一个重要项目，国防部和武装部队对此高度重视。
国防部和武装部队正按计划实现国家节能减排目标。部分议员提及国防服役中心，该中心预计2023年完工。杜里亚萨米议员谈及此事。该中心设计最大化自然通风和采光。我本以为如今所有武装部队建筑都如此设计，但这里强调的是最大化自然通风和减少太阳热增益。这是积极因素，有助降低热增益和能源需求。我们设定目标，使国防服役中心成为新加坡能源效率排名前10%的建筑，我预计能实现。
武装部队也在采取具体措施减少碳排放，甚至在不降低效能的前提下改变作业模式。首先，我们计划更换400辆行政用车，优先采用混合动力车型，每辆车可减少多达三分之二的二氧化碳排放，未来随着岛内基础设施完善，将逐步采用电动车。
我们还与国家环境局（NEA）和国防科技局（DSTA）联合合作，建立了一个废物管理系统，将回收的食物废料转化为能源。在这里需要说明的是，我们已经减少了废物。我注意到我已经就此回复了一个特定问题。废物量不多，但这是首要要做的重要事情。但对于存在的废物，我们将其转化为再生能源。目前，从八个食堂收集的食物废料在回收厂通过微生物和酶处理，产生沼气。我们正计划将此扩展到另外10个食堂。如果成功，将推广到所有食堂。
国防部已在克兰芝营区和实里达营区建成净零能耗建筑，并且到本财政年度末，我们12个营区的建筑将配备太阳能电池板。今年3月，我们将交付（实际上已经开始交付）樟宜空军基地的首个净正能量飞机机库，该机库因设计中融入了某些特性，能够产生超过消耗的电力。全面实现后，这些努力合计将在本财政年度末减少11,400吨二氧化碳排放，支持我国应对气候变化的国家努力。
这些措施也延伸至我们海外的训练区域。我们提到了肖尔沃特湾训练设施。我们正与澳大利亚国防部合作，纳入环保可持续设计措施，如太阳能照明和使用含有较高比例回收材料的建筑材料。我们积极采取措施减轻洪水和火灾风险，通过洪水建模、建设防火隔离带以及使用不可燃的防火材料。这是对钟志成议员提问的回答。
采用“绿色”技术也可能带来作战优势。海军正在探索在设计新舰艇时使用混合推进系统。这类技术使我们的新舰艇不仅减少碳排放，还能提高能源效率。
在全球为缓解气候变化所需的重大变革中，可以说我刚才提到的二氧化碳总减排量可能微不足道，我也同意。但所有机构和国家都必须踏上这条复苏之路。
让我聚焦于构成我国武装部队主体的国民服役者。高级国务部长王乙康将谈及一些认可他们贡献的举措，但我之前提到过第二个高级别委员会。
该委员会已成立，负责审视两个领域——营内训练（ICT）和人力部署，由副秘书长（行政）和陆军参谋长共同主持。该委员会必须应对人力减少和为实现武装部队目标所需的变革，同时满足新一代国民服役者的需求，许多议员对此表达了精彩见解。每名国民服役者的ICT次数将保持不变。让我再说一遍——每名国民服役者的ICT次数将保持不变。但我们希望提升每次ICT的成果和效率。
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在人力方面，虽然我们已重组武装部队以匹配整体人力减少，但我们确实需要更好地将国民服役者的技能和能力与其职业相匹配，并使训练更聚焦于其作战角色。我们将在适当时候公布这些具体变革。
去年，我向议会通报了监察总署（IGO）的成立，旨在加强安全工作，高级国务部长王乙康将分享并回应议员们提出的一些问题。
主席先生，正如我之前所述，我们可以继续维持并发展武装部队，国防开支避免大起大落，但至少保持与通胀同步，每年名义增长约3%至4%。多位议员——维克拉姆·奈尔先生、杜格拉斯·傅先生和林秀霞女士——询问我们是否能以现有国防开支应对挑战，我的评估是肯定的。承诺依然有效，今年预算预计较去年增长3.2%。
有许多问题问到，我们如何确保不仅审慎，而且我们的流程能最大化每一国防资金的回报——杜格拉斯·傅先生、林秀霞女士。
当我们采购平台或服务时，会对生命周期成本进行彻底研究。林女士说得对，我可以卖给你价格低廉的东西，但后续维护成本高昂，实际上会让你花更多钱。我们在这方面做得更好。我们将所有成本纳入生命周期成本，这样我就能准确知道一个平台的全生命周期成本；进行彻底研究。
尽管大多数项目涉及敏感需求，但我们仍通过公开招标确保竞争性建设。因此，如果你看武装部队和国防部发布的所有合同，大多数仍通过竞争性投标和公开招标。这就是我们确保获得公平价值的方式。但即使是机密需求，我们也确保有几家公司通过安全审查。换言之，我们预先资格审查，确保有多家公司满足安全要求，从而进行竞争性投标。这是第二个方面。
但在特定情况下，正如林女士所问，若需求只能由单一供应商满足，国防科技局会进行严格的成本核算，我们会将投标价格与内部评估进行比较，若差距过大，无论是过高还是过低，都会重新评估。价格过高意味着不公平价值；价格过低则担心无法交付所需产品。
这些流程强化了我们的采购工作，事实上，如果你问业界，且业界信息充分，国防科技局被广泛认可为“严苛客户”和“标杆买家”；有人这样对我说。因为当国防科技局批准时，向所有采购者传递该产品物有所值的信息。这也是供应商和厂商有时会付出额外努力向我们推销产品的原因，因为国防科技局不仅在能力方面，而且在性价比方面进行彻底评估。
拉长国防资金效用的另一个重要方面是从设计之初开始。例如，陆军去年服役的猎人装甲战车不仅因其新能力被选中，还因其设计维护友好。与其他装甲车辆相比，我们节省了高达40%的维护成本。还有许多类似例子，通过维护或减少人员节省了成本。
主席先生，让我总结。感谢本院议员们作为议员及个人身份对我们的坚定持续支持。正是所有新加坡人，包括在座议员的集体决心和承诺，建设一支强大的武装部队，保护我们的家园，在这个不可预测的世界中为我们提供保障和空间。[掌声]
国防高级国务部长（王乙康先生）：主席先生，国防部长刚才谈到我们的地缘政治环境日益复杂。武装部队必须随之发展，以应对这些挑战，才能建立强大的国家防御。我们最大的资产仍是人民，国民服役（NS）是国防的基石。因此，国防部和武装部队必须继续投资于有能力的国民服役者，丰富他们的服役体验，加强新加坡人对国民服役的支持。
武装部队致力于有效且安全地训练国民服役者。家庭将儿子托付给我们，我们必须且将维护这份信任。
钟志成议员问及训练安全的改进。去年2月，武装部队监察总署（IGO）成立，负责审查和执行武装部队单位的安全措施。IGO检查员前往各单位，评估其安全系统的健全性及实践情况。他们采访各级服役人员——从指挥官、安全负责人到士兵——了解安全措施在基层的执行情况，以及士兵是否感到自信和舒适，能就安全提供反馈。IGO已审计了武装部队70%的编制及其下属单位，预计今年9月完成首轮审计。
除了安全审计外，各级各时刻还必须采取具体且持续的行动。陆军已引入对所有高风险活动和野外训练的100%检查。现有装备定期审查，新装备设计时融入安全特性。例如，新服役的猎人装甲战车配备紧急停止功能，以及音频和视觉警报，提醒乘员周围危险。
正如阿拉苏·杜赖萨米先生指出，我们希望每名士兵在训练时自觉保持安全。这不是妥协，而是两者兼顾。为此，单位指挥官在日常工作中与单位进行行动前后评估和风险评估。第六陆军维修基地就是例子。晨会时，指挥官和士兵公开讨论可能的失误或险情，例如使用错误工具或士兵未戴头盔等。通过简单的“思考-检查-执行”方法，士兵系统地规划步骤，检查装备，预防风险。随着时间推移，每名士兵将内化这些安全习惯。
我们也在利用科技。去年我提到SafeGuardian，这是一款一站式移动应用，方便随时访问安全检查表，士兵间即时共享危险信息，并通知危险区域。通过将安全信息置于士兵易于即时获取的位置，我们培养了“人人为我，我为人人”的安全文化。该应用已在海军基地试用，反馈积极，我们将逐步推广至整个武装部队。
我刚才谈的是预防措施，确保士兵训练安全。钟志成议员问武装部队如何提升医疗紧急响应能力。武装部队医务人员接受11周的救生技能培训。为提升能力，武装部队与新加坡民防部队（SCDF）合作，开展名为“服务计划”（Project Serve）的项目，安排医务人员在SCDF国家紧急救护车中进行为期六个月的实习。换言之，武装部队医务人员随SCDF护理人员出诊真实病例，在真实且时间紧迫的环境中实践知识。
最近，我们还试点安排医务人员到国立大学医院急诊医学部实习。这类实操培训对医务人员极为宝贵——他们通过培训变得更自信、更胜任伤员管理。目前正与SCDF及其他医院讨论扩展此类项目。
通过这些举措，我们将打造一支始终有效且安全训练的能战斗部队。
从安全谈到健康，谢健鹏议员问武装部队针对新冠肺炎威胁采取了哪些预防措施。国防部和武装部队参考政府的公告、指导和要求。对曾赴中国且即将入伍的预备役者，实施强制休假（LOA），并推迟曾赴中国的国民服役者的营内训练。
上周，我们将这些措施扩展至曾赴韩国大邱市或清道郡的预备役者和国民服役者，符合卫生部的最新建议。换言之，我们密切关注形势，并相应调整。
所有武装部队医疗中心均有流行病应对计划，储备充足的个人防护装备，并配备医疗人员，按卫生部要求管理疑似病例。随着疾病预警系统（DORSCON）升级至橙色，武装部队加强营区内预防措施，要求人员每日测量体温两次，更频繁消毒工作场所，并错峰用餐。我们将继续尽最大努力保护服役人员。
现在谈谈提升国民服役体验。虽然我们健全的训练、安全措施和医疗支持让士兵有信心好好训练、刻苦训练，但武装部队的持久力量最终依赖于士兵的承诺。这就是为什么我们不断寻找方法，改善每名服役者在服役各阶段的体验。钟启雄议员提出了这一点。
对于预备役者，我们更好地为他们准备国民服役，无论是身体上还是心理上。正如钟启雄议员指出，预备役者背景多样。绝大多数显然是土生土长的新加坡公民，正如议员们指出，他们大多有家人曾服役。但也有新公民和永久居民，可能没有家人或朋友经历过国民服役。换言之，他们可能对国民服役了解较少。
为更好支持这群人，我们与ACCORD合作，在外国体系学校和私立资助机构任命专职国民服役协调员，协助解答有关国民服役的问题。我们也促进国民服役协调员之间的互学交流。去年，联合世界学院（东南亚）主办了一次交流会，我也出席，讨论内容丰富、坦诚开放，大家都觉得非常有用。未来还会有新一轮，我也期待参加。
我们也意识到许多预备役者希望在入伍前更好地锻炼身体。因此，国防部与SAFRA合作，通过“国民服役预备锻炼计划”（PREP4NS）让预备役者更方便使用健身设施。通过PREP4NS，预备役者可免费获得为期一年的SAFRA六个健身中心会员资格，这些健身中心分布在新加坡不同地区。该试点计划正在进行，自去年11月启动以来，已有约6,000名预备役者注册。我们也在考虑增加更多场馆，为此正与SportSG合作，探讨如何让预备役者使用其24个健身中心的会员资格。具体细节将在确定后公布。
接下来谈谈全职国民服役者（NSF）。NSF为国家服役两年。因此，作为他们时间和才能的管理者，我们有责任支持他们的志向。
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以职业兴趣计划为例。该计划始于2016年，NSF可表达对33个国民服役职业的兴趣。国防部和武装部队会尽力根据作战需求，将他们匹配到所选职业。这一计划受到NSF欢迎。令人鼓舞的是，超过60%的NSF对步兵、警卫、装甲等要求较高的职业表示兴趣，也有强烈意愿成为指挥官。
为帮助NSF在服役结束后转学或就业，国防部去年推出“技能未来@国服”（SkillsFuture@NS）计划，NSF可使用价值350新元的E-PREP积分，选择约3,000门课程。这些课程涵盖技能未来系列课程及高等学府提供的课程，有助于NSF升学或获得学分减免。钟启雄议员询问了该计划的最新情况。
今年，我们将推出进一步改进。首先，NSF可享受E-PREP课程全额补贴，而目前仅支持最高90%的费用。也就是说，费用可全额覆盖。
其次，我们将增加E-PREP课程数量，扩大课程池。我很高兴地分享，两所新机构加入提供E-PREP课程，分别是国立大学（NUS）和工艺教育学院（ITE），使E-PREP合作伙伴增至九家。我们也与现有合作伙伴紧密合作，扩展课程内容。新增课程后，从今年4月1日起，武装部队及内务部队的NSF将可选约4,000门课程，比去年增加1,000门，其中近100门为学分课程，助力进一步学习。相比之下，前年仅有26门。
为表彰国民服役人员的贡献，我们也提高了每月国服津贴，金额根据军衔、职业和部署不同，增加70至120新元不等。此调整适用于国防部和内务部队的NSF及国民服役者，涵盖所有军衔和职业，自2020年3月1日起生效。杜格拉斯·傅议员提及此事，我表示感谢。
随着我们继续将国家服役人员置于工作的核心位置，我们也不断自问——如何才能更高效、更有效地服务？这就是为什么我们将数字技术应用于国家服役的各个方面，从行政管理、训练到医疗保健。Joan Pereira 女士对此有所询问，请允许我分享一些信息。
对于我们的服役人员来说，他们的国家服役旅程始于中央人力基地（Central Manpower Base，简称 CMPB）。多年来，我们不断提升 CMPB 对预征兵者的体验。2015 年引入了红外扫描仪，以快速准确地测量身体尺寸。实时排队管理系统和面部识别技术也正在试验中，以提供更顺畅的体验。
今年六月，我们将以改进的电子服务配合这些现场提升，为预征兵者提供更便捷的在线办理大部分事务的体验。例如，预征兵者将能够通过一次在线申请和交易完成服役保证书和出境许可的申请，而不必像现在那样分别申请和办理。预征兵者还可以在线监控其申请进度。
至于 Arasu 先生提到的将于 2023 年完工的新国家服役中心（NS Hub），它将整合智能技术，如生物识别身份验证以及目前在 CMPB 试验的其他举措。我们预计这些措施将减少约三分之一的等待时间。
另一个举措是“虚拟医疗”（Virtual Care）。在虚拟医疗下，武装部队的医疗官员利用数字听诊器和视频会议工具等技术，远程有效诊断并为常见疾病开具药方。去年，这项服务在两个武装部队医疗中心试点。事实证明，这种服务既方便，也能加快诊断速度，因为不必像传统方式那样等待医生与患者面对面会诊。因此，这使医疗服务更易获得、更便捷，并减少了等待时间。
我刚才谈到了国防部（MINDEF）和武装部队（SAF）为每位国家服役人员提供最佳体验所做的努力。正如 Ang Hin Kee 先生强调的，我们的家庭、企业、学校和社区团体也是重要的支持支柱。通过 ACCORD，我们将继续感谢并凝聚社会对国家服役的强大支持。特别感谢 ACCORD 成员为贡献他们的想法，并积极在各自社区内推动相关举措。
例如，商界已积极表达对士兵的感谢。早些时候，Douglas Foo 先生也详细介绍了作为商业联合会的 SMF 所做的工作。
在“我们支持国家服役”（We Support NS）活动下，去年有超过 540 家商户、企业和小贩提供了丰富的折扣优惠给现役和退役的国家服役人员。其中包括小贩业主兼文礼小贩协会主席 Anthony Low 先生。Low 先生看到他的儿子通过国家服役变得坚强后，便召集了协会内 60 多个小贩摊位为国家服役人员提供优惠。
通过许多不同且个性化的方式，我们都能有所作为。每一份努力和每一个举动都很重要，也受到感激。为了感谢企业的支持，我们去年举办了首届“我们支持国家服役”感谢活动，感谢了 200 多位商户的参与。我们希望这种势头能够持续。
同样，ACCORD 也以多种方式与不同社区互动，继续促进对国家服役的广泛而深厚的支持。因此，这段旅程永无止境，在所讨论的背景下，全方位国防的必要性是我们必须持续推进的。
主席先生，通过全社会持续的承诺支持我们的国防，我们将展示保护新加坡自由和主权的意志和决心，无论发生何事。
国防高级国务部长（Dr Mohamad Maliki Bin Osman）：主席先生，一个国家的强大在很大程度上取决于其人民抵御和应对威胁的准备程度，这种准备有多种表现形式。这些需求和全方位的防御及威慑战略最好通过全方位国防来实现，其包含六大支柱，强调每个人都应发挥作用。
全方位国防团结了新加坡人，共同应对威胁我们独立和福祉的挑战。尽管面临恐怖主义威胁、经济衰退和非典（SARS）等挑战，我们都成功克服了。新冠肺炎（COVID-19）爆发是我们作为一个国家集体力量的最新考验。Seah Kian Peng 先生询问新加坡人如何发挥作用，共同克服这场危机。
过去一个月，我们看到对病毒的恐惧导致了囤积家庭必需品、囤积口罩牟利以及对医护人员的排斥。然而与此同时，我们也见证了无数令人感动的例子，显示新加坡人展现了默默的力量和决心，共同抗击危机——居民在公共区域放置洗手液和备用口罩供他人使用，大学生为请假同学送餐。
宗教领袖也联合起来，在此期间提供宗教指导。以新加坡伊斯兰宗教理事会（Muis）为例，曾向穆斯林发布建议，指出伊斯兰教允许病人免于参加集体礼拜，包括星期五礼拜。穆斯林也被建议暂时停止握手（salam）以避免病毒传播。一些寺庙和教堂减少或取消常规礼拜，鼓励信徒在线收看礼拜。我非常感谢宗教领袖在当前形势下团结社区所提供的指导。
政府意识到新加坡人和企业正面临压力，因为新冠疫情导致经济下行、放缓和不确定性。在 2020 年预算案中，政府宣布了帮助受疫情直接影响企业的措施。我们必须增强经济韧性。
令人欣慰的是，企业通过实施业务连续性计划、派遣员工再培训以及定期消毒工作场所等措施，体现了经济防御。新加坡航空、新电信（Singtel）和陆路交通管理局（SMRT）等公司通过削减资本支出、运营成本和管理层工资，努力避免裁员。希望这些措施能为员工提供更大的就业保障，帮助他们度过难关并变得更强。一些企业如凯德集团（CapitaLand）和樟宜机场也提供租金减免，帮助零售商应对疫情冲击。
企业尽力而为的同时，新加坡人也应表现出团结——采取必要预防措施，继续正常生活；正常饮食和购物，支持这些企业。看到商店消毒或医护人员穿戴个人防护装备（PPE）提供帮助时，请不要恐慌——这些都是此时的常规预防程序。
在抗击病毒的同时，我们还在对抗一个更大的威胁——假新闻的传播。根据麻省理工学院（MIT）的一项研究，假新闻传播速度是真实新闻的六倍。
过去一个月，关于因新冠病毒传播而关闭学校和地铁站的虚假信息被传播。
当你通过 WhatsApp 或其他在线平台收到未经证实的信息时，请不要转发或传播。务必核实信息是否来自政府官网或官方新闻发布。如果不确定，请不要传播。保持这种纪律将极大助力我们对抗假新闻。
总的来说，如果新加坡人心理坚韧，支持政府和企业应对疫情，新加坡人能够并将克服新冠肺炎疫情。我们不应轻易慌乱，而应展现作为一个民族的信心。正如我的士兵常说的福建话“ai zai”（稳重）。主席先生，请允许我用马来语说几句话。
（马来语）：[请参阅方言发言。] 新加坡的宗教领袖联合起来，提供宗教指导并制定防止新冠病毒传播的措施。例如，新加坡伊斯兰宗教理事会（Muis）曾建议穆斯林，伊斯兰教允许病人免于参加集体礼拜，包括星期五礼拜。穆斯林也被建议暂时停止握手（salam）以避免病毒传播。一些寺庙和教堂减少或暂停弥撒和常规礼拜，鼓励信徒在线收看。我非常感谢宗教领袖在当前形势下团结社区所提供的指导。
在我们努力防止病毒传播的同时，还有一个更大的威胁需要我们抗击，那就是假新闻的传播。根据麻省理工学院（MIT）的一项研究，假新闻传播速度是事实新闻的六倍。过去一个月，关于因新冠病毒传播而关闭学校和地铁站的虚假信息被传播。请记住，当你通过 WhatsApp 或其他社交媒体平台收到消息或未经证实的信息时，请不要转发或传播。
请确保核实所收到的信息是否来自政府官网和官方新闻发布。如果不确定，请不要传播。我们必须在对抗假新闻中保持纪律。总的来说，如果新加坡人心理准备充分、坚韧不拔，并支持政府和企业应对疫情的努力，新加坡能够并将克服新冠肺炎疫情。我们不应轻易慌乱，而应充满信心。正如我的士兵常说：“放轻松，不要紧张！”
下午 3 点
（英语）：主席先生，新冠肺炎危机期间虚假信息的传播只是一个例子，说明假新闻如何损害我们的社会，侵蚀社区信任和社会凝聚力。Joan Pereira 女士询问国防部如何支持政府整体努力，准备新加坡人应对网络虚假信息和假新闻的传播。
作为提升信息素养和增强新加坡人对数字威胁理解的更广泛努力的一部分，国防部（MINDEF）、技能未来新加坡（SkillsFuture Singapore，SSG）、国家图书馆局（NLB）和新加坡网络安全局（Cyber Security Agency of Singapore）合作，将数字防御内容纳入“数字职场技能未来”项目。该项目的增强将使参与者具备识别和应对假新闻及数字威胁的技能。同时，国防部/武装部队与国家图书馆局合作，丰富现有的新兵训练营（BMT）课程，加入网络攻击和信息威胁内容。现在，新兵必须完成武装部队数字安全电子模块，并参观新加坡发现中心的数字防御展览。参加 2019 年 N.E.mation! 竞赛的学生有机会参观武装部队网络防御学校，该校为国防部/武装部队的网络人员提供技能和知识培训，以部署于网络防御单位，了解武装部队的网络能力及其保障新加坡网络系统和基础设施安全的贡献。他们还参观了《海峡时报》新改造的新闻编辑部，了解该报如何识别和应对假新闻。
网络虚假信息还可能影响企业声誉和信誉，甚至造成严重的经济损失。一个例子是特斯拉。去年一月，特斯拉的股票和消费者对其产品的信心受到影响，因为网上流传了声称特斯拉汽车不安全的假视频。Henry Kwek 先生询问针对企业主的举措，以帮助他们应对数字威胁。为此，国防部、技能未来新加坡、新加坡社会科学大学（SUSS）和国家图书馆局合作，将数字防御内容纳入 SUSS 的中小企业韧性、创业和培育项目，教授中小企业主如何使用 S.U.R.E.（来源、理解、研究和评估）框架，更好地评估信息的可靠性。去年我们举办了一场课程，反馈非常积极。
虽然我们竭力防御数字威胁，但必须承认，尤其是面对有决心和能力的对手，完全防止所有网络和数据事件是不可能的。Teo Ho Pin 博士和 Seah Kian Peng 先生询问国防部加强网络安全以防范潜在威胁和攻击的努力。国防部/武装部队正加倍努力提升整个国防部门的网络安全标准和准备度，包括供应商及与国防部相关的组织如 SAFRA 和 NSRCC。我们将限制他们持有的数据量，并确保实施技术和程序措施保护数据传输和存储安全。此外，我很高兴宣布，首批网络国防服役专家已部署到国防部/武装部队的网络防御行动中。2019 年宣布的国防网络安全中心（DCSC）已实现全天候 24/7 运行能力，负责监控、检测和响应威胁。DCSC 将协调整个国防部门的行动，并整合网络威胁情报能力。
在加强数字防御的同时，当前多方面的威胁意味着要保持新加坡强大，我们需要政府、企业、社区和个人等社会各方面的共同努力，涵盖全方位国防的每个支柱。
Teo Ho Pin 博士询问国防部如何与社区合作，加强对潜在威胁的韧性。国防部正与人民协会合作，今年为社区应急响应团队（CERT，现有 2,000 名活跃志愿者）推出全方位国防成就徽章计划。为获得该计划最高等级，CERT 志愿者需参加课程，学习识别假新闻、社区调解和心理急救等培训内容。这样，CERT 志愿者将更好地掌握应对不断变化的紧急情况的知识和技能，从而将全方位国防付诸行动。
Teo 博士还询问政府主导和社区主导的加强全方位国防的最新进展。我很高兴向议会分享，社区已以多种方式主动承担起全方位国防的责任。例如，四名南洋理工大学学生、Coding Lab 和信息通信媒体发展局（IMDA）合作，开发了全方位国防桌游，纳入“Tiny Thinkers Starter Kit”，发放给低收入家庭的学龄前儿童及其家长，旨在让幼儿接触全方位国防。
正如 Joan Pereira 女士所指出，许多国家从小就教育儿童韧性和应急准备的重要性。在新加坡，为了为下一代奠定全方位国防基础，国防部与 MediaCorp 艺人 Edmund Chen 及早期儿童发展局（ECDA）合作，创作了《我的小红点——让我们的家园更美好》一书。通过这本书，幼儿可以以互动方式学习全方位国防，家长也被鼓励与孩子分享团结和韧性等价值观。
主席先生，全方位国防的关键是强大的武装部队——我们的军事防御支柱。对于像新加坡这样的小国，拥有足够规模且可信的军队的唯一途径是征兵制，即每位适龄男性新加坡人都为国防贡献力量。高级国务部长 Heng Chee How 早前对此已有详尽阐述。我相信，强大的家庭和社会支持将激励我们的国家服役人员在履行职责时尽心尽力。为表彰并加强对所有服役人员的家庭支持，我很高兴宣布，国防部和内政部今年将推出 SAFRA 家庭计划和 HomeTeamNS 家庭计划。根据这些计划，现役预备役国家服役人员可为自己及其家属报名家庭套餐，无论家庭成员多少。这将大幅节省费用，因为服役人员无需为每位家属单独缴纳会员费。我们希望这能鼓励更多家庭访问 SAFRA 和 HomeTeamNS 会所，享受设施并共度更多美好时光。SAFRA 和 HomeTeamNS 将于 2020 年中公布更多细节。
上个月，我们推出了新的全面防卫标志——获奖设计由联合教育者Samantha Teng女士创作。谢健鹏先生询问了新标志的意义以及新加坡人对设计新标志的响应。在Teng女士的设计中，向上的箭头代表新加坡持续不断地保持对当前和未来威胁的韧性。当我们启动标志设计比赛时，我们希望创造一个代表六大支柱的新标志，更重要的是，听取新加坡人对全面防卫的理解。我们很高兴收到来自各行各业参与者的600多份设计作品——包括学生、教师、专业设计师和退休人员。
全球趋势和威胁在演变，正如谢健鹏先生指出的，我们的青年和世界许多年轻人越来越关注的一个问题是气候变化。鉴于全面防卫已使新加坡保持强大超过35年，作为一个国家，我们现在正是时候振兴这一全方位的防御和威慑战略，以应对当前和未来威胁。我们将继续与新加坡人合作，寻求加强全面防卫的想法，因为这应是一项全民努力。作为“新加坡携手同行”运动的一部分，国防部将在2020年下半年举办一系列参与活动，听取新加坡人关于如何更好地落实全面防卫以及如何为未来加强全面防卫的意见。这也将让年轻的新加坡人反思全面防卫对他们的意义，并在应对未来威胁和挑战时将其付诸实践。
主席先生，总结来说，尽管新冠疫情尚未结束，我相信政府、社区和个人的共同努力将帮助我们度过这场危机。我们必须继续鼓励在此期间展现的社区精神，并支持前线人员。正是凭借这种集体力量，我们才能保持韧性，团结一致成为一个民族。我们必须让全面防卫成为每个新加坡人的基因。拥有强大的全面防卫，我们有充分理由对新加坡的未来充满信心和希望。
主席：有需要澄清的问题吗？林秀贞女士。
林秀贞女士：谢谢主席。我有两个关于我们购买F-35战机的问题需要国防部长澄清。部长早前提到已获得美国国会批准购买。请问我理解的是，这只是原则上的批准，正式的买卖条款仍在谈判和敲定中吗？这是第一个问题。
第二个问题是关于部长承认飞机存在一些技术问题，他提到为了确保我们的国防资金得到合理使用，现有的时间表对我们很有帮助。能否请部长详细说明这一方面？
黄永宏博士：首先，关于美国的程序，美国国防部必须支持，我们已获得支持。行政部门也支持，我们提交请求信时得到了支持。国会方面，不是批准，而是可以提出反对意见，但目前没有反对。
基本上，这些程序已经完成，议员说得对，我们现在处于签订买卖协议条款的阶段，协议将涵盖除购买F-35外的其他方面——例如我们希望在哪里与国防部共同训练等。我已说过我们处于最后阶段，如果一切按计划进行，我们预计2026年获得战机。
关于林秀贞女士的第二个问题，到我们2026年或以后获得战机时，我们将评估已购的四架F-35B并作出决定。全球范围内，F-35和F-35B已有数千架服役于许多军队。
这是一个良好局面。换言之，许多国家基于该采购规划其防空系统。
新平台不仅是F-35，还有F-16和F-15，都会存在设计和操作问题。因此，我们会从技术和飞行员角度进行评估。对我们国防部来说，必须提出问题并确保有严格的技术评估。但如果与飞行员和技术人员交流，他们相当有信心主要问题已解决，平台将达到稳定的作战状态。
维护和零件方面存在一些问题，但那属于后勤。我想说的是，我们不急于求成，必须让系统成熟。我认为F-35采购初期提出的大部分问题已得到解决。
魏克拉姆·奈尔先生：我记得部长提到有三大迫切威胁：恐怖主义、网络安全和海上威胁，其中最难规划和应对的是网络安全。但目前计划由新加坡武装部队负责网络安全，并向总参谋长汇报。部长是否考虑设立一个武装部队外的力量来处理网络安全，特别是为了吸引不愿入伍的人才，比如白帽黑客或该领域的专业人才？
黄永宏博士：这是个好问题，主席先生。网络领域非常广泛，政府采取整体方法，有一个由张德福高级部长主持的委员会，负责整体规划，不仅是网络安全，还有业务连续性、物流等方面。各机构负责不同的网络威胁，武装部队只是其中一部分。让我们明确武装部队的职责。
当然，我们有网络安全局，主要负责保护我们的网络，他们在数据外泄事件中发挥了重要作用，正如一些议员提到的。还有其他政府机构。
对武装部队来说，职责类似于识别现实世界中的威胁——空中、陆地和海上。换言之，如果有国家或非国家行为者利用网络领域先渗透，再破坏、削弱我们的意志，作为动用武力的前奏，比如混合战争。几年前我向议会介绍过混合战争的概念，这是一些军事专家提出的。我们认为识别这些外部威胁是武装部队的责任。
例如，如果有恐怖分子阴谋首先控制我们的人口，不一定是圣战者，可能是任何宗教，长期或中期计划招募追随者。我们必须能够识别这些威胁。伴随信息战，收集武器、策划阴谋或破坏活动。因此，武装部队必须在保护新加坡主权和稳定方面发挥核心作用。
明确任务后，接下来是需要什么样的人才？即使在武装部队和国防部内部也有利弊。我们讨论过，是穿制服好还是非制服人员好。对任何部长或负责国防和武装部队安全的人来说，武装部队的优势是动员迅速，按下按钮即可行动。其他单位则需要更多讨论。但我们也希望高效有效。
因此，我们决定由总参谋长负责指挥C4I（指挥、控制、通信、计算机和情报）。至于如何招募和需要什么类型的人才，您说得对，这就是委员会将审视的招聘流程。我们认为部分岗位类似技术兵种，但又不完全相同；还有一些人才非常聪明，但不一定适应穿制服或适应军事生活。我想您明白我的意思。这些问题我们会逐步解决。
主席：魏克拉姆·奈尔先生，您是否愿意撤回修正案？
魏克拉姆·奈尔先生：感谢黄部长、国防高级国务部长王瑞杰和莫哈末·马利基高级国务部长对我们国防的全面审视。随着威胁演变，我们武装部队的发展非常有趣，我们也感谢所有穿制服的男女为我们服务和保护。谢谢大家，我请求撤回我的修正案。
[(程序文本) 经许可，修正案撤回。 (程序文本)]
[(程序文本) 头J项下的14561155500元列入主要预算。 (程序文本)]
[(程序文本) 头J项下的889200000元列入发展预算。 (程序文本)]
英文原文
SPRS Hansard 原始记录 · 抓取日期：2026-05-02
The Chairman : Head J, Ministry of Defence, Mr Vikram Nair.
Next Generation SAF
Mr Vikram Nair (Sembawang) : Chairman, I beg to move, "That the total sum to be allocated for Head J of the Estimates be reduced by $100".
The last year has seen global tensions rise on multiple fronts. The rivalry between China and the US is playing out on many fronts, including the South China Sea, in the context of a trade war and even over the 5G network and the next generation of technologies. The tensions between Russia and the West are also continuing, with President Putin recently declaring he is ready for another Cuban missile crisis if the US wants one. These great power rivalries have always had repercussions for the rest of the world. While Singapore tries to maintain friendships with as many people as possible, this may not always be easy.
Around the region, there is considerable uncertainty. Just up North, in Malaysia, the last two weeks have seen a tussle for the premiership, which has resulted in a change of Prime Minister and change of government. While Prime Minister Muhyiddin was sworn in yesterday, there seems to be further unrest on the streets and the new Prime Minister may well face a challenge, such as a vote of no confidence in the next Parliament sitting. Typically, when there is unrest in our neighbouring countries, governments may feel under pressure to become more nationalistic and this may adversely affect relationships with other countries.
At the same time, unconventional threats are growing. Threats to cybersecurity and fake news threaten to subvert our systems from the inside. A classic example was during the early days of COVID-19 when panic was being triggered by messages that misstated the implications of DORSCON Orange and suggested people stockpile to avoid shortages; ironically, it was messages like these that triggered the panic which resulted in the temporary shortages.
In the Middle East, tensions between the US and Iran are escalating and the disputes between Saudi Arabia and Iran as well as Saudi Arabia and Qatar continues. ISIS remains a threat and continues to hold territory and both carry out and inspire attacks in other countries.
SAF has been the backbone of our national defence. It clearly faces a wide range of threats and contingencies it needs to prepare for. While Singapore does not look for trouble, trouble may well come to us and we have to be ready. However, while our threats are growing and evolving, SAF faces two key constraints – falling manpower arising from a fall in our birth rates and less available spaces for training as land gets put to other uses.
The only way forward for SAF is to evolve, to invest in technology so that we can do more with less resources. There have been some exciting announcements of big ticket acquisitions in recent times. The Minister has announced the Air Force is going to acquire F-35 fighter jets to eventually replace its F-16s. In relation to the Navy, plans were announced to replace Republic of Singapore Navy's current submarines with four Invincible-class submarines. In relation to manpower, plans have been announced to develop a hybrid force, so that more and more unmanned technologies will be able to replace men in the fighting force.
These are certainly exciting headlines. I will be grateful if the Minister for Defence could provide us more generally, with details on MINDEF's plans to ensure the Next-Generation SAF continues to be effective and capable of safeguarding Singapore's national security. I beg to move.
[(proc text) Question proposed. (proc text)]
Training Areas
Mr Kwek Hian Chuan Henry (Nee Soon) : Chairman, Sir, last year, I had the opportunity to visit SAF's training camp in Brunei. It was heartening to see the dedication of our servicemen who had to man our overseas detachment and to facilitate the training of our visiting SAF soldiers.
Over the years, going on overseas training has become a part of what it means to be a member of the SAF, whether it is a regular, NSF or NSMan. We train overseas because we need to overcome our space constraints, to give our people better and more realistic training opportunities in diverse environments.
MINDEF and the SAF have worked hard with our partners to provide the SAF access to overseas training facilities. MINDEF recently announced the signing of an Memorandum of Understanding between US and Singapore to establish a RSAF Fighter Training Detachment in Guam (FTD-Guam). Could the Minister for Defence please provide more information on RSAF's Guam Detachment and how it will improve on RSAF's training?
Update on Acquisition of F-35
My next cut. At last year's Committee of Supply debate, MINDEF announced the intention to purchase the F-35, a fifth generation multirole aircraft, which can provide air-to-air, air-to-ground and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) missions. The F-35's stealth capabilities can help us maintain air dominance and overcome sophisticated air-defence. At the same time, the F-35s can fuse sensors and information from different sources, thereby networking our 4th Generation aircrafts and SAF assets altogether.
MINDEF recently announced that Singapore has received the US's approval for the sale of F-35s to Singapore. Could the MINDEF please provide an update on Singapore's acquisition of the F-35s, including how the F-35s will improve the capabilities of the SAF?
Maritime Security
Mr Vikram Nair : Chairman, for more than 200 years, sea trade has been vital to Singapore's economy. This remains the case today. Singapore is one of the busiest transshipment hubs in the world and it is important for us to maintain our sea lines of communication.
Last year, we had two Malaysian vessels in Singapore waters, which appeared to be a provocative act. However, the Malaysian government did not escalate matters and the Malaysian Navy never got involved in this dispute. This is likely because the Singapore Navy is strong and it was clear it would have been able to defend Singapore if necessary.
More recently, in December 2019, there was a report of increasing incidents of sea robbery taking place in the Malacca Straits and the number of such incidents has been higher since 2018. Threats like these may reduce confidence people using our sea lanes. What are MINDEF and the SAF doing to secure our waters?
Security Landscape
Ms Sylvia Lim (Aljunied) : Mr Chairman, East Asia is again becoming a site for more intense power contestation, particularly in the South China Sea. Worryingly, some of this competition is taking on more militarised characteristics region-wide. Such developments have the unfortunate consequence of prompting other regional actors to adopt more militarised stances. They include arms acquisitions and more muscular positions over disputes.These developments challenge stability and freedom of access, even if they do not directly involve Singapore.
Could the Minister for Defence update the House on the Government's strategy for navigating this increasingly complicated security landscape? Deterrence alone cannot fully address these concerns, and defence spending needs to be within prudent limits. In particular, what role should be played by the SAF on a routine basis and during contingencies and how is the SAF working towards these objectives?
Defence Diplomacy
Mr Desmond Choo (Tampines) : Singapore's approach to defence is shaped by both the unique circumstances surrounding our country's independence and the enduring geostrategic limitations we face. Given our strategic circumstances, a strong defence is necessary to ensure that we enjoy peace and stability and that our sovereignty and territorial integrity are protected.
In order to defend our sovereignty and promote our national interests, Singapore has worked closely with our international partners to build a stable regional architecture. Despite the challenges involved in navigating an increasingly complex security environment, Singapore has continued to forge strong relations with our key partners such as the US and China. How is MINDEF working with our key defence partners to enhance cooperation and address common security challenges?
Singapore is a good friend of both the US and China. The US is our major security and economic partner. Our troops train extensively with US forces. We also cooperate closely on counter-terrorism. The size and scale of US investments in Singapore far out-strip any other country's.
With China, Singapore has established an "All-Round Cooperative Partnership Progressing with the Times". We have extensive economic cooperation with China. China is also our largest export market.
Both these countries are important to us. But we must be clear-eyed about our own national interests and understand the Government's considerations when we adopt principled positions on bilateral, regional or international issues. How do we continue to engage the US and China in our security collaborations?
In October 2019, MINDEF chaired the 12th ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting (ADMM). The ADMM adopted the ASEAN Guidelines for Air Military Encounters (GAME). It is perhaps the first such set of multilateral guidelines in the world. How do we continue to build upon this?
The Chairman : Mr Charles Chong. Both your cuts, please.
Regional Peace and Stability
Mr Charles Chong (Punggol East) : Mr Chairman, at last year's Committee of Supply Debate, the Minister spoke about MINDEF's successful chairmanship of the ASEAN Defence Ministers' meeting (ADMM) and the ADMM Plus in 2018. MINDEF has worked hard to ensure that should the need arise, our Armed Forces will be able to defend Singapore against both conventional and unconventional threats.
However, the better way to deal with these threats is to do what we can to ensure that they do not arise in the first place. To that end, as ironic as it may appear, the SAF will be truly successful if we never actually need to call on our servicemen and servicewomen to defend Singapore in a time of conflict. Could the Minister provide an update on what MINDEF is doing to ensure that the region remains stable and peaceful?
Comprehensive Strategic Partnership
Moving to my next cut. Singapore signed the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) with Australia in June 2015. Australia is a close and valued defence partner and the signing of the CSP was a clear demonstration of the relationship. We enjoy with our Australian friends. While we have had an excellent defence relationship with Australia for many years, the CSP provides a framework for the further deepening of defence engagements between our two countries.
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We have already been having our troops trained in Australia for many years. Many of our troops have trained in the Shoalwater Bay training area. Last year's Exercise Wallaby, held from September to November involved some 3,000 SAF personnel in an area almost four times the size of Singapore. This year, I believe, will mark the 30th year that we have been able to use the Shoalwater Bay training area. I know that we are very appreciative of the support provided by the Australian government and the Australian defence force.
However, with the recent bush fires in the east coast of Australia, could the Minister let us know if the Shoalwater Bay training area has been affected and whether this has had an impact on the SAF's ability to fully utilise the area as a training ground? In particular, I imagine that the dry conditions and the threat of fires could have had an impact on our use of ordinance and ammunition which would have been a significant reason for using the Shoalwater Bay training area in the first place, and for us committing to spend on developing military facilities there.
Coming back to the CSP, this also provides for even greater access to training areas in Australia for our troops. And I would like to ask the Minister if he can provide an update on the enhancements to training facilities, including both in the Shoalwater Bay training area as the new Townsville field training area and how the CSP can improve the SAF's training effectiveness.
Terrorism
Ms Joan Pereira (Tanjong Pagar) : Unconventional security threats, such as terrorism, pose increasingly greater risks to our nation. The on-going turmoil in the Middle East provides opportunities for terrorist groups to step up attacks, not just there, but also close to home. Former fighters, who have acquired skills from their experiences in Iraq and Syria, are returning to Southeast Asia. Singapore is not insulated from the influences of returning foreign fighters.
Given the threats from terrorism abroad, would the Ministry share with the House an update on its efforts to counter terrorism? What measures have been implemented to limit their ability to propagate their radical messages and minimise their influence on our communities? In addition, how does the Ministry identify, prevent and monitor potential fighters entering Singapore? For Singaporeans and foreign residents and workers here who may be radicalised, do we have adequate surveillance measures and resources to spot, monitor and contain them?
CBRNE materials − chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosives – are utilised by terrorists to attack people and infrastructure. How does MINDEF restrict access to such materials in order to minimise potential injuries, deaths and damage?
In recent attacks overseas, we have also observed the use of common tools, such as knives, and even vehicles, by terrorists to launch attacks on innocent bystanders. Do we have in place an early alert-and-response system to detect behavioural anomalies which will trigger alerts and calls for urgent assistance?
The Chairman : Mr Chong Kee Hiong. Take your both cuts together.
Climate Change Mitigation
Mr Chong Kee Hiong (Bishan-Toa Payoh) : Chairman, at last year's National Day Rally, Prime Minister Lee spoke about how climate change is one of the gravest challenges we are facing. I quote, "Both the SAF and climate change defences are existential for Singapore. These are life and death matters."
The greatest threat is from rising sea levels, which will erode the shorelines of our small island unless mitigating action is taken. Areas at risk and which require priority protection include our military installations, the airport, central business district, and the industrial estates of Jurong and Tuas. Our defence and economy are at stake.
Global warming has also resulted in the weather becoming more extreme. Singapore has become hotter with prolonged dry spells even as we experience bursts of heavier rainfall. Even gusts of wind have become stronger. One concern is about mitigating the impact of these dry periods on our reservoirs. We also need to consider collaborative measures with Malaysia to protect the reservoirs there which supply us with water. We have to plan for ways to protect people and minimise the potential damage to our facilities from flooding and toppling trees, during heavy downpours and storms.
In short, a well-coordinated national effort is needed to respond to economic, social and military defence challenges related to climate change. Would the Minister elaborate on what are some of the measures taken by MINDEF and SAF to address these concerns?
Polder Pilot Development
Chairman, my second cut. Singapore is a low-lying island nation that is vulnerable to rising sea levels as a result of climate change. The Government has committed $5 billion to the Coastal and Flood Protection Fund to fend off the encroaching sea and pledged to top up this fund whenever our budget permits in the future.
Mitigating actions being considered include major engineering works, such as empoldering and reclamation of offshore islands and coastal adaptation initiatives, such as planting mangroves. While Singapore has had experience with the traditional land reclamation method, empoldering is new to us. It involves building a dyke around the area to be reclaimed and draining water from within it. The reclaimed low-lying land, known as a polder, will be below sea level, kept dry by the sea wall.
Empoldering is being used to add 810 hectares of military training space to the north-western tip of Pulau Tekong. This project was slated to be completed in 2022. May I ask the Ministry for an update on the progress of this construction? What lessons are we gaining from this building experience for the future use of this technique in other reclamation areas? How does this technique compare with the traditional land reclamation method in terms of construction and maintenance costs, as well as benefits and risks?
Defence Spending
Mr Vikram Nair : Chairman, the SAF performs an important role in deterring potential aggressors and protecting Singapore. As a small country, we are at a natural disadvantage when it comes to our defence, while at the same time, defence is existential. We have traditionally compensated for our small size by spending more on defence and investing in the best and latest technologies, while at the same time, building good defence relations with a wide range of countries, including all our neighbours as well as some of the middle and great powers, including the US.
However, in recent years, defence spending has been rising all around the region and in many other parts of the world. As larger countries also invest and strengthen their forces, our technological edge may diminish and I expect there will be pressure on us to spend more to keep up with them. What is MINDEF's and the SAF's plan? Do they envision a long-term increase in our defence budget to keep up with these rising demands?
Financial Prudence
Mr Douglas Foo (Nominated Member) : Mr Chairman, we are a small city-state with an open economy and we are therefore vulnerable to external factors. As the Minister for Defence Dr Ng has reiterated over the past years, Singapore cannot fail in its frontline defence to protect our sovereignty. Through the past efforts of our predecessors, our SAF is now one of the more modernised armed forces in the region with superior equipment and stronger fighting power.
MINDEF previously announced its plans to building a modernised tri-service SAF which include acquiring F-35S Joint Strike Fighter jets to replace the current F-16 fighter jets, acquiring new Invincible-class submarines and multi-role combat vessels as well as new next-generation Armoured Fighting Vehicles for our defence forces. While such expenditure is necessary for modernisation, we have seen budget spending on defence rise steadily from S$14.8 billion in 2018 to S$15.47 billion in 2019. While there is a slight drop in this year's Budget to S$15.1 billion, it is still the highest expenditure among all the Ministries.
The importance of maintaining a strong SAF and the need to be accountable to taxpayers requires a balance. In light of the current economic slowdown where we are seeing enterprises struggle to stay in business, the debate on whether we should be spending so much of our taxpayers' money on Singapore's defence or if the money is more well spent aiding our local enterprises will no doubt resurface in the minds of many.
Can the Minister share how sustainable it is to spend to modernise and can the Minister explain what is MINDEF doing to ensure that every dollar of the defence budget is spent wisely and prudently?
Value for Money
Ms Sylvia Lim : Chairman, MINDEF previously informed Parliament how it attempts to maximise Singapore's defence dollars, through the purchase of only items it needs, retrofitting existing assets and so on. Could the Minister for Defence elaborate also on its acquisition decisions – how MINDEF assesses the reasonableness of the prices quoted by vendors and ensures that it receives fair value for money on its purchases? At stake in these decisions is hundreds of millions or even billions of dollars. More importantly, they involve the lives and safety of our men and women in uniform and, ultimately, Singapore's security.
A key issue is that unlike other products and services involved in Government procurement, defence articles may not be freely market-tested due to the confidentiality of specifications or dependence on specialist contractors. Systems sold at a certain price point may be subject to expensive after-sales maintenance and upgrade packages with proprietary and protected information. After all, contemporary defence platforms can be highly tailored and involve the integration of multiple systems overseen by large numbers of vendors and sub-contractors.
An example is the US F-35 programme. As of January, Singapore's purchase of up to 12 aircraft for an estimated US$2.75 billion is undergoing the US Congressional approval process. However, the programme has been dogged by cost overruns and questions about reliability. There were also issues regarding the leak of confidential data that required costly redesigns and retrofits from various vendors and subcontractors. This is just one well-known example about a single programme.
My question is broader. Can MINDEF elaborate on how it injects rigour into its procurement decisions to ensure value for money?
Training Safety
Mr Charles Chong : Mr Chairman, all of us have either served in the SAF or have a child, parent, relative or close friend who have been in the SAF. The SAF is an intrinsic part of Singapore and is part of our identity as Singaporeans. Part of why the SAF has been successful has been the trust which exists between Singaporeans and the SAF. The SAF enjoys broad support among citizens and we all understand why we need to have mandatory National Service, even if it comes at a cost to personal pursuits in academia, sports and other areas.
However, when parents send out their sons of to enlist in the SAF or when children bid goodbye to a parent who is going for in-camp training, there is an expectation, a very legitimate expectation, if I may say, that the SAF has done everything possible to ensure that they return home safely. Unfortunately, as is well-known to Members, there have been several training incidents over the last few years, some of which have led to deaths of our servicemen.
Just before last year's Committee of Supply debate, the SAF announced the setting up of an Inspector-General's Office (IGO) to scrutinise safety practises at all levels across all services in units of the SAF. Could the Minister provide an update on the work of the IGO, including how many instances of unsafe practises the IGO has identified in the past year and what real steps have been taken to address this? Has training safety in the SAF improved since the IGO was set up, and have additional safety measures been introduced?
Finally, could the Minister provide details on the number of calls which have been made to the Army, Navy and Air Force safety hotlines, and whether this has increased since we have enhanced our emphasis on training safety and whether concrete action has been taken following the making of these reports?
Safety Consciousness
Mr Arasu Duraisamy (Nominated Member) : Chairman, the Committee of Inquiry into the training accidents had found that training-related accidents happened due to lapses by the servicemen involved. These findings demonstrate that training safety cannot just be a matter of safety guidelines and regulations, but must be part of the SAF's organisational culture and practised by every soldier at every level. Can the Minister share, how is the SAF instilling safety consciousness and personal responsibility for one's safety amongst National Servicemen on the ground?
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Medical Support
Mr Charles Chong : Mr Chairman, even as we aim for zero training fatalities, it inherent in the nature of the SAF that accidents will probably happen and the challenge for us then is to ensure that when they do happen, that our service personnel have the very best medical care which we can provide for them.
The SAF Medical Corp has been around for over 50 years now and has developed into a professionally run and managed medical service for our servicemen and women. It is, however, important that the medical capabilities of the SAF are continually updated and upgraded to ensure that medical support for our troops is up-to-date, both in terms of practice and procedure as well as in equipment and technology. Now, could the Minister provide some insights as to how the SAF is improving its capabilities to respond to medical emergencies and what steps are being taken by the SAF to ensure that the SAF Medical Corp continues to provide the medical support which our servicemen and servicewomen require?
The Chairman : Mr Chong Kee Hiong, take your three cuts together.
Diversity of NS Cohort
Mr Chong Kee Hiong : Chairman, the profile of Singapore’s population has evolved over time. Our demography is made up of people from increasingly varied backgrounds.
Today, we have a larger proportion of children born to inter-racial and transnational marriages. We also have many Singaporeans who have been born and lived overseas for a number of years, Permanent Residents and new citizens from many different nationalities. This means that our NS resource has become increasingly diverse.
I would like to ask the Minister, on an annual basis for our recent cohorts, what is the average proportion of young Singaporeans who have to return from overseas to serve, the proportion of new citizens and the ratio of those who hold foreign passports?
National Service is particularly a challenge for young men who have spent extended periods of time overseas. Are there specific orientation programmes to help them adjust to the cultural differences? How is MINDEF and SAF helping National Servicemen from such diverse backgrounds understand the need for National Service and adjust to NS? Most importantly, how does SAF build a sense of unity and solidarity among these cohorts?
Enhancing NS Experience
Chairman, my second cut. Our servicemen make much sacrifice towards NS. In order to train and remain fit and ready for their duties, they have to make sacrifices in the areas of their personal and work life. It is important that MINDEF and SAF does its best to help ease the burdens on our servicemen as much as possible.
Would the Ministry consider tapping on technology and closer collaboration with employers and even other Government agencies, to enable systematic collation of feedback and harness suggestions on areas of key concern such as childcare and eldercare? The purpose of this suggestion is to enable 360-degree support for our servicemen so that they can better focus on their military duties when in camps, knowing that the other areas of their lives are well supported and taken care of.
While much emphasis is placed on the two years as an NSF, it is also important to keep in mind that the entire NS experience also includes the time that the men of Singapore spend as pre-enlistees and Operationally-Ready National Servicemen. Their experience will also influence and have an impact on the next generation of our young who are watching and getting ready to serve the nation.
How is MINDEF and SAF working to enhance the NS experience for our National Servicemen at different stages of their NS journey? How can the Ministry tap upon their interests, aptitudes and experiences over the years to serve our nation better?
SkillsFuture
Chairman, my third cut. All young male Singaporeans have to commit two years in the prime of their lives for service to our nation. It is important that we recognise their commitments and contributions, and do our utmost to support them as they prepare for further studies or entry to the workforce as they near their Operationally Ready Date (ORD).
MINDEF took some steps in this direction at last year's COS with the introduction of a suite of SkillsFuture@NS initiatives to support our NSF's life-long learning journey. Would the Ministry provide an update of what MINDEF is doing to help our NSFs refresh or acquire new skills as part of their post-ORD transition?
I am curious about what support measures MINDEF offer in terms of time allocation and financial support for these NSF to commit to these courses. Is there any way that MINDEF can assist to coordinate areas of synergy so that the courses are both relevant to the NSF's role in SAF and their areas of interest?
In addition, will the effectiveness of these programmes be monitored and reviewed? Does the Ministry also take into account feedback and suggestions from the NSFs, education institutions and employers about the usefulness of these initiatives and how improvements can be incorporated over time?
Technology
Ms Joan Pereira : Chairman, many Singaporeans go online for all their needs. Our digital connectivity provides opportunities for MINDEF to reach out and engage both the military and civilian forces in joint initiatives. What plans does the Ministry have to further exploit technology to enhance cooperation between both stakeholders for our security? Would the Minister also share how we are leveraging on technology to enhance our soldiers' NS experience and well-being?
Technological advances have changed defence strategies and training methods around the world. Would the Ministry share how these technological developments have impacted SAF? Are we adequately prepared to handle increasingly sophisticated and complex equipment? What are the main challenges in securing access to such technologies? How are we progressing in our proprietary defence research and development?
NS Hub
Mr Arasu Duraisamy : Sir, in a small country with limited manpower, our National Servicemen play a crucial role in ensuring we have a credible and robust defence force. Every male Singaporean has to commit two years of his youth to serve the country. We must provide a seamless and convenient means for young male Singaporeans to prepare for enlistment. At the COS debate last year, MINDEF announced that it would be unveiling the NS Hub in 2023, a single facility that centralises pre-enlistment processes. Could the Minister please provide an update on the status of the NS Hub?
Support for National Service
Mr Ang Hin Kee (Ang Mo Kio) : Chairman, in 2017, we celebrated 50 years of National Service in Singapore. Amidst rising threats of terrorism, cyber-attacks and other challenges, we will need to evolve our approach towards NS. To this end, the NS experience must be constantly shaped and re-shaped to address the pressures, demands and desires of our future economy and future generations.
Everyone, meaning all Singaporeans, our institutions and community has a role to play in ensuring we have a robust NS system. Thus, our families, employers, schools and community groups are key pillars of support so that our Servicemen can focus on their training.
Many of us have seen and participated in the regular Singapore Armed Forces community engagement projects. The Army, the Navy and the Air Force have open house carnivals to engage the public as well as school partnership programmes to engage the students. Besides that, National Education and Total Defence Day are also part of the school’s curriculum.
I would like to ask if there are other plans to engage the community such as new citizens and grassroots, to help them understand and appreciate the importance of NS? How about new employers, including those who are newly posted to run operations located here in Singapore? This will ensure that our reservists will similarly be well supported and their role well understood.
NS Recognition
Mr Douglas Foo : Mr Chairman, National Service is now seen as a rite of passage in every Singaporean man’s life, but the journey does not stop after the NSF’s ORD. Instead, he becomes an Operationally Ready National Serviceman, to begin his 10-year ORNS training cycle. As a Singaporean son, I myself have been through the whole cycle and can testify that it is indeed a unique experience for all. In fact, I am still serving now. My son Donavan has just joined me on this journey of ORNS. I have three more boys who will be joining on this journey soon.
However, serving two years of National Service means pushing back one’s plan for education or career. The people living in Singapore, regardless of whether they are citizens or foreigners working here are indirectly benefiting from the sacrifices of our Singaporean Sons, and we hope that all will recognise and appreciate the sacrifices made by them that allow for the enjoyment of peace and sovereignty in our nation.
As President of the Singapore Manufacturing Federation (SMF), I am pleased to share that the SMF is an active partner of MINDEF and fully supports National Service. The SMF has been supporting the SAF Re-dedication Ceremony each year, since its involvement in 2013. Through this annual event, we encourage employers to show their support for National Service and the NSmen working in their organisations as well as to remind them of the important role National Service plays in protecting the nation.
Our National Servicemen sacrifice their time and energies to protect Singapore. Besides our young men who set aside two years to serve full-time, our NSmen have to spend two to three weeks away from their families when they return to do their annual In-Camp Training. It is important that we continue to show our appreciation to our Servicemen for their commitment and contribution to defence. How does MINDEF continue to ensure that recognition of our National Servicemen remains both updated and adequate?
Precautionary Measures for COVID-19
Mr Seah Kian Peng (Marine Parade) : Mr Chairman, the SAF responded quickly to the COVID-19 situation in Singapore, mobilising our Servicemen to pack masks for distribution to many households. As they contribute to Singapore’s fight against the virus, our Servicemen’s health must be protected as well.
Training for SAF often involves close contact, requires high physical exertion, which may lead to transmission of droplets. There may also be many soldiers training within a small space.
I know that we cannot compromise our country’s security and safety, by stopping the training exercises and reducing the operational readiness of our forces. At the same time, I am sure that we can modify some of our training procedures and processes to make sure that our men stay strong, safe and healthy. In light of the COVID-19 outbreak, what are some of the precautionary measures that MINDEF has put in place to protect our Servicemen?
Digital Defence
Ms Joan Pereira : Chairman, over the last few years, we have observed the trend of misinformation and falsehoods being propagated via social media networks and applications escalating. In some countries, the proliferation of "fake news" has even influenced the outcome of elections. Here in Singapore, amidst the COVID-19 outbreak, we have seen several pieces of "fake news" being circulated, some of which had caused needless panic and fear among certain segments of Singaporeans.
How is MINDEF supporting whole-of-Government efforts to prepare Singaporeans to combat the spread of online falsehoods and misinformation? Does the Ministry have an assessment framework to determine when the spread of such online misinformation is threatening our security and at which point will the countermeasures be activated?
Cybersecurity
Dr Teo Ho Pin (Bukit Panjang) : Chairman, over the past year, we have witnessed an increase in the number of cybersecurity breaches. As a response to these incidents, many countries are stepping up efforts to strengthen their cybersecurity capabilities. At a Committee of Supply debate last year, the Minister for Defence announced that a Defence Cybersecurity Centre would be set up. Could I ask the Minister to provide an update on MINDEF's efforts in strengthening our cybersecurity capabilities to deter and act against potential threats?
Data Protection
Mr Seah Kian Peng : Data security is core to Singapore’s strong defence and our continued economic success. As malicious threats emerge from various sources, including attempts at data exfiltration, it is essential to strengthen our capabilities and defences against these. Two instances last year have been instructive and both involved data leak of SAF personnel from vendors contracted to the SAF through malicious malware and ransomware.
Clearly, we see that there are unfriendly elements watching to see what weaknesses our systems may contain so that they can exploit them. Digital defence is the new addition to our Total Defence. Each and every citizen has a part to play in defending our nation and our way of life – including being vigilant online.
Today, there are enemies unseen – scams, fake news, and cyberattacks. Given continual reports of security breaches worldwide, what is MINDEF doing to protect our security systems and ensure that our data and information are not compromised?
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Digital Defence for Businesses
Mr Kwek Hian Chuan Henry : Many of our businesses and companies rely on secure and reliable networks to trade, transact and communicate. They also store vast amount of personal and commercial data in Singapore.
As the digital sector expands, it is important that business networks and systems are well protected. We have seen the devastating impact of cyber attacks on individual businesses. More importantly, such attacks also could hurt Singapore's reputation as a trusted hub.
Given the pervasiveness of digital threats, MINDEF and MCI introduced Digital Defence as a pillar of Total Defence in 2019. How is MINDEF working with our partners to equip businesses to deal with threats from the digital domain?
Psychological Defence
Mr Seah Kian Peng : In times of increased stress on society, psychological defence is particularly salient in ensuring Singaporeans remain united in the face of external threats. We have seen how panic and fear can quickly disrupt our way of life.
In my main Budget speech, I spoke about the great, the wise and the good, as well as those who mock them. These are taken from the poem by Yeats, "Come let us mock at the Great". He urged us to mock at these mockers, people who would not lift a hand to help others out of a great storm.
In light of the recent COVID-19 outbreak, it is easy to stand back, stay safe and mock others who are doing the work, taking the risks and deciding on the new rules which would keep our communities going. How important is our state of mind, our psychological defence? What can Singaporeans do to help overcome this crisis?
Building Resilience in the Community
Dr Teo Ho Pin : Mr Chairman, Sir, when Total Defence was first introduced in 1984, it was recognised that threats will not simply affect our military but potentially Singaporeans, combatants and non-combatants alike. Thus, we must continue to build resilience in our people and community.
In order for Singapore to prevail over a threat, it is important that we fortify the resilience of the entire community. This concept has become more salient today, in the face of threats such as terrorism, cyber attacks, and especially so in face of the recent COVID-19 outbreak.
Sir, I wish to ask the Minister for an update on MINDEF's efforts to engage the community and to equip them with the relevant psychological states, knowledge and skills to deal with a myriad of threats that Singapore may encounter.
Education
Ms Joan Pereira : Over the years, in addition to the core pillar of Military Defence, Singapore has built up the five non-military pillars of Civil, Economic, Social, Digital and Psychological Defences to fortify the comprehensive security structure of Total Defence. All Singaporeans, individually and collectively, have important roles to play in our security, contributing our different expertise and abilities to build a strong and resilient nation.
Total Defence had enabled us to overcome past challenges such as SARS, terrorism and economic downturns. It is important that we continue to educate the next generation of Singaporeans to stay united and work together to overcome new threats. How is MINDEF or SAF educating our young about Total Defence?
Total Defence
Dr Teo Ho Pin : Mr Chairman, the success of Total Defence is contingent upon active participation and contribution by all parts of society, including the Government, businesses, communities and individuals. Unfortunately, the Total Defence initiatives you see today are for the most part initiated by the Government. We should aim to have more civic participation in Total Defence.
Civic participation manifested in the form of an app called North West 911, developed by volunteers from the North West Community Development Council (CDC). This app can help Singaporeans to better cope and respond to 14 crisis scenarios and administer basis first aid, among other functions. We are in the process of encouraging more people to download this app so that they can have a crisis guide and a resource directory, all from the convenience of one's pocket.
Sir, I wish to call on the Minister to support the North West 911 initiative and urge all Singaporeans, especially members of the uniformed services, to download the app and be operationally ready to respond effectively to any future emergencies. Sir, I wish to ask the Minister for an update on the Government-led and community-led efforts to strengthen Total Defence and their effectiveness.
The Chairman : Mr Seah Kian Peng, you can take your two cuts together.
New Total Defence Logo
Mr Seah Kian Peng : Mr Chairman, it has been 36 years since Total Defence was launched. Like many Singaporeans, we are all pleased to learn that MINDEF has recently launched the new Total Defence logo competition to create a new logo that represents all six pillar, including a prize money of $5,000.
There were 10 designs that have been shortlisted and I would like to ask the Minister how did Singaporeans respond to the call for the design of the new logo? Could the Minister also explain the significance of the new logo? Make no mistake, I think it is a nice design but I think it is useful and important for all to also know what goes behind the logo.
Climate Defence in Total Defence
My second cut. Singapore adopts a whole-of-society approach to national security. Total Defence was conceptualised in 1984 as a comprehensive model for the defence of Singapore. From 1984 to last year, we have always had five pillars. In 2019, we added Digital Defence as cyber threats were as grave as physical ones.
Today, in 2020, I am asking this House to consider one more – Climate Defence. Some may say we are moving too fast in adding one more. I would argue that we have moved too slow. Climate change is an existential threat to Singapore and one we need to recognise. Not only are more of us talking about it now, we are all seeing and feeling the effects of climate change.
In my cut at the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), I had argued that we needed a whole-of-Government approach to climate change, given its complex nature, and which straddles many Ministries.
With changes in global trends and threats, the securitisation of technology and climate has become an existential threat to our nation. The Young People's Action Party (YPAP) and environmentalists have already proposed that we adopt Climate Defence as the seventh pillar of Total Defence. I support this call.
This declaration is not just a matter of policy efficiency. It is a matter of raising the political importance of this issue so that it will no longer be put on the back-burner. Neither will environmental concerns be considered the poor cousin of economic growth in bureaucratic decision-making.
In this Budget, we have made room for long-term planning, including for environmental issues. This is the right approach. In line with this approach, would MINDEF consider adopting Climate Defence as a pillar of Total Defence?
The Chairman : Minister Ng.
The Minister for Defence (Dr Ng Eng Hen) : Mr Chairman, first, let me thank Members for their continued support to build a strong defence for Singapore – not only for previous Budgets, which Members have given assent but I hope for this Budget as well – and for many of the Members, for their personal commitment.
Many of the Members have done their National Service (NS) and for many here, their children are doing National Service. As Mr Douglas Foo recounted, his sons. As he was speaking, I wished he had more sons and daughters to produce the next generation of NS men.
The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, in his round-up speech, reminded us of what Mr Lee Kuan Yew said our obligation was. Our greatest obligation is to the future, and sitting there, listening to Members speak, I think it is virtuous. There were well-informed views about how difficult our external environment is – how fluid, how fast-changing, how it impacts us, how as a small country we have very little wherewithal in which to control our external events and even less to effect changes that come upon us – whether it is climate change, whether it is terrorism, whether it is factious politics in neighbouring countries.
But equally, there was strong consensus and pre-occupation about how to build a strong national defence. There were good questions asked and rightly so about prudence, administration, about how we spend our defence dollars, how we make sure that our processes give us the maximum value and that we ensure that where we put our money is, is well chosen and sustainable for our defence budget.
There are many issues and what our colleagues and I will aim to do is try to answer to the best of our abilities. First, I think, and foremost, to give a better understanding of how MINDEF and SAF approach these questions which Members have raised. Let me start with how we think about our defence for Singapore.
There is a familiar dictum in military annals – that a cardinal mistake which has led to failures has been to prepare for the next battle based on the last war. Analysts cite this specifically for the Vietnam War, where tactics that gave the US victory in Europe during World War II proved ineffective and could not overcome the guerrilla insurgency employed by the Viet Cong. Many of you would have seen the series on Netflix – a gripping documentary that underscores this cardinal mistake.
Singapore, as a small nation with little reserves, if caught off guard, should heed this dictum. Mr Vikram Nair put it rightly when he says that, "We have to be ready." But, ready for what?
We do not have the resources to plan for all eventualities. Instead, as Members intimated, Singapore must be keenly aware of the changing circumstances around us and how they impact us. Our region, indeed, the world, is at an inflexion point, which many Members pointed out, and it is for this new environment that Singapore must prepare itself.
Internally, new military capabilities have been built and are operated by a new generation of SAF soldiers, and operated capably, I must say. And it is because of the steadfast commitment by successive Governments and the overwhelming support from Members of this House, across party lines – Members of Parliament, Non-Constituency Members of Parliament, Nominated Members of Parliament – that we have collectively succeeded in building a strong SAF that is recognised today as a modern and professional military force, capable of defending our national interest. Mr Douglas Foo alluded to that and Mr Charles Chong rightly put it. The very success of the SAF is that we are not tested, and indeed, that is what is said in our mission statement in the financial Budget Book – "Deterrence".
Even so, to respond to a new environment of security challenges, the SAF must again restructure decisively to meet new challenges, to remain relevant, responsive and effective for our national defence. I think Miss Sylvia Lim talked about it – how the changing landscape will throw forth new threats and the SAF must be ready. I will go into the details of the restructuring required later.
But first, the new environment. Members have talked about it. Mr Charles Chong, Mr Desmond Choo, Ms Sylvia Lim, Mr Vikram Nair. I agree completely with Members that along with the rest of the world, Singapore has entered a different phase in geopolitics. It is messier, less predictable and therefore, with more unseen events. The post-World War II era of 70 years, championed and spearheaded by a hyper-dominant US together with its Western liberal allies is no longer the only and main narrative. A new chapter has begun with elements of the old but also new principal actors. China is a rising global power but regional powers too are gaining strength, including Japan, India and Australia.
And it is not just Asia that is fast-changing. In Europe, the trans-Atlantic alliance is evolving. When the UK government decided to allow Huawei a limited role for its 5G network, the UK dailies concluded that the US-UK relationship had become "less special". This year's Munich Security Conference theme was meant to be provocative to prompt soul-searching, but nonetheless carried more than a modicum of insecurities – the theme was "Westlessness".
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At its plenary, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier sharply criticised the US' "America First" policy and that "Great Again" was at the expense of neighbours and partners. The US wants the EU to liberalise its trade policies to buy more American goods and spend more to defend themselves. In response, some EU leaders do indeed want to reduce their dependence on the US. Just last year, French President Emmanuel Macron put it starkly, "American decisions over the last several years... have led us to rethink fundamental diplomatic and military strategy and on occasion elements of solidarity which we thought were forever inalienable". Europe is far away from Singapore, but the changes there will invariably impact our part of the world.
In the Middle East, the biggest game changer is a US that is now a net exporter of energy for the first time in nearly 70 years, and less dependent on crude oil and natural gas from the Middle East than ever before in its history. For the first time too, Russia has direct access to the Mediterranean Sea, and this is a warm water port in Syria, and where it can begin to build and exert military presence there. China, Japan and other Asian countries on the other hand, are still dependent on oil from the Middle East, through the Strait of Hormuz. This is why President Trump remarked wryly, but not inaccurately, that the US was still "protecting the shipping lanes for other countries for zero compensation". The US' reaction to the next Middle East crisis will be shaped by these new calculations.
The US Department of Defense (DoD) as the action arm of foreign and state policy has made it clear that our region – the Indo Pacific – is now their "priority theatre". Why? Pointedly, because of China, which they characterise as a "strategic competitor" and "rival power". The US DoD is putting that policy in practice, and moving more ships, planes, other equipment and troops to its bases in Japan and Korea, on top of the 78,000 troops already stationed there. For Australia, a record number of US Marines deployed there last year, and the US has plans to build additional military infrastructure in Australia once Congress gives its approval. With President Trump’s support for a bigger defence budget, such efforts will get a boost.
What would China do? For China, the People’s Liberation Army’s (PLA) expansion in blue water capability, air projection, missile and space programmes have gained momentum. Its Navy is now the world’s largest naval force, at least in numbers of ships. Last year, China’s first indigenous aircraft carrier, the Shandong, was commissioned. The US’ recent statements and moves are likely to accelerate, not slow down, the pace of PLA modernisation.
European powers too, some in heeding the US’ call and others independently, want to position themselves in Asia. My counterpart, French Minister Florence Parly has said that France, “is not going anywhere, because [it is] part of the region”. True to these words, France sent its warships through the South China Sea and in 2018, its Air Force conducted its largest-ever deployment in Southeast Asia since 2004, from Australia to India, to mark France’s presence in the region. The UK too has actively positioned itself in Asia. In 2018 alone, the British Royal Navy deployed three ships to the region. Last year, the Royal Navy increased its joint military exercises with the US Navy in the South China Sea.
Asian countries too have beefed up their militaries. Military spending in Asia has grown more than 50% in the last decade, with both China and India in the list of top five global spenders. ASEAN member states have doubled their spending on defence over the last 15 years.
Willy-nilly, these events, conflated, have resulted in the Asia arena becoming more militarised and contested, as Members of this House have noticed. The South China Sea dispute adds grist to the mill but the motivations go much deeper, that of time-old dominance in an evolving world order.
For Singapore, a small city state, 700 sq km, five-odd million people, we watch these developments ever so closely, carefully trying to preserve space for ourselves, to maintain our sovereignty and pursue our own interest, something which Member Desmond Choo talked about. We have no desire to take sides or be caught in the crossfire. We stand for our national interest. And so far, we have maintained independence and space for ourselves. But as contestation increases in this region, it will be increasingly difficult to do so.
So, I appreciate Members' questions, "What will you do? What will the Singapore Government do to maintain this wonderful brand of diplomacy?"
Despite the challenges, Singapore was able to forge even stronger defence relations with the US, China and key partners. With the US, as Members observed, we renewed a key document – the 1990 Memorandum of Understanding for the US’ use of facilities in Singapore. And this document had underpinned defence relations between both sides for the last 30 years. The renewal, signed between Prime Minister Lee and President Trump, allows the US forces’ continued access to our air and naval bases for another 15 years.
With China, we enhanced the 2008 Agreement on Defence Exchanges and Security Cooperation. This year will be the first time the SAF is planning to conduct two bilateral exercises with the PLA in the same year. At our recent Airshow, for the first time, the Ba Yi aerobatics team performed as did the US’ F-22 and F-35B.
With India, our militaries held bilateral exercises across all three Services under the ambit of our Bilateral Agreements and we continue to welcome India’s engagement of the region. With Australia, as Mr Charles Chong said, our 30th year of our training in Shoalwater Bay this year, our strategic partner, we are building our joint training facilities and it is on schedule. I will give some details later. And we were very glad that we could contribute two Chinooks and RSAF personnel to assist the Australian Defence Force during the recent bushfires.
Against the changing geopolitics, we have to watch it, we have to respond nimbly to it if we can, and we have to prepare for it. Even so, we would need to respond to clear and present security threats – namely three, and Members have talked about them: terrorism, cyber threats and maritime threats.
Against terrorism, which Ms Joan Pereira highlighted, we are not immune to the returned fighters. In fact, not only not immune, but quite vulnerable. Because there are choice targets in this region. Against them, we have stepped up efforts and formalised intelligence sharing through the ASEAN "Our Eyes" initiative. The SAF will assist in this effort and work closely with other like-minded countries.
The SAF is restructuring its own military intelligence outfits, so that counter-terrorism intelligence to detect, forewarn – what Ms Pereira warned about. We need an outfit that tells us, at least alerts us, that there are plots being undertaken. And also responding to these plots are now part and parcel of the core mission to protect Singapore. It will be a key deliverable and accountability for SAF intelligence units even as they work together with other Singapore agencies dealing with this space.
Some Members asked about cyber – Ms Joan Pereira, Dr Teo Ho Pin, Mr Seah Kian Peng. To guide the restructuring efforts required to meet security challenges, the SAF and MINDEF have convened two high level committees. One of the committees is against cyber threats, headed by Permanent Secretary (Defence Development) and CDF to spearhead this effort. In the SAF’s history, this is as important as raising another service, just like Army, Navy and Air Force, namely to build an integrated cyber command and force to defend our digital borders, especially against foreign cyber actors, both state and non-state who seek to undermine our stability and/or pose a threat to national security. Dr Teo Ho Pin asked for updates from last year when we talked about building up a cyber force.
We have thought about it, gone deeper. And basically, the challenge is to build, just like Army, Navy and Air Force, an integrated cyber command and cyber force that can operate, defend and protect our interests in the cyber domain.
None here, I suspect, will question the need for such a cyber force. But in many aspects, the cyber domain is more difficult to plan and execute than in air, land and sea, and may require different types of units and force configuration. The simplest question: who is the enemy? For air, land and sea, you have a limited number who are potential aggressors. But in cyber, it could be potentially many more.
So, the committee intends to be bold in examining ways that we can address this challenge but also as important, is to recruit soldiers of the right aptitude, their training and deployments. Because what you recruit for air, land and sea, may be different from what you need in the cyber arena.
Nevertheless, for command integrity and accountability, after the restructuring, CDF will continue to be in charge of mission outcomes – never mind the challenges; there has to be a command structure, there has to be a Commander who is in charge, who is looking at the problem, making decisions, raising training, sustaining forces to be able to meet these challenges. And the Chief C4I will be the pinnacle position that holds accountability and reports directly to the CDF, similar to the other services.
The SAF cyber command will have to provide threat assessments and early warning in cyber attacks, and also respond accordingly. The universe of cyber threats and activists is large and the cyber command will have to prioritise its efforts and focus on key threats so as to not dissipate resources. This restructuring effort will take some years to accomplish.
Let me turn to maritime security, which a number of Members has brought up, including Mr Vikram Nair. The SAF and indeed the whole-of-Government had made changes to better tackle maritime threats, which have expanded in recent years. The recent spike in sea robbery incidents in the Singapore Strait is but one example, as well as intrusions into Singapore Territorial Waters.
RSN’s Maritime Security Task Force (MSTF) will be acquiring new purpose built platforms that can enhance our capabilities to deal with such threats. For a start, four refurbished patrol vessels will be dedicated and deployed for greater persistence to protect our territorial waters. But all of us know that maritime threats are transnational in nature and cannot be solved without co-operation and collaboration of our neighbours. We have reached out to our counterparts in Malaysia and Indonesia to propose that the Malacca Straits Patrol initiative, which has worked so well through coordinated patrols to reduce piracy in the Malacca Strait, be extended to other areas in our surrounding waters. Discussions are on-going.
These significant restructuring efforts against terrorism, cyber and maritime threats reflect the rapidly evolving spectrum of threats that today’s Singapore faces. But whatever the threats, for each SAF unit, effective training makes the decisive difference. In an uncertain landscape, we must raise, train and sustain units within the SAF to deal with both conventional and unconventional threats. I think this was a point that Mr Henry Kwek was alluding to.
With your permission, Mr Chairman, may I display some slides on the screens.
The Chairman : Yes, please. [ Slides were shown to hon Members. ]
Dr Ng Eng Hen : So, let me deal with conventional operations. For conventional operations, the SAF aims to have the best training facilities globally. So, we talked about conventional; we talked about unconventional. For conventional training, our simple goal is that we want to have the best training facilities in the world. It is a high mark but we are confident we will achieve this.
Some Members have asked about developments in Shoalwater Bay, Mr Charles Chong, in particular. And let me give some updates under our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with Australia, which will be a key node for best of class training facilities. It will provide the SAF with modern instrumented training ranges such as the Combined Arms Air-Land Ranges and the Urban Operations Live Firing facilities in an area approximately 10 times the size of Singapore.
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Significant progress has been made, with completion of an ammunition storage building last year. The Combined Arms Air-Land Ranges is now being developed for the Army and Air Force to train together with tanks, infantry vehicles, drones, artillery and other combined arms platforms. This will be complemented by the Urban Operations Live Firing facilities for air and combined arms live-firing in a realistic environment. And these facilities will be equipped with advanced targetry and instrumentation. In essence, when completed, we can conduct complex training on a much larger scale, that only few militaries are able to, elsewhere. We expect construction at Shoalwater Bay to be completed by 2024 and Greenvale – that is another site – to be completed by 2028. When these facilities are completed, the SAF will be able to conduct integrated training across all three Services, involving up to 14,000 personnel annually and over a span of up to 18 weeks. This is a significant asset for our defence capabilities.
Mr Charles Chong asked what will be the effect of climate change on these plans. The short answer is probably nobody knows and we have to watch it very carefully. There were the incidents of the bush fires this year. And it not only will affect us but also more impactfully, the Australian Defence Force (ADF). For the Shoalwater training area, there was some halt in some activities not because there were bush fires there but because of the fear that it may accentuate it. So, we are watching it very carefully, and if we have to make adjustments, we will have to.
For the Navy, our ships have ample opportunities to train overseas. During Exercise Pacific Griffin, the US and our ships successfully fired the full suite of missiles, destroyed surface and air targets and hunted submarines. We also conducted the inaugural trilateral maritime exercise in the Andaman Sea with India and Thailand. This year, the RSN will take on a key leadership role in the world's largest multilateral maritime exercise, Rim of the Pacific Exercise (RIMPAC), alongside established navies in the Pacific Ocean. The RSN does well in these overseas deployments that validate its systems and benchmark competencies.
The Navy is also making good progress to strengthen our conventional capabilities. The last three of the fleet of eight Littoral Mission Vessels entered into service last month. In Germany, our new Invincible-class submarine has commenced trials in the water and her pioneer crew is undergoing work-up training.
What about the Air Force, as Mr Henry Kwek asked. For the Air Force, the skies have opened up. In December last year, I signed an MOU with US Secretary of Defence Mark Esper to establish a fighter training detachment in Guam. The RSAF plans to deploy our F-15s, F-16s and supporting assets, such as the Gulfstream 550 – Airborne Early Warning to Guam for training. The airspace around Guam, together with training facilities, will allow the RSAF to conduct larger scale, more complex and realistic air-to-air and air-to-ground training. At the same time, this detachment in Guam, alongside other deployments in Australia, India and Thailand will allow quick re-deployment back to Singapore when required. So, it is a significant asset. You can train nearer; we can bring you back if we need you.
Some have asked for an update on our acquisitions of the F-35s. We have decided on the F-35B variant of the aircraft, which can take off from a shorter runway and land vertically, and it is an important feature in land scarce Singapore. I do not know whether it can land in one of your HDB carparks but we will consider this scenario. The F-35B performed in the recent Singapore Airshow and its ability to swivel 360 degrees was simply, as some people said, "Awesome". We did not buy the F-35B or we did not order F-35Bs just because it can do that. As Mr Kwek rightly pointed out, it has a full suite of sensors and fighting capabilities. We have obtained the US government and Congress' assent. MINDEF is in the final stages of acquiring our four F-35s, with an option to purchase eight more. And when delivered, which we hope will be around 2026, the F-35Bs will be deployed in US for training and in-depth evaluation.
Ms Svlvia Lim raised good questions about the question marks over the F-35 and we watch it very closely. We said we will buy four, evaluate it fully before deciding to commit on a further eight. And our timelines are, if you like, useful to us. We are in no hurry – the F-15s and F-16s are adequate for our air defence and air capabilities. And we will evaluate them fully, including all the questions that were attributed to the F-35s, including cost and maintenance before we decide fully on a full fleet of the F-35s.
I have talked about conventional and traditional operations. Let me move on to non-traditional operations, for which we must prepare not only the SAF, but indeed, I think, our entire population, for a more uncertain and expanded array of threats – we call these "grey zone" threats, as opposed to black and white.
Low-level terrorist attacks are a good example of "grey zone" threats that can turn deep black when the whole country is destabilised. What happened to Ukraine in the early stages is a salutary lesson on "grey zone" threats – incipient, then it cascades, extrapolates and blows up. And when you try to mount the defence, you are finished.
So, the SAF has compiled the range of such "grey zone" threats – of course, you will pardon me if I do not give you a list of "grey zone" threats – and the options available to respond for each. Each, by themselves, if limited, do not threaten our sovereignty but nevertheless can lead to instability or, cumulatively, whittle away our ability to defend national interests.
Another example of a non-traditional threat occurred, as some Members pointed here, when COVID-19 hit Singapore, that tested our Total Defence. At a very short notice, the Army packed 5.2 million masks, delivered them to 89 Community Centres and Clubs to distribute to 1.37 million households within two days. The SAF also helped MOH with contacting personnel as well as manning thermal imagery machines at the airport. And these efforts by the SAF were to enhance our psychological, social and economic resilience. My colleague, Senior Minister of State Maliki will speak more on Total Defence.
There is another threat for which the SAF may not be primarily responsible, but must join in the efforts for Singapore's security and safety. Mr Chong Kee Hiong alluded to it. Mr Seah Sian Peng talked about it. And yes, I agree with Mr Seah that we must adopt climate defence.
The Government has laid out key directions – Senior Minister Teo's Inter-ministerial Committee of Climate Change has done very deep second, even third order work in terms of how we can step wise deal with this issue. And I appreciate the efforts because it focuses our attention. It also gives, to the extent available, quantitative or if not, semi-quantitative projections of what each does. And I think that is the right approach.
The SAF is also making significant change as part of the whole-of-Government (WOG) plan.
Against the effects of rising sea levels, MINDEF and SAF is working with relevant agencies closely on coastal adaptation. Mr Chong Kee Hiong asked about the progress in Singapore's first polder development at Pulau Tekong that is led by HDB. As he described it, the polder comprises a dike which protects the reclaimed land from the sea and a network of drains and pumps to keep the land dry. The tracts of land created, which are below sea level, will be used for Army training.
It is early days yet so I do not have anything concrete to report. But obviously, this is an important project which we are learning from as we create new land for countering rising sea levels. And if this succeeds, that model and that template can be used for other areas in Singapore. So, it is an important project. And MINDEF and SAF understand this.
MINDEF and the SAF are on track to meet our national targets to reduce energy and water consumption. Some Members have raised the NS Hub. It will be completed in 2023. Mr Duriasamy talked about it. It was designed to maximise natural ventilation and daylight. I would have thought all SAF buildings were designed for natural ventilation and daylight nowadays. But take this as what is meant, it is to maximise natural ventilation and to reduce solar heat gain. So, that is a plus now – solar heat gain and energy demand. We have set an aim for the NS Hub to be the top 10% of energy-efficient buildings in Singapore. I expect that aim to be achieved.
The SAF is also taking discrete steps to reduce carbon emissions, even changing modes of operation without loss of any effectiveness. First, we intend to replace our 400 administrative vehicles to reduce CO 2 emissions. To hybrid models first, reducing emissions by up to two-thirds per vehicle and later when our island's infrastructure is built, with electric vehicles.
We also established a waste management system under a joint collaboration with NEA and DSTA that turns recycled food waste into energy. Here, a caveat, we have cut down waste. I noted that I have replied to a particular question on it. It is not much waste but that is a first important thing to do. But where there is waste, we turn it into recycled energy. Currently, food waste collected from eight cookhouses is processed by microbes and enzymes at recycling plants to generate biogas. And we are looking to expand this to 10 more cookhouses. If successful, this will be expanded to all cookhouses.
MINDEF has commissioned net zero energy buildings at Kranji and Seletar Camps, and by the end of this financial year, the buildings in 12 of our camps will be equipped with solar panels. In March, we will deliver, which we already are, we will deliver the first net positive energy aircraft hangar at Changi Air Base, which can generate more electricity than that consumed due to certain features that were incorporated into the design of the hangar. When fully realised, these efforts combined will reduce 11,400 tonnes of CO 2 emissions by the end of this financial year and support our national efforts to combat climate change.
These measures extend to our training areas overseas as well. We have mentioned Shoalwater Bay training facilities. We are working with the Australian Department of Defence to incorporate environmentally sustainable design measures, such as solar-powered lighting and using building materials that have a higher proportion of recycled content. We are taking proactive efforts to mitigate flood and fire risks, through the use of flood modelling, and the construction of fire breaks and the use of non-combustible fire-rated materials. And this is in answer to Mr Charles Chong's question.
Adapting to use "green" technologies could also reap operational advantages. The Navy is exploring the use of hybrid propulsion systems in designing its incoming vessels. Such technologies enable our new ships to not only reduce carbon emissions, but become more energy efficient.
In the grand global scheme of changes necessary to mitigate climate change, one could say that our total reduction of CO 2 emissions that I just talked about might be considered insignificant, and I would agree. But all agencies and countries must start on this road to recovery.
Let me focus on the NSmen who make up the bulk of our SAF. Senior Minister of State Heng will touch on some initiatives to recognise their contributions, but I mentioned earlier a second high level committee.
This committee has been formed to look at two areas – the In-Camp Training (ICT) and the deployment of manpower, chaired by Deputy Secretary (Administration) and the Chief of Army. This committee must address the reduction in manpower and changes necessary to fulfil the aims of the SAF, as well as to meet the needs of a new generation of NS men, which many of you eloquently spoke for. The number of ICTs for each NSman will remain the same. Let me say that again – the number of ICTs for each NSman will remain the same. But we want to improve the outcome and efficiency of each ICT.
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For manpower, while we have already restructured the SAF to match the reduction in overall manpower, we do need to better match skills and aptitude of National Servicemen to their vocations, as well as to make training more focused on their operational roles. We will announce these specific changes in due course.
Last year, I informed the House about the Inspector-General’s Office (IGO) which was stood up to strengthen safety and Senior Minister of State Heng Chee How will share and reply to some of the questions that Members have raised.
Mr Chairman, as I have indicated previously, we can continue to maintain and grow the SAF with a defence spending that avoids sharp ups and downs but which at least keeps pace with inflation, about 3% to 4% nominal increase each year. A number of Members have asked – Mr Vikram Nair, Mr Douglas Foo and Ms Sylvia Lim – whether we are able to meet our challenges with the defence spending and I would say our assessment for now is yes. The commitment holds, with a projected increase for this year's Budget over last year's of 3.2%.
A number of questions have been asked, how do we make sure that not only are we prudent, but that our processes give us the maximum returns for each defence dollar – Mr Douglas Foo, Ms Sylvia Lim.
When we procure platforms or services, a thorough study is made on life-cycle costs. Ms Lim is quite right, I can sell you something with the low price but really dock off your dollars with high maintenance cost. We are a little better at the game. We put everything as life-cycle costs, so that I know the exact cost of a platform over its life-time; a thorough study is made.
Even though we have sensitive needs for the majority of projects, it is really by open tenders to ensure competitive building. So, if you take all our contracts that the SAF and MINDEF put out, majority are still by competitive bidding and open tenders. That is how we ensure we can get fair value. But even for classified needs, we ensure that a few companies pass security requirements. We pre-qualify them, in other words, we ensure that we have more than one company that satisfies our security requirements so that they can bid competitively. That is the second prong.
But in specific circumstances, which Ms Lim asked about, where requirements can only be fulfilled by a single vendor, DSTA does its own stringent costing and we will compare the bid price versus our internal costing, if it is too far from our evaluation, whether too high or too low, we re-evaluate it. Too high because this is not fair value. But too low, we are worried that you cannot deliver the product that I want.
These processes have strengthened our procurement and indeed if you ask the industry and the industry is well-informed, DSTA is widely acknowledged as a "tough customer" and "reference buyer"; people have said that to me. Because when DSTA signs off on this, it tells to the whole universe of procurers that this product is value-for-money. That is why sometimes they go the extra mile – the suppliers and the vendors make the extra efforts to try to sell things to us – because DSTA does a thorough evaluation not only in terms of ability, but value for money.
The other significant aspect to stretch the defence dollar is through design from inception. So, for example, the Army's Hunter Armoured Fighting Vehicles (AFVs) that were commissioned last year were chosen not only for their new capabilities but because they were maintenance-friendly by design. We saved up to 40% in maintenance costs as compared to other armoured vehicles. And there are many such examples where cost has been saved through maintenance or reduction in crew.
Mr Chairman, let me conclude. Let me thank the Members of this House for their strong and continued support both as Members of Parliament and in their individual capacity outside this House. It is the collective resolve and commitment of all Singaporeans, including Members of Parliament here, to build a strong SAF that protects our home and provides us assurance and space in this unpredictable world. [ Applause. ]
The Senior Minister of State for Defence (Mr Heng Chee How) : Mr Chairman, Minister for Defence just spoke about how our geopolitical environment is becoming increasingly complex. The SAF must evolve with these challenges in order to be able to mount a strong national defence. Our greatest asset remains our people, with National Service or NS, as the cornerstone of our defence. MINDEF and the SAF must therefore continue to invest in capable national servicemen, enrich their NS experience and strengthen Singaporean's support for NS.
The SAF is are committed to training our national servicemen effectively and safely. Families entrust their sons to us. We must and we will uphold the trust in us.
Mr Charles Chong asked about improvements to training safety. Last February, the SAF Inspector-General's Office, or IGO, was formed to scrutinise and enforce the safety measures in SAF units. IGO inspectors go to each unit to assess the robustness of their safety systems as well as their practices. They interview servicemen at every level – from commanders, to safety appointment holders, to soldiers – in order to understand how safety measures are practised on the ground and whether the soldiers themselves feel confident and comfortable to provide feedback on safety. The IGO has already audited 70% of all formations and their sub-units across the SAF and they will complete this first round of audits by September this year.
Safety audits aside, there must also be concrete, consistent action at all levels and at all times. The Army has introduced 100% inspections of all high-risk activities and field training. Existing equipment are regularly reviewed, while new equipment are designed with inbuilt safety features. For instance, the newly commissioned Hunter Armoured Fighting Vehicle comes with emergency stop features, as well as audio and visual alerts to prompt the crew about surrounding hazards.
As Mr Arasu Duraisamy pointed out, we want every soldier to consciously keep safe while they train. It is not a compromise, it is both at the same time. To achieve this, unit commanders conduct before- and after-action reviews and risk assessments with the units as part of their daily work. The 6th Army Maintenance Base is an example. During morning roll calls, their commanders and soldiers discuss openly about possible lapses or near-misses; for example, if you use the wrong tools or soldiers not wearing their helmets and so on. Using a simple Think-Check-Do approach, the soldiers systematically plan their steps, check their equipment and pre-empt risks before each maintenance task. Over time, every soldier will internalise these safety practices.
We are also harnessing technology. Last year, I spoke about SafeGuardian, which is a one-stop mobile app for on-the-go access to safety checklists, instant sharing of hazards among servicemen and notification amongst them of danger zones. By placing safety information within the easy and instant reach of our servicemen, we foster a culture of safety – "By All, For All". The app was trialed in our Naval Bases and feedback has been positive. We will be progressively rolling this out throughout the SAF.
I have spoken so far about preventive measures to keep our soldiers safe as they train. Mr Charles Chong asked how the SAF is improving its response to medical emergencies when accidents happen. SAF Medics undergo an 11-week training on life-saving skills. To enhance their competencies, the SAF has partnered the SCDF, under an initiative known as Project Serve, to create a six-month attachment within the SCDF's national emergency ambulances. In other words, the SAF medics go with the SCDF paramedics in the ambulances attending to real cases. By doing so, they put their knowledge into practice under real-life, time-pressured situations.
Recently, we also piloted the attachment of our medics to the NUH Emergency Medicine Department. Such hands-on trainings are extremely valuable to our medics – they have emerged from such trainings, more confident and competent in casualty management. Discussions are currently underway with both the SCDF and the other hospitals to extend and expand such programmes.
Through these various initiatives, we will build a capable fighting force that will always train effectively and safely.
Moving from safety to health, Mr Seah Kian Peng asked about the precautionary measures that the SAF has put in place to protect our servicemen in light of the COVID-19 threat. MINDEF and SAF take reference from the Government's advisories, guidelines and requirements. We gave pre-enlistees who have travelled to China and are due for enlistment a mandatory Leave of Absence (LOA) and deferred In-Camp Training for NSmen who have travelled to China.
Last week, we extended these measures to pre-enlistees and NSmen who have travelled to Daegu City or to Cheongdo County in South Korea, in line with MOH's revised advisory. In other words, we keep a very very close eye on the situation and we adjust accordingly.
All SAF Medical Centres have a Pandemic Readiness Response Plan and we hold sufficient supplies of Personal Protective Equipment and we also have medical personnel ready to manage suspected cases in line with MOH's requirements. With the change to DORSCON Orange, the SAF has also stepped up preventive measures within camps, requiring our personnel to take their temperature twice daily, conducting more frequent disinfection of workplaces as well as staggering meal times. We will continue to do our utmost to protect our servicemen.
Let me now talk about enhancing the NS experience. While our robust training and safety measures and medical support give our soldiers the confidence to train well and to train hard, the enduring strength of the SAF ultimately rests on the commitment on the part of our soldiers. This is why we constantly look for ways to improve the NS experience for every serviceman, at every stage of his NS journey. This point was raised by Mr Chong Kee Hiong.
For pre-enlistees, we are preparing them better for NS, both physically and mentally. As Mr Chong Kee Hiong pointed out, our pre-enlistees come from diverse backgrounds. For the vast majority, obviously are still citizens born and bred in Singapore and who, as Members have pointed out, most likely have family members who had undergone NS. Yet there are also new citizens and PRs who may not have family or friends who have undergone NS before. In other words, they may know less compared to Singaporeans who were born and bred here.
To better equip this group, we partnered ACCORD to appoint dedicated NS Coordinators in Foreign System Schools and Privately Funded Institutions in order to assist with their questions and clarifications about NS. We are also facilitating mutual learning and exchange among NS coordinators. In one such exchange, which was hosted by United World College (South East Asia) last year; I was there and the discussions were very enriching, frank and open. Everybody found it very useful. There will be another round upcoming and I look forward to attending it as well.
We are also aware that many pre-enlistees want to be more physically prepared before they enter NS. Hence, MINDEF is collaborating with SAFRA to make gym facilities more accessible through the Pre-Enlistees Exercise Programme for National Service, or PREP4NS. Under PREP4NS, pre-enlistees can sign up for a one-year complimentary membership to six SAFRA gyms conveniently located in different parts of Singapore. This trial is on-going, we have so far about 6,000 pre-enlistees signed up for the membership since its launch last November. We are also looking at increasing more venues and for this, we are now working with SportSG in order to see how best to give membership access its 24 gyms. More details on this will be provided later when we are clearer.
Let me move on now to our full-time National Servicemen, or NSFs. NSFs devote two full years to serving the nation. It is therefore incumbent upon us as stewards of their time and talents to make sure that we support their aspirations.
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So, take, for instance, the Vocational Interest initiative. This was started in 2016 and under this initiative, NSFs may indicate their interest in 33 NS vocations. What MINDEF, SAF does is, we do our best to match them as far as possible to the vocation of their choice, subject to, obviously, our operational requirements. This has been well-received amongst the NSFs. We are encouraged to see that more than 60% indicate interest in demanding vocations such as in Infantry, Guards, Armour and strong interest by our NSFs to also become commanders.
To help our NSFs acquire new skills as they transit to studies or work after their Operationally Ready Date (ORD), MINDEF introduced the "SkillsFuture@NS" initiative last year where NSFs can use their E-PREP credits, which is $350 worth of E-PREP credits, and they may access training and choose from a pool of about 3,000 courses. These courses range from SkillsFuture Series courses, to those offered by Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs) that will aid the NSFs in their admission or to gain them credit exemptions. Mr Chong Kee Hiong asked for an update on this.
So, for this year, we will be introducing further enhancements. First, NSFs can look forward to full subsidy of the E-PREP courses as opposed to currently allowing the E-PREP credits to fund up to 90%. You can fund it all.
Second, we will raise the number of E-PREP courses that are available, expand the pool of E-PREP courses. I am excited to share that two new institutions are coming on-board to offer E-PREP courses, namely, NUS and ITE, bringing the number of E-PREP partners to nine. For our existing E-PREP partners, we have also worked closely with them to expand their course offerings. With these additions, NSFs across the SAF and the Home Team will be able to enjoy a pool of some 4,000 courses, up 1,000 from last year, from 1 April this year. Out of these, close to 100 will be credit-bearing as they undertake further studies. This compares with 26, the year before.
In order to recognise the contributions of our NS personnel, we have also increased the monthly NS allowance quantums from their current levels, which varies according to your rank, vocation, deployment. They will go up by between an additional $70 to an additional $120. So, depending on what is your current rank, level, vocation and your deployment; it will go up by between $70 and $120. This will be applicable to NSFs and NSmen in both the SAF and the Home Team, covering all ranks and vocations from 1 March 2020. Mr Douglas Foo brought this up, I thank him for that.
As we continue to place our national servicemen at the heart of what we do, we also constantly ask ourselves – how can we serve ever more efficiently and effectively? This is why we are applying digital technologies to various facets of NS, from administration and training to healthcare. Ms Joan Pereira asked about this, so allow me to share some information.
For our servicemen, their NS journey begins at the Central Manpower Base, or CMPB. Over the years, we have enhanced the experience at CMPB for pre-enlistees. Infrared scanners were introduced in 2015 to measure body dimensions quickly and accurately. A real-time queue management system and facial recognition technology are also on trial for a more seamless experience.
Come June this year, we will complement these on-site enhancements with improved e-services to provide our pre-enlistees an even more hassle-free experience of completing most transactions online. For instance, pre-enlistees will be able to complete their bond and exit permit application in one single online application and transaction instead of the separate applications and transactions that they currently have to do. Pre-enlistees will also be able to monitor the progress of their applications online.
As for the new NS Hub to be completed in 2023, which Mr Arasu asked about, that will integrate smart technologies, such as biometric identification and other initiatives on trial at CMPB today. These, we expect, will cut waiting time by about a third.
Another initiative is "Virtual Care". Under Virtual Care, medical officers in the SAF use technologies such as digital stethoscopes and video conferencing tools to diagnose effectively and prescribe medicine for common ailments remotely. Last year, this service was piloted at two SAF medical centres. It has proven to be convenient, it actually also allows the diagnosis to be done faster because you do not have to wait for the doctor and the patient to physically meet as applied to common ailments. So, this has made medical services more accessible, more convenient and has reduced wait times.
I have just spoken about MINDEF and the SAF's efforts to provide the best possible experience for every national serviceman. As Mr Ang Hin Kee highlighted, our families, businesses, schools and community groups are also key pillars of support. Through ACCORD, we will continue to appreciate and rally strong societal support for NS. My deepest appreciation to ACCORD members especially, for contributing their ideas and for so proactively putting their initiatives into action within their respective communities.
The business community, for example, has stepped up to show appreciation for our soldiers. Earlier, Mr Douglas Foo has also elaborated on what the SMF as a business federation has done.
Under the "We Support NS" campaign, over 540 merchants, businesses and hawkers last year offered a wide selection of discounts to past and present national servicemen. Amongst them is Mr Anthony Low, hawker-owner and Chairman of Boon Lay Hawker’s Association. So, what Mr Low did was he rallied more than 60 hawker stalls within his Association's membership to provide privileges to national servicemen, after seeing how his son had toughened up through NS.
In so many different ways and individual ways, we can make a difference. So, every effort and every gesture counts and it is appreciated. To thank the businesses for their support, we held the inaugural "We Support NS" Appreciation Function last year and we thanked more than 200 merchants who came to meet us. We hope that the momentum can be kept up.
Likewise, ACCORD has engaged the communities – different communities – in multiple ways to continue fostering wide and deep support for NS. So, this journey never ends, and in the context of what was discussed, the need for Total Defence in all its dimensions is something that we have to keep doing and press on.
Mr Chairman, through continued whole-of-society commitment to our defence, we will demonstrate our will and resolve to protect Singapore's freedom and sovereignty, come what may.
The Senior Minister of State for Defence (Dr Mohamad Maliki Bin Osman) : Mr Chairman, the strength of a nation depends largely on the readiness of her people to resist and respond to the threats, and there are various manifestations. These demands and all-round defence and a deterrent strategy best provided by Total Defence, with its six pillars and emphasis on everyone playing their part.
Total Defence has rallied Singaporeans together in responding to challenges that have threatened our independence and well-being. Despite these challenges, be it threats from terrorism, economic downturns and SARS, we overcame them all. The outbreak of COVID-19 is the latest test of our collective strength as a nation. Mr Seah Kian Peng asked how Singaporeans can play a part to overcome this crisis.
In the past month, we have seen how fear of the virus had led to panic buying of household essentials, hoarding and profiteering from the sale of masks and shunning of our healthcare workers. Yet at the same time, we came across countless heartwarming examples of how Singaporeans have displayed quiet strength and resolve to fight this crisis together – residents leaving hand sanitisers and spare masks in common areas for others, and University students bringing food for their classmates who were on leave of absence.
Religious leaders have also come together to provide religious guidance during this period. The Islamic Religious Council for Singapore, for example, has said in an advisory to Muslims that Islam excuses those who are unwell from attending congregational prayers, including Friday prayers. Muslims are also advised to set aside the practice of salam or shaking hands to ensure that they do not transmit the virus. Some temples and churches are scaling back or cancelling regular services and urging followers to watch their services online instead. I really appreciate the guidance provided by the religious leaders to rally the community together in the current situation.
The Government is mindful that Singaporeans and businesses are facing pressures as Singapore is affected by economic downturn, slow-down and uncertainties from this COVID-19 outbreak. In Budget 2020, the Government has announced measures to help businesses directly affected by the outbreak. We must build resilience in our economy.
It is heartening to know that the businesses are exemplifying economic defence by implementing business continuity plans, sending workers for retraining and following calls to disinfect working areas regularly. Companies like Singapore Airlines, Singtel and SMRT, are finding ways to avoid retrenching their workers by cutting capital spending, operating costs and wages for managerial staff. Hopefully, these measures will provide workers with greater job assurance and help them cope and emerge stronger from the difficult period. Some like CapitaLand and Changi Airport have also offered rental relief to help retailers cope with the COVID-19 crisis.
As businesses do their part, fellow Singaporeans should also show solidarity – take the necessary precautions and carry on with our own life; eat and shop as you normally do and support these businesses. Please do not panic when you see shops disinfecting their premises or medical workers in Personal Protection Equipment or PPE providing assistance – these practices are routine precautionary procedures at a time like this.
As we fight the virus, concurrently, we are also fighting an even greater threat – the spread of fake news. According to a Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Study, fake news can travel six times faster than true stories.
In the past month, false information on the closure of schools and the closure of an MRT station due to the spread of COVID-19 was propagated.
When you receive messages or unsubstantiated information over WhatsApp or other online platforms, do not forward or circulate them. Always check the information against official sources like the Government websites or the official news releases. If you are unsure, do not spread the information. Such discipline will go a long way in our fight against fake news.
All in all, Singaporean can and will overcome this COVID-19 situation if Singaporeans are psychologically resilient and support the Government and businesses to deal with this outbreak. We should not be easily rattled and instead show confidence as a people. As my soldiers often say in Hokkien "ai zai" or be steady. Mr Chairman, may I say a few words in Malay, please?
( In Malay ) : [ Please refer to Vernacular Speech .] Religious leaders in Singapore have come together to provide religious guidance and to prepare measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19. For instance, the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (Muis) had advised Muslims in Singapore that, in Islam, those who are unwell are excused from attending congregational prayers, including Friday prayers. Muslims were also advised to set aside the practice of "salam" to avoid the transmission of the virus. Some temples and churches in Singapore are scaling back or suspending mass and regular services, and urging followers to watch their services online instead. I really appreciate the guidance provided by the religious leaders to rally the community together in this current situation.
As we try to prevent the transmission of this virus, there is an even greater threat that we must fight, that is, the spread of fake news. According to a Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) study, fake news can travel six times faster than true stories. In the past month, false information on the closure of schools and an MRT station due to the spread of COVID-19 was propagated. It is important to remember that, whenever you receive messages or unsubstantiated information over WhatsApp or other social media platforms, please do not forward or circulate them.
Please ensure that you check the information you receive against official sources, like the government websites and official news releases. If you are unsure, do not spread the information. We have to be disciplined in the fight against fake news. All in all, Singapore can and will overcome this COVID-19 situation if Singaporeans are ready, psychologically resilient and support the efforts by the government and businesses to deal with this outbreak. We should not be easily rattled and instead, be confident as a people. As my soldiers often say "Relax, Don't Be Stressed Out!"
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( In English ): Mr Chairman, the spread of falsehoods during this COVID-19 crisis is just one example of how fake news can damage our society, erode communal trust and social cohesion. Ms Joan Pereira asked how MINDEF is supporting the whole-of-Government efforts to prepare Singaporeans to combat the spread of online falsehoods and fake news.
As part of a broader effort to raise information literacy and increase Singaporeans’ understanding of digital threats, MINDEF, SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG), National Library Board (NLB) and Cyber Security Agency of Singapore had worked together to add a Digital Defence component to the SkillsFuture for Digital Workplace programme. The enhancement to the programme will equip participants with the skills to detect and deal with fake news and digital threats. At the same time, MINDEF/SAF has partnered NLB to enrich our existing BMT curriculum with content on cyberattacks and information threats. Now, BMT recruits will have to complete an e-module on Digital Security in the SAF and visit the Digital Defence exhibition at the Singapore Discovery Centre. Students who joined the 2019 N.E.mation! competition had the chance to visit the SAF Cyber Defence School, which equips the MINDEF/SAF's cyber workforce with skillsets and knowledge for deployment in cyber defence entities, to learn about the SAF's cyber capabilities and contributions to keep Singapore's network systems and infrastructure safe and secure. They also visited The Straits Times’ newly revamped newsroom to learn how ST detects and deals with fake news.
Online falsehoods can also affect the reputation and credibility of businesses and even cause serious financial losses. A case in point is Tesla. Last January, Tesla's shares and consumers' confidence in their products were affected when fake videos claiming that Tesla's cars were unsafe were circulated online. Mr Henry Kwek asked about the initiatives targeted at business owners to equip them to deal with digital threats. One of the many efforts to achieve this is a collaboration between MINDEF, SSG, the Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS) and NLB to introduce a Digital Defence component into the SUSS SME Resilience, Entrepreneurship and Nurturing programme to teach small- and medium-sized enterprise business owners how to use the S.U.R.E. (Source, Understand, Research and Evaluate) framework to better assess the reliability of information. We conducted one session last year and the feedback on this has been very positive so far.
While we do our utmost to defend Singapore against digital threats, we have to acknowledge that it is impossible to prevent all cyber and data incidents, especially by determined and capable adversaries. Dr Teo Ho Pin and Mr Seah Kian Peng asked about MINDEF's efforts to strengthen cyber security against potential threats and attacks on our security systems. MINDEF/SAF is doubling down on efforts to raise the cybersecurity standards and readiness within the entire defence sector, including our vendors and among MINDEF-related organisations like SAFRA and NSRCC. We will limit the amount of data they hold and ensure implementation of technical and procedural measures to protect the data during transmission and storage. In addition, I am happy to announce that the first batch of Specialists from the Cyber NSF scheme has been deployed into our cyber defence operations across MINDEF/SAF. The Defence Cyber Security Centre (DCSC) which was announced in 2019, has also reached 24/7 operating capability to monitor, detect and respond to threats. The DCSC will coordinate operations across the defence sector and integrate cyber threat intelligence capabilities.
While we step up efforts in digital defence, the multi-faceted threats of today mean that to keep Singapore strong, we need the collective effort of all aspects of society – Government, businesses, communities and individuals like you and me, across every Total Defence pillar.
Dr Teo Ho Pin asked about MINDEF's efforts to engage the community to strengthen resilience against potential threats. MINDEF is working with PA to introduce the Total Defence Achiever Badge programme this year for the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), which currently includes 2,000 active volunteers. To achieve the highest tier of this programme, CERT volunteers will have to attend lessons to learn how to identify fake news, community mediation and psychological first aid, among other training components. In this way, CERT volunteers will be better equipped with the knowledge and skills to respond to the evolving nature of emergencies, thereby putting Total Defence into action.
Dr Teo also asked for an update about the Government-led and community-led efforts to strengthen Total Defence. I am happy to share with the House that the community has, in various ways, taken ownership of Total Defence. One example is the collaboration between four NTU students, Coding Lab and Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) to develop a Total Defence board game within the Tiny Thinkers Starter Kit, which were given to pre-schoolers and parents of low-income families, with the aim of exposing young children to Total Defence.
As noted by Ms Joan Pereira, in many countries, education on the importance of resilience and emergency preparedness starts at a young age. In Singapore, to anchor Total Defence for our next generation, MINDEF collaborated with MediaCorp artiste Edmund Chen and the Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) to create "My Little Red Dot – Making Our Home A Better Place" book. Through this book, young children can learn about Total Defence in an interactive manner and parents are encouraged to share values, such as unity and resilience, with their children.
Mr Chairman, key to Total Defence is a strong SAF – our military defence pillar. For a small country like Singapore, the only way to have a credible military of sufficient size is to have a conscript force, where every able-bodied male Singaporean defends Singapore, thereby contributing to military defence. Earlier, Senior Minister of State Heng Chee How had talked about this extensively. I believe that strong family and societal support for our National Servicemen will motivate them to give of their best when performing their duties. To recognise and strengthen family support for all our servicemen, I am happy to announce that MINDEF and MHA will launch the SAFRA Family Scheme and HomeTeamNS Family Scheme this year. Under these schemes, Operationally Ready National Servicemen can sign up for a family package for himself and his dependants, regardless of the size of his family. This allows significant cost savings because servicemen no longer need to pay individual membership fees for each dependant. We hope that this will encourage more families to visit SAFRA and HomeTeamNS clubhouses, enjoy the facilities and spend more quality time together. SAFRA and HomeTeamNS will announce more details on this in mid-2020.
Last month, we launched the new Total Defence logo – the winning design, by Ms Samantha Teng, an Allied Educator. Mr Seah Kian Peng asked about the significance of the new logo and how Singaporeans responded to the call for the design of this new logo. In Ms Teng’s design, the arrows pointing upwards represent Singapore’s continuous journey to stay resilient against current and future threats. When we launched the logo competition, we wanted to create a new logo that represents all six pillars and, more importantly, to hear from Singaporeans what Total Defence meant to them. We were heartened to receive more than 600 designs by participants from all walks of life – from students, teachers, professional designers and retirees.
Global trends and threats are evolving and, as Mr Seah Kian Peng noted, one of the issues our youths and many young people around the world are increasingly concerned with is climate change. Given that Total Defence has kept Singapore strong for more than 35 years, it is timely for us, as a nation, to revitalise this all-round defence and deterrence strategy to address these threats confronting Singapore now and in the future. We will continue partnering fellow Singaporeans to seek ideas on how to strengthen our Total Defence because this should be a whole-of-nation effort. As part of the SG Together movement, MINDEF will conduct a series of engagement sessions in the second half of 2020, to hear from Singaporeans on how all of us can do better to put Total Defence into action and how Total Defence can be strengthened for our future. This will also allow younger Singaporeans to reflect on what Total Defence is to them and operationalise this as we respond to future threats and challenges.
In conclusion, Mr Chairman, although the COVID-19 outbreak has not ended, I believe that the collective effort from the Government, communities and individuals will see us through this crisis. We must continue to encourage the community spirit shown during this period and support those at the frontline. It is with this collective strength that we are able to stay resilient and united as one people. We must make Total Defence in every Singaporean's DNA. With a strong Total Defence, we have every reason to have confidence and a sense of hope for Singapore's future.
The Chairman : Clarifications? Ms Sylvia Lim.
Ms Sylvia Lim : Thank you, Chairman. Two clarifications for the Minister for Defence regarding our purchase of the F-35s. Earlier, the Minister mentioned that US Congressional approval has been obtained for the purchases. Do I understand that this is the in-principle approval that is needed and that the formal terms of the sale and purchase are still being negotiated and finalised? That is the first clarification.
The second clarification concerns his acknowledgement that there had been some technical issues with the plane and he mentioned that, to ensure that our defence dollars are well-spent, the timelines that are available to us will be useful. Could he elaborate a bit more about this aspect?
Dr Ng Eng Hen : First, on the process which is specific to the US requirements, the US DoD has to support, which they have. The administration has to support, which they did when we submitted our letter of request. On the Congressional side, it is not so much approval, but they can raise objections, which they have not.
So, basically, those processes have been done and the Member is quite right, we are at a stage where we are doing the terms of the sale and purchase agreement which will include aspects beyond the purchase of the F-35s for us – where we would like to base them when we are training together with the DoD and so on and so forth. I have said that we are in the final stages and we are. If all things proceed as we planned, then we will acquire it in 2026, we think.
For the second part of Ms Sylvia Lim's question, by the time we acquire it in 2026 or beyond – we have evaluated the first four F-35Bs that we have acquired and then made a decision – I think, in production, you would probably have, for F-35s and F35Bs, across the world a few thousand platforms used by many, many militaries.
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That is a good position. In other words, there are many vested interests for many countries who plan their air defence systems based on that acquisition.
With new platforms, not only with the F-35s but also F-16s and F-15s, you will always have design issues, operational issues. So, the assessments, of course, will be done technically as well as with our pilots. Basically, for us, in the Ministry, we have to ask questions and satisfy ourselves that there is a rigorous technical assessment. But if you speak to the pilots and the technical side of the house, they are quite confident that the main problems have been ironed out and that the platform will reach a steady state in which it is operational.
There are some issues related to maintenance and parts and so on, but that is logistics. What I meant was that it is good that we are in no hurry and we have to allow the systems to mature. I think most of the issues that were raised initially when the F-35 procurement was in its infancy would have been ironed out.
Mr Vikram Nair : I think the Minister mentioned there were three imminent threats: terrorism, cyber security and maritime threats, of which the most difficult to plan and deal with would be cyber. But the current plan is for the cyber security to be dealt with under the SAF and reporting to the Chief of Defence Force (CDF). Would the Minister also consider having a force outside the SAF to deal with this, particularly, so that it can tap talent which may not want to be in the military, such as the white hats or people with talent in this area?
Dr Ng Eng Hen : That is a good question, Mr Chairman. The cyber arena is enormous and there is a whole-of-Government approach where there is a committee which Senior Minister Teo chairs, looking at the overall picture, not only for cyber but business continuity under various aspects, logistics, so on and so forth. So, that is the whole umbrella. There are various agencies dealing, for example, with cyber threats. The SAF is one component of it. So, let us situate what the SAF does.
And, of course, we have the Cyber Security Agency, which is primarily responsible for protecting our networks and they were very involved when there was a – some Members here talked about data ex-filtration, rightly so – they were the ones. There are other Government agencies.
For the SAF, it would be similar to identifying threats as we do in the kinetic world, in the real world – air, land and sea. In other words, if there are state and non-state actors who are using the cyber realm to first infiltrate, then to decimate, to diminish our will, as a precursor, for example, to a kinetic move, as we talked about, a hybrid. A few years ago, I mentioned to this House this concept of hybrid warfare, which was surfaced by some military experts. We see it as the SAF's responsibility to identify these external threats.
For example, if there is a terrorist plot, first, to capture our population. Not necessarily jihadists. It could be any religion. To capture acolytes for their movements, as a long-term plan or even a medium term plan. We ought to be able to identify that. And together with that, information warfare, then to gather arms or to have plots or to commit sabotage. So, I think there has to be a central role for the SAF, which is similar to what we have defined as our role in protecting Singapore's sovereignty and stability. So, that will be the context.
Now, having defined our missions, then, who do you need? There are pros and cons, for example, even within the SAF and MINDEF context. We have talked about this. Is this better uniformed or non-uniformed? The comfort for any Minister or indeed, anybody who oversees the security for MINDEF and SAF is that the SAF is the quickest to mobilise. All of us know that. When you push a button, you know that the SAF can move. Whereas other units, there is a little bit more discussion, I think. But we also want it to be effective and efficacious, as well as efficient.
So, I think that we have settled that it should be the CDF to see C4I. As to how you raise them and what type of people you need, you are quite right, and that is why this committee will look at the recruitment processes. We take that for some, it would be similar to what we raised, for example, technicians in the technical force, but not quite similar; and there will also be certain, I suppose, they sit on the right side of the curve, they are very brilliant, but you do not know whether they can sit nicely in uniform and whether they can adapt to it. I think you know what we are talking about. So, there are these considerations which, over time, I think, we will be able to address.
Mr Chairman : Mr Vikram Nair, would you like to withdraw the amendment?
Mr Vikram Nair : I thank Minister Ng, Senior Minister of State Heng Chee How and Senior Minister of State Mohamad Maliki bin Osman for your comprehensive review of our defence. It has been quite an interesting development in our SAF with all the threats evolving, and I think we would also wish to thank our men and women in uniform who serve and protect us. Thank you all, and I seek leave to withdraw my cut.
[(proc text) Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. (proc text)]
[(proc text) The sum of $14,561,155,500 for Head J ordered to stand part of the Main Estimates. (proc text)]
[(proc text) The sum of $889,200,000 for Head J ordered to stand part of the Development Estimates. (proc text)]