预算辩论 · 2016-04-07 · 第 13 届国会

国防预算与安全挑战

Committee of Supply – Head J (Ministry of Defence)

AI 安全与伦理AI 与国家安全AI 与公共部门 争议度 3 · 实质辩论

议员质询新加坡国防预算，强调国家安全环境复杂多变，包括恐怖主义威胁、南海争端、朝鲜核威胁及海盗问题。政府回应强调新加坡武装力量的建设成就及应对多元安全威胁的必要性。核心争议点在于如何平衡有限资源与多重安全挑战的防御需求。

关键要点

  • • 恐怖主义持续威胁
  • • 南海局势紧张
  • • 朝鲜核威胁升级
政府立场

加强军力应对多重威胁

质询立场

关注预算合理性与安全挑战

政策信号

强化国防科技与人才培养

"The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) is now one of the most respected armed forces in the region."

参与人员（20）

完整译文（中文）

Hansard 英文原文译文 · 翻译日期：2026-05-02

安全环境

维克拉姆·奈尔议员（实龙岗）：主席女士，我请求动议，“将预算中J项的总拨款减少100元。”

1971年，当英国武装部队从新加坡撤离时，这标志着英国对新加坡防务长达约150年的监督结束。

历史上首次，新加坡突然需要自行负责国防。当时面临许多挑战。我们刚独立六年，仍在作为一个国家站稳脚跟。英国军队的撤离也带来了严重的经济影响。亚洲与世界其他地区一样，被冷战冲突和紧张局势分割，越南和朝鲜战争仍在进行。邻近地区，康弗朗塔西（对抗局势）仍历历在目，国内还有共产主义和种族骚乱的阴影。

对于一个小国来说，挑战在于如果遭到大国侵略，仍需有能力自卫。因此，新加坡一直必须建设武装力量，预防可能来自更大侵略者的威胁。我们试图通过实行国民服役和投资更先进技术来克服规模上的明显劣势。

新加坡武装部队（SAF）现已成为该地区最受尊敬的军队之一。我们的军事领导人在国际任务中表现出色，武装部队在协助各国进行灾难救援和人道主义工作方面赢得了良好声誉。

然而，SAF的主要目的是应对安全威胁，我将强调几个仍然令人担忧的威胁。

首先是恐怖主义。恐怖主义的蔓延在本地区持续存在。我们了解到东南亚是伊拉克和叙利亚伊斯兰国（ISIS）的重要招募地，ISIS在该地区建立了Katibah Nusantara战斗部队，负责2016年雅加达袭击事件。布鲁塞尔和巴黎的恐怖袭击是恐怖分子能力的严峻提醒。

第二，南中国海。尽管法律争端解决程序正在推进，南中国海的紧张局势仍在升级——事实上，可能正是对该程序的反应导致了紧张加剧。最新行动显示中国在该地区填海造地，建设防御设施和灯塔，而美国和澳大利亚继续主张航行自由。菲律宾和越南则通过法律程序维护其主权声索。

更令人担忧的是朝鲜半岛，朝鲜继续进行核试验，或许是我记忆中首次明确威胁发动核打击。如果成真，这可能改变战争的面貌。

更近的马六甲海峡仍有海盗事件。去年六月，八名持枪和砍刀的男子劫持了载有约6000吨价值超过500万美元汽油的油轮Orkim Harmony，试图将船驶向友好港口以抽取液体货物。安全部队发现后挫败了他们的计划，但他们乘救生艇逃脱。

主席女士，这些冲突有些看似遥远，有些则更接近我们，但我相信所有这些都是我们必须考虑的重要因素。作为一个小而互联的国家，新加坡很可能受到这些威胁的影响。我有兴趣了解国防部（MINDEF）对我所述威胁的看法，以及他们认为新加坡当前面临的最突出国家安全挑战是什么？

安全环境演变

扎基·穆罕默德议员（蔡厝港）：主席女士，今天的战争性质已经改变。威胁来自国家、组织和个人，他们试图破坏我们的安全。混合战争的威胁也在出现，我们从克里米亚的经验中学到，那里曾有一场有组织的行动，通过经济、社会心理以及网络战削弱国家防御，然后再进行军事行动。

去年，黄永宏部长广泛谈论了混合战争，他将混合战争描述为全面防卫的对立面。混合战争结合了国家和非国家行为者的常规与非常规战争工具。正因为这些胁迫和侵略工具范围广泛，导致像新加坡这样的国家可能难以识别攻击源头。

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此外，我们的世界日益互联。过去传统战场主要局限于空中、陆地和海洋领域，现代冲突已扩展到超越领土和地理边界的其他领域。那么，国防部观察到哪些趋势？我们是否在新加坡面临此类威胁？近几个月新加坡是否遭遇过此类威胁？具体有哪些？

显然，军事手段不足以应对混合战争威胁。那么，政府如何在各个方面应对战争威胁？我们如何让全面防卫的利益相关者参与进来？我们多年来对全面防卫已有深思熟虑，但鉴于其自创立以来的发展，我们如何将其提升到新水平？

恐怖主义

刘燕玲议员（蔡厝港）：主席女士，过去几个月，没有哪个地区未遭受恐怖袭击。我们都关注了拉合尔、布鲁塞尔、伊斯坦布尔的袭击新闻。但这些袭击仅是近期发生的恐怖事件的一小部分。

事实上，经济与和平研究所去年底发布的年度全球恐怖主义指数报告评估，恐怖主义处于历史最高水平，袭击范围和国家数量均创纪录。该指数显示，现今恐怖袭击中死亡人数是2000年的九倍。

特别是关于ISIS，一些分析人士观察到该组织战略的转变。《金融时报》近期文章指出，除了在伊拉克和叙利亚建立哈里发国外，ISIS正寻求在更远地区巩固其哈里发国，并向中东以外的敌人输出恐怖。雅加达的袭击和ISIS针对吉隆坡地点的新闻表明，ISIS的全球战略包括打击我们东南亚的家门口。

许多人仍前往伊拉克和叙利亚为ISIS作战。但更令人担忧的是，分析人士指出ISIS的战术也在转变。ISIS鼓励支持者——其中一些人从未去过中东——在本地城市发动袭击。没有具体行动指令，孤狼和小型狼群受到ISIS号召的启发采取行动。有些人获得了能造成大规模伤亡的武器或爆炸物。这对新加坡来说显然是一个令人警惕的趋势。

在近期多城市袭击后，军队与执法机构加强了应对措施。法国、比利时和马来西亚等国部署了军事巡逻。因此，我的问题是：国防部和新加坡武装部队在预防和应对恐怖袭击中扮演什么角色？

主席：维克拉姆·奈尔议员，您有两项削减，请合并发言。

武装部队与国土安全

维克拉姆·奈尔议员：首先谈国土安全。传统上，武装部队专注于外部威胁准备，内务部队则负责国土安全。迄今为止，内务部队在保障新加坡安全方面表现出色，及时识别并逮捕关键人员，挫败多起潜在恐怖威胁。

然而，若发生类似孟买或巴黎的大规模恐怖袭击——我们希望新加坡永远不会发生——但若袭击规模巨大，袭击者持枪械和炸弹，造成数百人死伤，可能需要军队介入，既打击消灭袭击者，也恢复公众信心。

我认为军队在国土防卫中的角色应谨慎调整，部署军队会向公众传递威胁严重的信息。若用于小规模威胁，公众可能误解形势而过度担忧或恐慌。反之，在袭击后已引发恐慌的情况下，军队介入可能有助于稳定局势。

武装部队是否有计划加强对国土安全的响应，以应对恐怖主义等威胁？

网络威胁

关于网络犯罪，最近有令人震惊的报道，黑客入侵了孟加拉国中央银行在纽约联邦储备银行的账户，盗取了约1.01亿美元。美国网络取证专家Fire Eye调查发现，大部分资金被转入海外账户，包括菲律宾和斯里兰卡。

据悉，黑客最初试图转出超过10亿美元，但美国联邦储备阻止了约8.5亿美元的转账。斯里兰卡已追踪并归还约2000万美元，但转入菲律宾的约8000万美元仍未找到。

显然，被转出的金额惊人，显示黑客能够突破政府机构的能力。很明显，国家也可能成为网络犯罪的受害者。更令人担忧的是，黑客技术也被国家行为者利用，包括本应友好的国家。例如，德国总理安格拉·默克尔的电话被美国国家安全局窃听的消息，曾引发外交紧张。但这可能只是国家支持的黑客行为的缩影，类似事件可能在其他地方也在发生。

鉴于网络威胁上升，国家行为者既可能是受害者，也可能是责任方，国防部是否有计划发展能力以应对这一威胁？

网络安全

傅志坚议员（先锋）：主席女士，我想补充维克拉姆·奈尔议员关于网络安全的发言。众所周知，电子商务和通信在新加坡日益重要，我们在工作、娱乐乃至许多活动中越来越依赖它们。特别是新加坡致力于成为智慧国，网络安全日益受到关注。

网络犯罪范围广泛，从高度复杂的犯罪集团到孤狼黑客，甚至是无法抗拒破解密码或入侵计算机系统诱惑的年轻人。例如2014年Singpass被黑事件，一名男子破解了约300个用户账户，并将个人数据出售给中国的犯罪团伙，目的是申请新加坡签证。该男子通过猜测算法破解用户密码。幸运的是，此事件未造成更大损害。若网络攻击者是恐怖组织，后果可能更严重。

我想请问部长，各政府机构，尤其是国防部，如何与新成立的网络安全局（CSA，隶属于信息通信发展局IDA和通讯及新闻部MCI）协调合作，加强新加坡的网络安全？有哪些预防措施？若发生攻击，尤其影响能源、水务和银行等关键服务，我们如何应对？灾难恢复和业务连续性计划有哪些？

网络防御

刘义强议员（阿裕尼）：主席女士，我注意到武装部队于2013年成立了集中式网络防御行动中心。鉴于当今社会和军事行动的网络中心化特征，这类能力非常重要。我有三组问题请教国防部。

首先，请国防部向公众保证武装部队在网络防御方面的准备情况，并说明其应对的威胁类型。网络攻击不仅限于传统军事行动，还可能涉及收集和破坏敏感信息，瘫痪公共设施、通信、金融系统、应急医疗、商业基础设施甚至交通管理系统。这些行为会扰乱社会，使其易受压力影响。国防部的网络防御如何应对这些问题？

其次，国防部计划发展哪些新能力？如何确保新加坡得到充分保护？此外，网络防御能力可能引发邻国的猜疑和紧张，最终可能降低国家安全。国防部如何计划在发展网络防御能力时减轻此类风险？

最后，网络防御工具强大且难以检测。国防部如何确保对其系统有足够监督，防止其他个人或政府机构不当使用？国防部能否向公众保证，例如通过发布年度报告或审计，披露网络风险、违规事件及缓解措施？

防务外交

维克拉姆·奈尔议员：主席女士，防务外交是新加坡防务战略的重要组成部分。虽然外交部负责国家间的官方外交关系，我们的武装部队也在与其他国家军方建立关系方面发挥了重要作用。

这些关系帮助我们获得海外训练场地，与外国军队联合训练的机会，更重要的是与外国军方建立良好关系，以便在需要时拥有盟友。

在这方面，区域内两大主要大国是美国和中国，两国在地区安全与稳定中扮演重要角色。我很高兴得知新加坡已与美国签署防务合作协议，并与中国达成四点共识，促进双方关系深化。国防部能否介绍过去一年与美中两国的防务关系最新情况？

主席：马业成议员，您有三项削减，请合并发言。

双边防务关系

马业成议员（淡滨尼）：主席女士，作为被更大国家包围的小红点，新加坡的安全与邻国关系密不可分。

因此，新加坡与马来西亚、印度尼西亚及文莱保持长期防务关系是非常合理的。众所周知，国防部和武装部队高级官员定期与对方会面，武装部队也进行定期双边演习、高层访问和专业交流。

随着领导层变动、地缘政治形势发展，以及区域和国际安全环境演变，我们的关系如何与时俱进，适应不同优先事项？

我还想请国防部介绍与邻国的双边防务关系现状。近期有哪些交流活动？这些如何促进新加坡利益？

与澳大利亚的防务关系

2015年6月，李显龙总理与时任澳大利亚总理托尼·阿博特签署了新加坡-澳大利亚全面战略伙伴关系（CSP）。根据CSP，两国旨在通过名为2025计划的路线图，在贸易经济、外交、防务安全和人文交流四个领域深化合作。

在防务安全方面，CSP将建立在新加坡与澳大利亚国防机构之间的坚实关系基础上。两国均为五国防务安排成员，武装部队曾在中东并肩作战。澳大利亚目前承办新加坡陆军和空军的军事训练。

在签署CSP时，李总理宣布新加坡和澳大利亚计划于2016年签署防务合作协议。那么，CSP对防务有何影响？国防部如何推动与澳大利亚的防务关系？

多边论坛

主席女士，东盟防长会议（ADMM）首次会议于2006年5月举行，设立为东盟最高防务协商与合作机制。四年后，ADMM-Plus成立，作为东盟成员国与八个对话伙伴（澳大利亚、中国、印度、日本、新西兰、韩国、俄罗斯和美国）之间实务合作的平台，迄今已召开两次会议。

我想问国防部，能否分享为何通过这些多边平台与其他国家的国防机构和军队进行接触。通过这些多边论坛取得了哪些成果，目前正在探索哪些新的务实合作领域？随着东盟共同体2015的实现，东盟将如何将区域防务合作提升到新的高度？

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主席女士，我了解到东盟防长会议（ADMM）下的合作领域之一是灾难救援和人道主义援助，以便在灾难发生时能够更团结、更有效地响应。在这方面，国防部能否分享东盟成员国如何在最近的区域灾害中合作，比如沙巴地震？

当前的区域安全格局还面临非传统安全挑战，如海上安全以及极端组织和激进团体所犯下的暴力和残暴行为的上升。多边论坛如何帮助新加坡更好地应对这些新挑战？

新加坡武装部队的国防开支策略

蔡依娜议员（巴西立-榜鹅）：主席女士，日益复杂和动荡的安全环境促使本地区的国防开支增加。同样，新加坡也需要确保我们仍然具备应对这些威胁的能力和准备。

作为一个自豪的国家，我们绝不容忍对主权的威胁，也绝不允许安全受到妥协。基于此，我想问部长，新加坡武装部队的国防开支策略是否有所改变？是否有计划以更快的速度增加国防开支？我们在国防开支中关注的新领域有哪些？

国防白皮书

毕达姆·辛格议员（亚逸拉惹）：主席女士，多年来，亚太地区发布国防白皮书已成为一种日益普遍的现象。中国于1998年发布了首份国防白皮书，日本则在2005年发布。当向公众介绍当前安全环境、军事战略方向及核心使命时，这类白皮书有效地解释了为何需要一支强大且坚定的军队来捍卫国家主权。

然而，有时人们不太理解的是，这些白皮书在增进和建立国家间信心与信任方面的影响。事实上，在2016年澳大利亚最新国防白皮书发布之前，澳大利亚曾向中国和印度尼西亚——两个关键伙伴——通报其意图。今年新加坡拉惹勒南国际研究院（RSIS）的一篇评论指出，澳大利亚2016年白皮书向东南亚发出了强烈的积极信号，可能有助于该地区的稳定与和平。

十多年前，东盟地区论坛建议发布并交换国防白皮书。值得注意的是，前国防部长李文阳先生在1995年曾在本院逐字引用澳大利亚国防白皮书的部分内容，以此体现两国良好关系。我认为，通过白皮书更广泛地发布此类举措，将有利于国防部在国内外的利益。

作为国家预算最大消费者的国防部，始终会被质疑其国防开支的性质和规模。这种质疑只会增加，未来几年不会减少。事实上，值得注意的是，国防部在2016财年政府开支控制文件中仅占八页，而法务部这一预算远小得多的部门则有超过40页。

国防部发布未来白皮书无需透露任何机密信息。但目前的状况过于不透明，尤其是在SG50之后的经济环境中，应以更大的财政审慎应对多项国家优先事项，这些事项都同样值得重视。白皮书将有助于从一方面阐明国防部的使命和需求，另一方面说明其预算需求，并置于小国需求的背景下加以考量。

最后，主席女士，几年前，台湾甚至发布了白皮书的漫画版，以培养年轻读者对军事服役的兴趣。我并非建议我们也这样做，但这说明白皮书为国防部提供了极大的灵活性，决定如何最好地传达其信息。日本的白皮书经验颇具启示性，从2015年的简略版发展到去年的更全面版本。国防部的白皮书甚至可以用来展示国防部对安全制度的重视，这也是我下一轮发言将谈及的内容。

安全形势与新加坡武装部队的角色

副教授法蒂玛·拉蒂夫（海洋坊）：女士，我们生活在一个相互关联的世界，面临恐怖主义、安全威胁、网络攻击、技术战争及许多其他不良活动的问题。几乎每个月都会有爆炸、战争、争端发生，影响许多无辜公民。这些都是包括新加坡在内的国家的重大关切。全球各国军队都处于高度戒备状态。

国防部如何确保我们的武装部队保持相关性并适应不断变化的安全环境和形势，在这些挑战的背景下？作为一个小国拥有一支小型军队，我们准备好应对这些威胁了吗？我们的人员还能发挥哪些其他作用以提升威慑水平？

主席：陈洁仪女士，请将您的两段发言合并。

新加坡武装部队现状及其能力

陈洁仪女士（东海岸）：女士，随着财富增长，采购最新技术和能力并不能为我们带来可持续优势。新加坡武装部队以拥有尖端能力为荣。虽然武装部队确实从海外采购装备和平台，但也通过对人员、设施、技术及复杂防务系统的研发投资，建设新加坡本地的国防科技能力。

我们拥有哪些本地国防技术能力？这些能力如何助力武装部队的技术优势和本土科技能力？鉴于国家层面对工程人才的竞争需求，国防部采取了哪些措施确保持续拥有所需的工程人才和能力，以发展我们的本土国防科技能力？

海外训练

我们看到本地区及全球的安全关切日益加剧。面对更大的不确定性和更广泛的威胁，包括常规威胁及非对称威胁，如恐怖主义和网络战争，武装部队如何确保防务力量的作战准备？武装部队定期在海外进行训练的作战价值何在？这些训练如何确保我们的部队确实做好准备？

在美国、澳大利亚、德国、法国和新西兰等国进行的海外演习的目标是什么？这些国家在气候、地形和植被等方面与我们本地及区域条件有很大不同。此类海外训练演习对国民兵士兵及运营成本均有影响。武装部队如何确保社会继续支持这一国防承诺？

参与此类海外演习，我们的士兵需要离开家庭和工作岗位。虽然我们需要实现训练效果，武装部队如何平衡对工作、家庭及国民兵士兵机会的影响？面对变革的节奏、持续学习和技能提升的需求，武装部队如何支持国民兵士兵应对这些与海外训练和作战需求之间的竞争压力？

武装部队在非战争军事行动（MOOTW）中的角色

傅志坚议员：主席女士，我的发言涉及武装部队在非战争军事行动中的角色。正如各位议员所知，武装部队成立于1965年，是新加坡独立的必然产物，主要职责是保障新加坡的外部防御。

如今，我们的第三代武装部队以装备精良著称，能够抵御外部威胁。武装部队被广泛尊重为一支强大且专业的军队。它保障新加坡的主权，使所有新加坡人能够安居乐业，安心知道新加坡受到良好保护。

然而，新加坡面临的威胁已超越传统战争，扩展到反恐、海盗及人道主义援助和灾难救援（HADR）等领域。尽管武装部队参与了许多非战争军事行动，我认为现役国民服役兵和预备役军人的训练大纲仍主要基于传统武装冲突。

因此，我希望部长帮助我们了解武装部队如何准备应对我所描述的新挑战。武装部队在情报、技术和装备方面准备得如何，以应对反恐？此外，武装部队是否会被召集协助内务部队进行反恐行动，超出目前保护关键设施的职责？

2015年，新加坡协助了多项任务，如泰国清迈和苏门答腊的森林火灾扑救，以及尼泊尔地震后的搜救行动。许多新加坡人以参与这些人道援助和灾难救援行动的武装部队及内务部队人员为荣。鉴于灾难时有发生，无论是在本地还是海外，我想问部长，武装部队是否有足够训练有素的人员，能够在区域或全球重大灾难发生时部署？

武装部队转型

蔡依娜议员：女士，每位新加坡人都知道我们不能把安全视为理所当然。当前局势日益动荡，新威胁的消息似乎越来越接近家门口。可以理解，这会让公民感到担忧。今天的威胁往往不会提前显现，等到出现时，我们已见过其他国家往往为时已晚。

虽然武装部队可能已准备好应对当前威胁，但这些威胁——如同其他事物一样——将持续演变。我们的国防策略不是仅仅跟上，而是确保我们始终领先一步甚至多步。这带来双重好处：威慑潜在敌人，同时确保我们能够迅速果断地应对任何威胁。

我想问部长，武装部队如何发展能力以保护新加坡免受未来威胁？国防部能否提供武装部队转型计划的最新情况？

随着威胁演变，我们的防务能力也应随之发展。失败的后果极其严重，我们不能对此掉以轻心。

武装部队的人力和能力

副教授法蒂玛·拉蒂夫：女士，通常一个国家的军队需要达到一定的关键或最低规模。新加坡的人口更替率极低，每年出生的婴儿数量减少。这也意味着每届征兵人数减少。武装部队如何在这些“缩减”的人力数字下维持能力和规模？我们如何确保最大化他们的潜力？

多年来，我们还战略性地发展了第四代武装部队（4G-SAF）和专业技能。技术能力和提升也非常活跃。这些对技术和信息技术的投资能否帮助我们应对和弥补人力减少的问题？

国防部长（黄永宏博士）：主席女士，首先感谢多位议员指出新加坡当前面临的安全挑战。我认为他们表达得很有力，提出了许多有效且准确的观察。总体而言，他们传达了这样一个事实：尽管我们都希望和平，努力促进国家间更大的合作与理解，但无论是世界还是我们所处的地区都不是乌托邦；每一代新加坡人都会面临威胁，每一代都必须更新保护所珍视之物的承诺，否则将失去它；我们只能依靠自己保卫新加坡；我们需要与志同道合的伙伴合作，处理潜在的麻烦。新加坡和新加坡人必须为SG50之后这个新时代的“动荡和平”做好准备。

每一代新加坡人都必须面对自己的安全威胁。正如维克拉姆·奈尔议员指出，开国一代经历了不易的时期。确实，正如他所说，20世纪60至70年代是亚洲，尤其是东南亚的动荡时期。无论是对抗印尼的对抗政策（Konfrontasi），还是意识形态上的反共和反宗派斗争，这些冲突常常导致暴力或颠覆。由于东南亚国家在60至70年代刚刚独立，刚摆脱殖民统治，个别国家更关注自身国家议程，而非区域合作。

下午1时45分

如今地缘政治有所改善，我们谈到了东盟。东盟已成为国际动态中公认的区域共同体，拥有良好的增长和与其他国家的强劲关系。但正如议员们所说，挑战依然存在。副教授法蒂玛·拉蒂夫指出，我们生活在一个相互关联的世界。确实，许多议员提到，世界其他地区发生的事件虽然远在天边，但正如蔡依娜议员所说，越来越接近家门口，无论是恐怖主义还是技术战争。正如维克拉姆·奈尔议员指出，最近南海局势多变，恐怖袭击频发，还有涉及美国联邦储备银行的复杂网络攻击。

议员们提出了关键问题——维克拉姆·奈尔议员、毕达姆·辛格议员、扎基·穆罕默德议员、刘谦祥议员、副教授法蒂玛·拉蒂夫、刘燕玲女士、傅志坚议员和蔡依娜议员。总结来说，他们问：新加坡面临的主要安全威胁是什么？与往年相比有多大？武装部队如何应对这些威胁？我们如何保障新加坡和新加坡人的安全？我们准备得如何？这些都是可能深刻改变我们生活的重要问题。我完全同意蔡依娜议员所说，失败的后果将是严重的。因此，我打算在本次拨款委员会答复中回答这些问题。

首先是恐怖主义。当前对我们的明确且迫切的威胁是恐怖主义。目前没有具体情报显示针对新加坡的迫在眉睫的阴谋，但我们的情报机构普遍评估几乎所有城市都是潜在目标，包括新加坡。议员们已经知道过去18个月内其他城市发生的袭击——巴黎、悉尼、圣贝纳迪诺、伊斯坦布尔、曼谷、雅加达、布鲁塞尔，最近还有拉合尔。几个月后，你可能还要在名单上添加更多城市。新加坡面临的ISIS威胁等级高于基地组织（AQ）和伊斯兰祈祷团（JI）活跃时期的威胁等级。如果你想要一个简单的数字，基地组织在过去10年吸引的同情者和行动者数量，ISIS在过去三年已超过该数字。因此，我们评估ISIS的威胁高于基地组织和伊斯兰祈祷团。让我解释我们做出这一评估的原因。

首先，ISIS拥有更强的手段。ISIS控制着伊拉克和叙利亚的领土和油田，从中获得资源，资助数万名战士并推进其目标。ISIS甚至像军队一样使用无人机执行任务。事实上，他们就是一支军队。他们能够远程策划和协调袭击，正如他们在巴黎、布鲁塞尔甚至我们附近的雅加达所做的那样。他们的触角可以伸得很远。本周，马来西亚警方透露，ISIS向维克拉姆·奈尔议员提到的“卡蒂巴·努桑塔拉”分配了约10万新元资金。该组织是马来群岛作战单位，ISIS向其提供资金以资助东南亚的恐怖袭击和爆炸事件。

正如一些议员观察到的，ISIS的行动者和同情者已在我们地区形成网络。过去一年，近千名东南亚人前往伊拉克和叙利亚参战，其中包括新加坡人。还有更多人未出国便被激进化。最近，大家可能已读到四名新加坡人被阻止前往中东参加武装冲突。正如议员们指出，归国战士将带回极端主义意识形态，分享武器、爆炸物和实战经验。此外，我们知道他们已与现有的细胞组织联系，如伊斯兰祈祷团的分支“安沙鲁特·陶希德”和阿布沙耶夫。正如我所说，ISIS拥有更强的手段。

第二，ISIS有动机。在我们地区，ISIS宣称其使命是建立一个“省”（wilayat），即“哈里发国”，而Katibah Nusantara正领导这场运动。东南亚“哈里发国”的核心意识形态将已经在苏拉威西、亚齐和菲律宾南部建立训练营的伊斯兰激进分子联系在一起。甚至维吾尔人也被知晓加入了由印尼激进分子Santoso领导的苏拉威西训练营。我不确定此前印尼激进分子与维吾尔人之间的联系有多么脆弱，但在这里，你可以看到——这种意识形态将他们绑在一起。

在这种叙述中，新加坡是一个有吸引力的目标。去年，Dabiq——“Dabiq”是ISIS出版的英文通讯——将新加坡列为“伊斯兰国的敌人”之一，并呼吁追随者对我们发动圣战。

第三，ISIS有机会。每一个购物中心、每一个拥挤的地方都是暴力极端分子针对无辜平民、制造尽可能多的痛苦和混乱的机会。ISIS的行动者和同情者，尤其是我们称之为“清白皮肤”的人——即无犯罪记录者——可以旅行并走私武器和爆炸物的部件。樟宜机场去年接待了超过5500万名乘客，还有更多人通过新加坡的陆路和海路检查站。内政部（MHA）已加强安检，但恐怖分子只需成功一次。

在这种情况下，新加坡——或者说任何城市——能否向居民保证不会发生极端分子袭击？我认为答案显而易见。只有愚蠢和自满的政府才会提供这种虚假的安全感。相反，我们必须加强防御，增强公民的信心，更重要的是，正视这一威胁，并准备共同应对后果。

我将详细说明新加坡武装部队（SAF）将如何应对。但即使我们要求新加坡人准备应对极端主义威胁，我也要说，我们必须同时关注周边国家间关系的轨迹。正如议员们指出的，南中国海和东中国海的争端正在加剧。这是战略竞争和民族主义上升这一更强大动态的表现。这种不同于二战后、不同于冷战时期的动荡状态正在制造紧张局势。这种动态将考验现有的军事合作和联盟；它将考验国际协议或法律，甚至联合国海洋法公约（UNCLOS）。让我举几个例子说明我的意思。

日本战斗机经常紧急起飞，应对进入日本防空识别区（ADIZ）的中国人民解放军（PLA）军机。解放军飞机飞入钓鱼岛/尖阁诸岛周边有争议的空域。因此，日本必须做出反应，紧急起飞。这是常见现象。

再举第二个例子。南中国海主权声索中最大重叠部分是越南专属经济区（EEZ）与中国的“九段线”。大家还记得两年前，越南和中国船只因南海一座石油钻井平台发生冲突。你们也会记得，越南爆发抗议，焚烧外资工厂，目标是中国拥有的工厂。不幸的是，一些台湾工厂也被烧毁了。他们无法区分，听到讲普通话，就被烧毁了。最近，越南海警扣押了一艘涉嫌在越南水域作业的中国油轮。还有一个前所未有的事件——如果你们没注意到——日本潜艇上个月首次抵达越南的金兰湾国际港。

再举一个更近的例子：印尼政府对其专属经济区内的非法捕鱼采取了强硬立场。自2014年佐科·维多多总统上任以来，印尼已没收并销毁约150艘外国渔船。就在上个月，中印海警与印尼巡逻船发生对峙。印尼随后宣布计划向纳土纳群岛部署战斗机。据称，为显示实力，印尼国防军（TNI）的军舰被用来炸毁这些商船。虽然这不是最具成本效益的解决方案，军用弹药成本更高，但作为实力展示，他们会用TNI炸毁这些船只。

正如我们观察到的，这些事件发生的频率越来越高。我们必须记住，这些事件发生在亚洲历史上最高的军事开支背景下。事实上，自2012年以来，亚洲在国防上的总支出已超过欧洲，按绝对美元计算。民族主义上升和经济改善促使许多亚洲国家投入越来越多资金现代化军队。这本身无可厚非。但军力增强后，误判或失误可能引发严重紧张甚至武装冲突。

观察周边安全挑战，这种动荡的和平状态重申了我们稳健和审慎的国防开支政策。Zainal Sapari议员和副教授Fatimah Lateef都提到了这个问题。我感谢这里所有政党的议员——包括非选区议员（NCMP）——多年来对国防预算的坚定支持。议员们共同明智地没有把短暂的和平视为理所当然。正如一些议员指出的，新加坡本也可以走欧洲国家的道路，享受“和平红利”，因为共产主义威胁减弱，东盟也在进步。但如果我们因此自满，国防能力投资不足，就像芬兰或波罗的海国家一样，我们现在会后悔并急于追赶。但我们避免了国防开支的剧烈波动，保持了强大的武装部队。

未来十年对新加坡不会轻松。事实上，我相信未来几十年将是新加坡自独立以来面临的最大挑战。我们从未遇到生产要素减少而需求增加的情况。即使在1960和1970年代，需求增加时，我们也享受了人口红利。但到2030年，我们将有近一百万人超过65岁，劳动力减少，社会开支需要增加。

下午2点

即使人口老龄化和社会开支增加，我们也必须保持稳定的国防开支，因为这是最有效地延伸每一国防资金的方式。它使我们能够进行长期规划，避免因开支波动带来的破坏性变化。正如Sapari议员指出的，其他国家也发现，突然醒悟“哦，我需要更强的国防，因为威胁加剧了”，然后迅速建立强大国防，是为时已晚，收效甚微。

本人民行动党政府将继续明智投资，审慎支出国防。国防部（MINDEF）只购买武装部队（SAF）需要的装备，且经过严格评估程序。我们不会盲目采购昂贵或高度复杂的装备。我们采用最具成本效益的方案，明确考虑需求。首选是升级现有平台，例如F-16战机，我们将对其进行升级。只有当新加坡需要保持防御优势时，才购买新装备。

一些议员问我如何看待未来的国防开支。过去十年，我们的国防开支大致跟上通胀，名义上每年增长约4%。我预计长期保持这一趋势，但我们必须关注通胀，观察是否出现通缩或通胀放缓。有时这些变化不会迅速反映在我们购买的装备上，因此我们必须观察。

这种动荡的和平时代被夸大了吗？有人这么说，也有人质疑：我们真的需要那样的国防吗？美国作为世界上最富有的民主国家，拥有最大和最强的军队，或许可以采取这种态度，承担后果。但对新加坡来说，一个位于极端主义威胁、民族主义上升和战略竞争区域中心的小红点，我们应防范最坏情况，提前准备。

事实上，一些学者甚至世界领导人认为，“战争”的面貌已经改变，且已降临。与过去战争在特定地区进行不同，今天的冲突越来越无国界，波浪式发生。针对极端主义，先是基地组织（AQ）和9/11事件，虽被削弱，但现在是ISIS。如果ISIS被击败，我相信另一个组织会崛起取代它。它可能不在伊拉克或叙利亚，但有许多失败国家，极端组织可以在那里获得地理立足点并获取资源，无论是利比亚还是其他国家。

在网络攻击和生物大流行中，零点可以是任何地方。我们曾担忧印尼的禽流感；严重急性呼吸综合症（SARS）发生在世界某些地区；寨卡病毒在某些国家爆发；这些都可能在任何地方出现并迅速传播。根据这种新叙述，这种动荡的和平是我们全球化世界的新常态。

Zaqy Mohamad议员谈到了正在进行的混合战争。确实，它是全民防卫的对立面。如果你想想，三十多年前推出全民防卫的那一代人是先见之明且非常聪明的，因为混合战争是一场有组织的运动，旨在削弱和分裂目标国家的团结。这不是笑话，因为它正在被实践。

根据这一理论，侵略者针对特定国家或国家群体，进行长期运动，破坏其民事、经济、社会、心理和军事防御。这相当于我们的全民防卫。例如，ISIS巧妙地运用混合战争，利用社交媒体以复杂方式针对年轻和无辜者。甚至看似无害的网络游戏也被用来让年轻人认同其理念，令人震惊的斩首和焚烧人质的宣传视频在网络上疯传，吸引更多同情者。

议员们谈到了网络攻击。网络攻击是混合战争的组成部分。去年12月，身份不明的黑客攻击了乌克兰电网，导致该国大部分地区停电数小时。想象一下，如果我们的电网瘫痪，交通信号灯失灵，发电站故障——国家很容易被瘫痪。

因此，对手可以瘫痪目标国家的关键操作系统，窃取国家和人民的机密，侵入人民的心智，而无需踏足其土地。新加坡特别容易受到混合威胁，因为我们是开放经济体，与世界紧密相连。

这里的议员们问SAF应如何应对这种动荡和平的新常态。我很高兴地说，国防部和SAF的领导层十多年前就预见到了这些广泛挑战。正如Cedric Foo议员指出的，之前的SAF结构无法果断应对更广泛的威胁，因为之前的SAF结构主要集中在陆军的联合兵种，配备有称职的空军和海军。它们不足以应对非传统安全挑战——自然灾害或混合威胁，如网络攻击或恐怖主义。但正如议员们指出的，今天的威胁范围持续扩大和演变，SAF必须适应。让我分享SAF为果断应对所做的工作。

主席女士，允许我在屏幕上展示一张信息图，说明SAF如何加强反恐准备。

主席：好的，请。 [ 向尊敬的议员们展示了幻灯片。 ]

自9/11以来，SAF成立了多个任务部队应对和平时期的威胁。这些任务部队处于高度戒备状态，人员齐备，能够在几乎没有预警的情况下迅速响应。让我详细介绍这些任务部队。特种作战任务部队（SOTF）由突击队、海军潜水队及三军各单位组成，是SAF反恐和其他应急行动的第一响应者。还有一个负责国土安全的任务部队，称为岛屿防御任务部队，已投入运作。换言之，它由现役和国民服役人员保护关键设施，保障国土安全。如果你去过樟宜机场、裕廊岛或三巴旺码头，你会见到他们。他们定期与内务部队联合巡逻，因应真实威胁，他们配备武器并有明确交战规则。

海上，海事安全任务部队保护我们的水道，防空任务部队严密监视我们的天空。2008年孟买袭击后，我们的应对计划再次加强，强化与内务部队及其他政府机构的联系。

我们已评估恐怖主义威胁上升。未来几个月，SAF将加倍努力，提升反恐能力。首先，研究巴黎、雅加达和布鲁塞尔事件，SAF将增强事件响应能力。SOTF必须具备更快响应能力，并有能力消灭武装袭击者，除了救援人质。

一些议员问：我们能用技术吗？确实，我们必须用。SAF正与国防工程师和科学家合作，为特种部队配备更好的战术传感器，如微型无人机（UAV），可能小到能放在手掌，适合城市地形。我们将继续开发新技术和工具，赋予SAF反恐优势。

在这方面，与内务部队紧密无缝合作至关重要，才能发挥我们安全能力的全部力量。SAF正密切合作，分享情报，开发联合作战指挥系统。我们进行更多联合演习。去年，举行了“高峰演习”，验证政府整体应对同时发生的海上安全威胁。在演习中，新加坡警察部队（SPF）、内务部队、SAF、新加坡民防部队（SCDF）、移民与关卡局（ICA）和海事及港务局（MPA）协同作战，拦截恐怖分子快艇，突袭被劫持的商船，并处理后续情况。

第二，更多SAF单位将接受训练，承担更广泛的安全任务。我们不假设袭击只由单独行动者或小团体实施——如Low Yen Ling女士所说，类似雅加达事件。我们必须能应对有组织的袭击，如巴黎和布鲁塞尔事件，机场、地铁站、购物中心和市镇中心同时成为目标。为应对这些情景，更多SAF单位将接受训练，在人口密集区执行威慑巡逻。这些单位将配备更好的装备。例如，我们去年投入使用了“守护者防护反应车”（PRV），为应急人员提供更高机动性、防护和更精准火力，以果断应对威胁。

如何训练？这是一些议员，包括Cedric Foo先生提出的问题。我同意议员们的看法，为使SAF士兵胜任这类任务，我们必须继续投资建设新的、逼真的训练设施。SAF决定建造一座新的高密度城市训练设施，具备高层建筑、模拟交通枢纽和复杂道路网络等特征，为反恐及传统城市作战提供高度逼真的训练场地。

但正如一些议员正确指出的，除了我们本土的应对，我们还需解决威胁源头。只有当威胁源头和招募被削弱或根除，情况才会改善。对基地组织（AQ）也是如此。如果我们不削弱或消除AQ的能力，更多像JI的细胞会滋生。这就是为什么新加坡自2007年以来参与多国反恐行动，最初针对阿富汗的AQ，现在针对ISIS。

去年，SAF派遣KC-135R空中加油机支持空中加油行动，并派遣影像分析小组（IAT）。该小组负责监控疑似恐怖设施和活动，协助联盟伙伴破坏恐怖网络的供应链。那里的指挥官称赞我们的努力，并要求SAF继续派遣IAT，我们今年已延长部署一年。

即使新加坡武装部队（SAF）正为动荡的和平时期和当前的恐怖主义威胁做准备，SAF仍将持续以高强度节奏进行逼真的演习，以保持强大的威慑力。议员们，如陈洁莹女士，曾询问这些演习是否重要。我告诉议员们，它们非常重要，因为这是我们验证能力的地方。新加坡的训练空间不大。我的Terrex装甲车时速可达70至90公里。若以此速度进行训练演习，可能15分钟就结束了。

我们需要大空间，因为我们有许多平台、许多不同单位协同作战，来检验“这是否可行？我们能否沟通？能否击中移动目标？能否协调配合？速度如何？能否从错误中学习？”

因此，我们需要像美国的“锻造利剑”演习、澳大利亚的“袋鼠”演习和泰国的“老虎应对”演习那样的场地，不仅验证我们的系统，也通过联合演习来标杆自身能力，并向他人展示我们的实力。因为当SAF能在演习中表现出色时，别人会认真对待我们。

下午2时15分

我们将继续这些演习，并确保考虑到国民服役者（NSmen）的承诺。即使是已经参加过演习的国民服役者，当我与他们交流时，他们感到很有动力，觉得“哦，我做了些事情，我能在这里机动”。我记得曾访问过一些Bionix装甲车上的士兵，他们说，“这里我能机动很多，而在新加坡，空间很局促”。

最近，SAF第四次接管了联合特遣部队151的指挥，参与反海盗行动。有议员指出，海盗活动不仅发生在马六甲海峡，也发生在南中国海。我们认为应帮助遏制世界任何地区的海盗活动，因此我们派遣部队到亚丁湾。

正如议员们指出的，我们可能会被召集参与人道援助和灾难救援（HADR）任务及维和行动，如尼泊尔地震、清迈和巴淡的森林火灾，我们将为此进行训练——这是傅志伟先生关心的问题。我们不仅关注训练，也建立相关架构，这就是为何我们在樟宜成立了区域HADR协调中心。

有些议员询问了人力资源减少的问题以及我们如何应对。我认为副教授法蒂玛·拉蒂夫提到了人口趋势，陈洁莹女士问到如何继续利用科技保持SAF的优势。我同意议员们的看法，科技是关键工具，没有它我们无法倍增努力。

陈洁莹女士问如何继续争取国防工程奖学金生。首先，我们会竞争。我想要我的不公平份额，SAF也想要它的不公平份额。我们将推出新的SAF工程奖学金，吸引有兴趣并承诺加入SAF担任军事工程师的优秀青年。与SAF奖学金获得者一样，获得此奖学金者可提前出国读大学，归国后将其专业技能和知识应用于SAF军事工程领域。这很重要，因为他们将成为我们工程兵团的下一代领导者，确保我们在国防技术上保持优势。

有些议员——普里坦·辛格先生和扎伊纳尔·萨帕里先生——询问了硬件问题。我们将以可持续的节奏持续更新和升级平台。这是代替白皮书的做法。我们的SAF规模不大，白皮书中不会比我在此告诉议员们的内容多太多。所以，如果议员们看到樟宜海军基地、双溪格东和空军基地的设施，就能了解情况。

我们主要组建SAF是为了威慑，大家都理解这一点。我们也与其他国家交朋友。我们不像澳大利亚，我认为澳大利亚需要不时发布白皮书，正如普里坦·辛格先生所说，以向他人展示。对新加坡和SAF来说，我们与所有人交朋友，我们的防务纯粹是为了威慑。

海军正在采购八艘多功能近岸任务舰（LMV），以替换服役已久的巡逻舰。首艘LMV“独立号”于去年7月下水，预计明年初投入使用。我们有两艘新的218SG型潜艇。我告诉议员们，研发进展顺利。它们将替换老化的挑战者级潜艇，预计2020年服役。

今年，陆军还将推出新型受保护战斗支援车辆，为支援部队提供更好的防护和机动性。空军方面，我们的超级美洲狮和部分奇努克直升机老化，需要更换。我们正在完成评估，预计很快会有新型直升机。评估完成后会公布。至于F-16战机，正如我所说，我们正在升级其配备更先进的有源电子扫描阵列（AESA）雷达和空对地武器。

SAF将部署更多无人平台，超出现有的无人机，以释放人力资源用于其他任务。海军设想无人舰艇最终可辅助舰船巡逻水域和排除水下地雷。同样，陆军可能使用无人地面车辆执行安全巡逻。

维克拉姆·奈尔先生、刘谦强先生和傅志伟先生询问了我们的网络防御问题——提问非常好。我们认为这是一项非常严重的威胁。它可能比物理入侵更具破坏性，因为它能扰乱关键设施。我认为这也是国家优先事项。国家层面，网络安全局（CSA）去年在总理办公室（PMO）下成立；PMO和副总理张志贤负责国家安全协调秘书处（NSCS）。议员们关于国家安全的具体问题应向该机构提出。

但就SAF而言，正如刘谦强先生正确指出的，我们最近成立了网络防御行动中心（CDOH）。我们将增加人员编制。我不会透露具体数字，但可以说到2020年人员将翻倍。

网络入侵每天都在发生。对从事此行业的人来说，不是几十次，不是几百次，也不是几千次，而是数十万甚至数百万的网络事件日志。你用算法和智能软件过滤大部分，识别疑似入侵。但你担心的不是那些破坏网页、让你颜面扫地但不影响你的事件，而是那些能潜入系统、窃取机密或在特定时间触发使你防御瘫痪的网络攻击。

这事关国家安全。有组织、有结构，很多是所谓的“设计即安全”，即在构建网络时就设计安全措施。正如我所说，这些问题可在国家层面由CSA处理。

对SAF来说，我们预计将更多使用人工智能和更好的数据分析来检测和应对网络威胁。我们将加强软件设计中的安全性，强化网络架构防御，使其更能抵御和恢复网络攻击。这包括硬件基础设施。我们还将大量投资培养更多更专业的网络防御人员。SAF将与国家CSA合作。

我们投入大量资源维持强大防御，但即便如此，新加坡无法独自面对安全威胁。孤军奋战是愚蠢且必败的。例如，为阻止恐怖主义全球蔓延，我们加强与马来西亚、印度尼西亚邻国及美国、澳大利亚等伙伴的情报共享，以便他们能提供预警，协助逮捕意图伤害我们的嫌疑人。这尤为重要，因为激进分子利用东南亚作为中转点。

除了情报，我们持续建立持久伙伴关系，加强区域安全。裴润金先生和维克拉姆·奈尔先生询问了我们的国防外交努力。我们与所有国家为友，培养关系，并持续加强与最亲近邻国——马来西亚武装部队（MAF）和印度尼西亚国防军（TNI）的良好关系。今年我们还将庆祝与文莱国防关系40周年。

维克拉姆·奈尔先生问及中国和美国。去年12月，美国国防部长阿什顿·卡特与我签署了加强防务合作协议。该协议更新并深化了我们的防务关系，涵盖反恐、生物安全和网络防御等非常规安全领域。正是与美国的密切关系，使我们获得了急需的训练空间和高端防务技术。无论是F-16、F-15、奇努克还是阿帕奇直升机，我们的飞行员都在美国接受广泛训练，使用的训练场地面积是新加坡的数倍。

奈尔先生问及中国。我们于2014年达成了军事关系四点共识，旨在“促进信任建设……加强务实合作”。去年，我们与中国启动了名为“海上合作”的双边海军演习系列。我们将基于这些举措，鼓励中国继续在区域发挥和平建设性作用。

裴润金先生问及澳大利亚及其战略伙伴关系（CSP）。防务关系非常重要。许多SAF官兵参加“袋鼠”演习，在广阔区域训练。我们希望通过去年两国总理认可的CSP，进一步推动人员交流、反恐和研发合作。

除了双边努力，裴润金先生等议员问及香格里拉对话和国防部长会议（ADMM）。有议员问为何参与这些活动。借用丘吉尔的话，“多谈话总比开战好”。这需要努力，但更重要的是，作为防务共同体的聚合促进了基于规则的安全架构，即我们能达成共识、以国际法为基础的体系，创造对话和务实合作机会。有时，这也帮助我们应对突发事件和危机，如HADR。

但我要说明，我们不是北约。我们还需很长时间才能认为自己类似北约，我甚至不确定北约结构是否适合东盟。我们在伙伴关系中合作，前提是不放弃主权或军事控制权。这在东盟行不通。

我们会在可能的范围内合作和对话。例如，今年将举行ADMM-Plus海上安全与反恐演习，新加坡将协办。届时18个军队将参与，增进互信，降低海上事故风险。

主席女士，正如扎基·穆罕默德先生指出的，总防卫已推行30多年。但极端主义团体如ISIS带来的威胁使总防卫更为重要。极端分子不仅造成身体伤害，还能在新加坡人中播下深刻不信任，削弱社会凝聚力。

关键问题是：极端袭击后，我们的社会会分裂吗？新加坡人会因恐惧而瘫痪、制造不和吗？我们希望听取新加坡人如何加强总防卫，鼓励更多自下而上的想法。高级国务部长莫哈末·马利基和翁业康高级国务部长正领导这些工作，稍后将分享更多关于SGFuture的参与情况。

普里坦·辛格先生问国防部或SAF是否应做更多工作，比如发布防务白皮书或其他措施，以增强新加坡人和外部国家对我们防务能力和意图的支持。我认为这是崇高目标。如何有效实现，我们可以讨论。但我要说，我们定期进行民意调查——有时是人口调查。幸运的是，国防支持度一直很高。去年8月的调查中，97%的新加坡受访者认为政府在防务和国家安全方面表现良好。

总防卫的核心是社会信任——公民间的信任，指挥官与士兵间的信任，政府与人民间的信任，SAF与我们承诺保护的人民间的信任。

SAF知道，只有践行其价值观，才能建立这种信任。所有士兵宣誓的核心价值之一是以生命捍卫新加坡。SAF指挥官和士兵必须将新加坡和新加坡人置于首位，高于自身福祉，无论是在训练还是行动中。

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六年前，我们一架阿帕奇直升机的两台发动机在飞行中同时失效。阿帕奇有两台发动机，两台都失效。对阿德里安·郭少校和斯宾塞·勒少校来说，可以说他们生死一瞬，生命受到实际威胁——这可能是他们的最后一次飞行。但他们表现专业，正如每位飞行员所学，确保不危及平民生命，即使这意味着危及自己。

他们从一万英尺自由滑翔，两分钟内着陆。滑翔过程中，他们将直升机机动至远离建筑物的空旷地带。飞行员幸存，更重要的是没有平民受伤。

我们看到这种将他人置于自身之前的责任感，在我们的国民服役兵中也有体现。三年前，卡马拉西瓦姆中尉在实弹手榴弹演习中冒生命危险救了一名新兵。该新兵意外松开了手榴弹的保险销。许多曾服役的议员知道，松开保险销即启动手榴弹，必须立即投掷。他松开了保险销。这位军官没有慌张，立即指示新兵投掷手榴弹，然后护住新兵，将两人拉到混凝土墙后。幸运的是，两人仅受轻伤。

我希望能向新加坡人保证，保护新加坡人、努力训练和执行任务的SAF士兵不会面临风险，但大家都知道，所有军队都存在风险——无论是直升机、步兵还是舰船。我们会尽全力安全完成训练和任务，因为新加坡的每条生命都珍贵。

最终，我要说，对SAF来说，新加坡人的生命必须放在首位。[向尊敬的议员展示幻灯片]这就是郭少校和勒少校，以及卡马拉西瓦姆中尉在SAF日获得杰出行为奖章的照片。他曾是国民服役兵，事件后决定签约成为现役军人。我很高兴他加入了SAF。这两位飞行员和这位军官体现了SAF无私奉献的核心价值。

主席女士，在这动荡的和平时期，SAF将刻苦训练，充分准备，不断适应，以保护新加坡。我再次请求并感谢本院议员和新加坡人对维护强大防务的坚定支持和承诺。有了新加坡人的坚强支持，SAF将果断应对所有意图伤害我们的人，保护我们称之为家的宝贵岛屿。

训练与学习系统

李毅贤议员（东海岸）：主席女士，正如国防部长刚才向议会保证的，SAF被尊为一支强大且专业的武装力量。除了拥有尖端能力，保持强大且专业的武装力量的关键要素之一是有效的训练。

在2015年国防部总参谋长辩论中，吴庆瑞部长也表示，SAF一直与其他先进国家军队进行基准比较，并通过逼真训练和实战检验其系统。他还谈到了国防部和SAF在训练用地利用上的审慎做法。

鉴于新加坡土地有限且战场日益复杂，SAF以何种新方式改进训练和学习系统，以克服资源限制？SAF如何确保官兵保持高水平的作战准备？

主席：普里坦·辛格先生，您有两次发言机会，请合并发言。

国民服役训练系统

普里坦·辛格：主席女士，国民服役训练系统已取得长足进步，这在很大程度上得益于国防部愿意采纳国民服役者及其家庭的意见。必须重申，国民服役者是前线士兵，训练必须严肃对待。然而，对于部分士兵来说，国民服役训练周期的某些环节仍有改进空间，前提是符合作战和预算需求。

一个建议是考虑如何让更多国民服役者更快部署到国民服役单位，理想情况下不超过其服役准备日期后两年。这有助于确保国民服役者的体能水平保持较高，准备个人体能测试（IPPT）或营区训练（ICT）时体能训练曲线不陡峭。

其次，我想了解一下关于部分国民服役男兵高强度与低强度ICT（集训周期）不匹配的最新情况。有些人完成了许多低强度ICT，但高强度ICT较少，导致他们在国防部的预备役名单上排队等待时间较长。国防部预备役部队在多大程度上能够按照加强国民服役委员会（CSNS）的建议，实施补充高强度ICT？

最后，多年来国防部一直慷慨地为国民服役男兵在其服役期间补充中央公积金（CPF）账户。然而，鉴于终身学习特别是技能未来（SkillsFuture）计划的新推动，我想请问国防部，在下一次审查国民服役政策时，是否考虑在国民服役训练周期内，额外为国民服役男兵的账户注入技能未来积分，以表彰他们对国民服役的终身承诺？

训练安全

主席女士，许多新加坡人未必注意到的是，新加坡武装部队（SAF）为战争及非战争行动所做的高强度计划和训练。这并不奇怪，因为我们很多训练都在海外进行，考虑到新加坡训练场地的短缺，SAF会前往德国、法国、澳大利亚、泰国、印度、台湾、文莱、新西兰和美国等地，此外还会与中国等国进行临时联合演习。

在如此高强度的训练节奏下，尽管SAF和指挥官们尽最大努力，事故和意外仍难以避免。我建议国防部考虑加强对公众的训练安全宣传。所有开放日和公众推广活动中可以设立专门环节或部分内容用于此目的。虽然这些信息可能不像展示的豹式坦克那样吸引大量观众，但它将重要地反映国防部对在真实环境中安全且严格训练的承诺。

支持国民服役

副教授法蒂玛·拉蒂夫：主席女士，国家防卫至关重要。对于新加坡而言，我们位于全球贸易和旅行的十字路口，既战略重要又极为脆弱。因此，在保卫国家时，每一份努力、每一个人都至关重要。武装部队志愿军（VC）的设立，使不符合国民服役资格的人士能够自愿参军。他们是无私奉献的个人，作为我们的防卫大使，自愿服务。

国防部能否更新我们关于志愿军首批成员的情况？训练他们的经验如何？该计划是否需要改进？

我们也欢迎许多支持新加坡国民服役和国防运动的倡导者。这些人和组织来自企业、机构、个人，甚至中小企业（SME）员工。国防部计划如何继续与这群重要人士和组织保持互动，并在未来加强与他们的关系？

国民服役体系中的认可

珍·佩雷拉女士（丹戎巴葛）：主席女士，请允许我代表许多母亲，首先表达对国民服役帮助我们的男孩成长为男人的良好工作的感谢。

我们的国民服役男兵是国家防卫体系的中坚力量。作为一个人口老龄化的小国，我们必须妥善规划，使每位服役者都能最大限度地发挥保护新加坡的潜力。为了履行职责，服役者必须做出许多牺牲，抽出时间离开学业、工作和家庭生活。因此，给予他们应有的认可是理所当然的。

因此，我很高兴CSNS成立，审视如何加强未来的国民服役体系。根据反馈，CSNS在五个方面提出建议：（a）加强国民服役训练体系；（b）增加国民服役男兵贡献的机会；（c）建立武装部队志愿军（SAFVC）；（d）提升国民服役男兵的认可和福利；（e）扩大社区对国民服役男兵的支持。

因此，国防部和内政部调整了入伍前的体检和行政安排，将服役者入伍时间缩短至四至六个月。去年，国防部还宣布将国民服役认可奖（NSRA）改为国民服役住房、医疗和教育（NS HOME）奖，提供额外的医疗储蓄和医疗保险补助。

请问国防部能否更新CSNS的新举措？国防部如何持续努力认可国民服役男兵的贡献？

国民服役男兵

林伟杰医生（森巴旺）：主席女士，第一批9000名青年于1967年被征召服役，服满两年至两年半的全职服役，之后每年服役几周，持续十多年。他们都是先驱一代，现在已67岁。

每个新加坡人都会认识正在服役或曾服役的某人。那个人可能是父亲、丈夫、兄弟、儿子，甚至是孙子。偶尔，我们会在电视或广播中听到国民服役的消息，如动员、营内训练以及资源动员的呼号。

但在这平静安宁的环境下，成千上万的男兵穿着绿色军服或像素迷彩服，在陆、海、空各领域服役。他们中少部分是职业军人，大多数是作战准备的国民服役男兵。他们在战争各方面刻苦训练，有时白天，有时夜晚。有些人会去海外不同地形训练，冒着季风季节的雷暴，或顶风冒浪跳伞等。野外训练时，战斗口粮和方便面是奢侈品。有时夜晚变成白天，白天变成夜晚。穿着制服时，不用担心时间，专注于完成任务，实现战斗目标。我怎么知道？因为我和我们的国民服役男兵一起经历过这些。我仍是活跃的国民服役海军医官。

正因为我们有强大的防卫力量作为基础，才有和平与安全，使我们得以繁荣发展。我们的国民服役男兵响应国家召唤，每年服役几周，担任武装部队的各类职务。在这几周里，他们会想念家人，工作由同事承担。

国民服役为国家做了很多贡献。除了建立强大的防卫力量，国民服役还培养了强烈的战友情谊——新加坡人的身份认同。国民服役是一个平台，让不同种族、语言和宗教的男兵一起融合、吃饭、睡觉和训练。国民服役是许多新加坡人跨越各行各业的共同经历和纽带。

一批又一批的国民服役男兵响应召唤。他们的能力和承诺是每个雇主都引以为傲的品质。我们的男兵执行过许多任务，从自然灾害后的救援人道主义任务，到参与联合国多国军事任务。

我想请部长谈谈国防部或武装部队如何进一步认可国民服役男兵的牺牲和承诺。既然他们为国家安全作出贡献并发挥重要作用，也许我们应考虑其他可量化的方式照顾他们，比如为60岁及以上的国民服役男兵提供免费的医疗保险（MediShield Life）保障。既然他们用青春保卫国家，国家理应在他们年老时照顾他们。

国民服役男兵是防卫力量的主体，是我们的宝贵资产。为他们提供专业和个人发展的培训也很重要。请问有哪些相关项目？国防部还能在哪些方面做得更多？

武装部队人员补偿

穆罕默德·费萨尔·宾·阿卜杜勒·马纳普先生（阿裕尼）：主席女士，我有两点建议和三点澄清，关于武装部队人员的补偿。

第一，国防部是否考虑将心理问题，如训练或行动中产生的创伤后应激障碍（PTSD）或抑郁症，纳入残疾定义？这些状况可能长期致残，影响退役后履职或工作能力。

第二，新加坡每年在国防上投入大量资金。我们如何分配资金，确保新兵和国民服役男兵得到充分保障？国防部如何向成员提供武装部队团体保险建议，并确保他们保险充足？国防部是否考虑在公民履行国民服役义务时，承担保险全额费用或与私人保险共付？

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第三，国防部如何评估基于《工伤赔偿法》（WICA）的补偿模式是否足够？受伤或残疾者可能需要长期护理、设备或设施，超出医疗服务或义肢范围。这可能给家庭带来经济和情感负担，甚至需要家庭成员辞职提供长期照顾。国防部如何评估永久收入损失和残疾者终身护理费用是否得到充分覆盖？

第四，补偿框架是否考虑到受伤服役人员退役后无法获得保险保障或被迫支付更高保费的情况？

最后，今年预算中，国防部为长期残疾或死亡的补偿和支持预留了多少资金？

全民防卫

张浩斌医生（武吉班让）：主席女士，近期比利时、法国、印度和印度尼西亚等多国发生恐怖袭击，引发许多新加坡人的担忧。如今，极端分子受错误宗教教义和错误信息影响，危害无辜民众。这些极端分子改变战术，攻击软目标，如音乐厅和咖啡馆，给许多国家的安全力量和民众带来新挑战。除了造成财产损失和无辜生命伤亡外，这些恐怖袭击还影响不同种族和宗教间的信任，以及政府与民众间的信任。因此，许多国家加强反恐努力，应对新威胁。

同样，新加坡政府一直加强全民防卫能力，保护新加坡人并为此类袭击做准备。鉴于安全威胁上升，我想请教国防部以下问题：（a）新加坡人的全民防卫准备情况如何？（b）还能做些什么加强新加坡人的韧性？

主席女士，我担心许多新加坡人仍未具备应对紧急情况的能力，如爆炸或自然灾害。许多人缺乏基本的紧急准备（EP）知识和技能，如急救、心肺复苏（CPR）、自动体外除颤器（AED），也不了解紧急响应程序。我了解到“新加坡安全”（SG Secure）将在社区开展紧急准备技能培训。我希望新加坡人能认真学习并正确练习这些技能。紧急准备技能在紧急时刻可能决定生死。

主席：阿姆林·阿敏先生，您有三次发言机会，请合并发言。

阿姆林·阿敏先生（森巴旺）：谢谢，主席女士。关于全民防卫，我们面临极端主义意识形态日益增长的威胁，这威胁到我们的多种族、多宗教和谐，试图分裂我们。全民防卫在加强我们抵御此类威胁的韧性方面能发挥什么作用？国防部在培养新加坡人对全民防卫的承诺方面有哪些努力？

面对挑战的韧性

安全威胁和挑战持续演变。全球安全形势，如恐怖主义、流行病、经济危机和环境灾害，影响新加坡人在国内外的生活。新加坡人在防卫中能发挥什么作用？面对多样的安全挑战，我们如何成为一个有韧性的社会？

防卫承诺

世界上最先进的军事装备，如果没有人民保卫国家的意愿，也毫无用处。我们的安全依赖所有新加坡人的贡献。新加坡值得保卫，也能被保卫。这一核心信念必须植入并保持在每个新加坡人心中。我们不能保卫的，就不属于我们。国防部如何与新加坡人互动，加强他们对新加坡防卫的承诺？

李毅贤先生：主席女士，去年新加坡庆祝建国五十周年，期间我们表彰了先驱一代和国家建设领导者的贡献。多亏他们，新加坡人享受了数十年的相对和平与稳定。对年轻一代来说，诸如对抗事件、种族骚乱和新加坡独立之路等，是学习内容，而非亲身记忆。

对许多年轻人来说，李光耀先生逝世时的回忆涌现，可能是他们首次了解到先驱一代为建设今日新加坡所经历的艰辛。即使我们已过SG50和SAF50庆典，仍有许多方式认可先驱一代，借鉴他们丰富的经验。

国防部如何努力吸引年轻一代关注防务议题，培养他们更强的防卫承诺？国防部是否计划借助武装部队先驱的经验和智慧？国防部如何利用社交媒体与年轻人及广大新加坡人互动？

鉴于新加坡安全威胁的多面性，所有新加坡人必须随时准备为全民防卫贡献力量。现代威胁快速演变，我们的全民防卫理念也必须更新，以适应全球、地区和社会的发展与挑战。国防部能否介绍2016年全民防卫运动的最新情况？

海军舰艇

穆罕默德·费萨尔·宾·阿卜杜勒·马纳普先生：主席女士，我坚信武装部队应包容开放，对所有新加坡人公平公正，无论种族、语言和宗教。因此，在去年总参谋长辩论中，我敦促部长认真考虑确保所有海军舰艇配备清真认证厨房的可能性，以便马来/穆斯林新加坡人能无障碍地在海军舰艇服役。我想了解国防部在使海军舰艇更友好于马来/穆斯林新加坡人方面取得了哪些进展？目前服役的舰艇中，有多少配备了清真认证厨房？

我了解到，武装部队对国民服役士兵的部署基于能力、技能和对新加坡的承诺。我希望尽快解决实际问题，如在海军舰艇上安装清真认证厨房，以免进一步剥夺和打击符合条件的马来/穆斯林新加坡人服役海军舰艇的梦想。

国防社区关系咨询委员会工作更新

裴润庆先生：国防社区关系咨询委员会（ACCORD）是社区反馈新加坡国防相关问题的渠道。除了国民服役男兵和现役军人，支持还延伸至他们的家人、朋友、同事及整个社会。几乎每个新加坡人都有份。ACCORD成员在建立公众对新加坡安全和国防需求的接受和支持方面发挥了重要作用。

国防部能否介绍过去一年各ACCORD委员会的工作情况？公众参与的广度和代表性如何？未来将如何开展？

主席女士，争取利益相关者和更大社区的支持是双向过程。武装部队也必须理解、包容和富有同情心，同时维护防卫体系的完整性，因为每个新加坡男子都有服役义务。

最近，一位居民在我的面对面会谈中请求在为期一个月的动员服役期间，免除15天服役时间。原因是他的公司刚刚因其出色表现派他去欧洲参加为期五天的奖励旅行，但他是在服役前一周才得知此行。他希望能将行程延长11天作为个人假期。

他的公司人力资源部，一家主要本地银行，向武装部队发邮件请求豁免。这是一封非常友好且专业的邮件。但我对指挥官的回复语气感到惊讶，摘录如下：“我仍有权完全拒绝他去出差，更不用说私人假期。我尚未收到他的工资单和佣金，也未获知去意大利出差的总费用。我必须明确表示，我管理300多名士兵，我设定的标准必须被所有人遵守。这并不像你想象的那么简单。”

我很高兴这位居民最终获准参加奖励旅行，但未获批准延长假期。不过，我认为指挥官在处理公司请求时，态度本可以更友好和理解。我相信此类情况极为罕见，但我希望国防部能提醒官员更加注意态度。

主席：国防部高级国务部长王乙康。

国防部高级国务部长（王乙康先生）：主席女士，我咳嗽得很厉害，但我会尽力而为。

随着我们的安全环境日益复杂和动荡，我们不仅需要先进的装备和技术，还需要每一位国民服役者的持续贡献和承诺。

今天，我将谈论对国民服役者重要的三个方面——有效训练、有意义的认可和培养自豪感。在此过程中，我应该能够回答议员们在质询中提出的大部分问题。

李毅贤议员询问了我们训练和学习系统的改进。我们的服役人员的士兵技能是通过严格训练获得、磨炼和保持的。但新加坡没有大片土地用于军事训练，我们必须通过创新手段使训练更具现实感。

以实弹射击为例。为了让服役人员在射击技能和武器系统操作上获得更大的信心，实弹射击场现在配备了能够模拟真实作战场景的靶标系统。

此外，实地训练辅以模拟训练，培养士兵的认知决策能力，同时提升他们的实战技能。一个例子是2015年10月启动的机动步兵模拟中心。该中心配备一套模拟器，为特定武器和平台提供战术训练。

除了严格和现实，训练的另一个关键要素是安全。普里坦·辛格议员询问了公众对训练安全的参与。我认为这是一个非常合理的关切，我们也同样重视。新加坡武装部队有着非常良好的安全记录。但我们不会自满，而是会努力继续改进。

我们认识到，每一位服役的新加坡男性国民服役者背后，都有家人担心他们的安全。为了让他们安心，探访基础军事训练中心的家属会被展示训练的进行方式及我们采取的安全措施。

训练安全也是我们许多公众参与活动的重点。我已注意到普里坦·辛格议员建议增加此类活动。我希望本院的议员们，尤其是像林伟杰医生这样仍积极服役的议员，能协助我们向公众和所有居民保证我们对训练安全的高度重视。

不幸的是，尽管我们尽力，伤亡仍不可避免。费萨尔·马纳普议员询问了我们的赔偿框架，并提出了若干建议。

我们的赔偿框架参考并优于《工伤赔偿法案》（WICA）。赔偿金额通常是WICA规定的两到四倍。国防部还支付所有因服役相关伤害在政府及重组医院或诊所产生的必要医疗费用，直至治疗结束。除赔偿外，我们的福利框架通过武装部队慈善基金和武装部队关怀基金为服役人员及其家庭提供额外支持。

但任何形式的赔偿都无法弥补肢体永久残疾或更严重的生命损失。费萨尔·马纳普议员提出了许多建议，我第一次听时努力记住。但我的印象是，我们不应将国民服役的认可变成对牺牲的货币估价，因为永远不够。失去肢体，失去亲人，赔偿永远不够。但我们会尽力做到公平，希望我们的赔偿和福利框架在服役过程中发生不幸事件时能提供足够支持。

普里坦·辛格议员还询问了对正在进行预备役国民服役（ORNS）国民服役者的管理。首先谈谈ORNS何时开始。我必须说，尽早开始ORNS符合武装部队利益，但不会在第一年开始，因为他们刚完成两年义务服役，第一年召回较困难。

目前，大多数作战单位的国民服役者会在退伍后两年内被召回进行ORNS训练。但有些人因各种原因，如海外工作或学习、因繁重学业或职业任务推迟、等待医疗复查，或是作为教官或总部人员无单位需重新部署，导致ORNS训练周期开始较晚。

尽管如此，我们会尽可能确保ORNS训练尽早开始。这符合我们的利益，尤其是当你以单位身份退伍时，希望保持单位的凝聚力和战友情谊。

有几种方式。一是确保ORNS的最初几年包含较短、低调的训练，便于召回。二是与本地大学合作，方便学生被召回，确保ORNS训练早开始。三是调整国民服役者的部署，例如曾在基础军事训练中心服役的教官可被部署为训练学院的教官。这些措施确保ORNS训练早开始，更重要的是保持单位凝聚力和战友情谊。

接着是ORNS何时结束的问题。自2006年起，我们将ORNS周期从13年缩短至10年。许多人能在30岁出头完成服役，那时他们生活中有更多事务。10年ORNS有结构安排——从低调、可能是连级训练开始，逐步升级到高调、较长的演习。

然而，当国民服役者因健康原因、长期海外任务或如裴润庆议员刚才讲述的因奖励旅行而错过高调训练时，可能会打乱其ORNS周期。有些人可能经历过，结果是多参加低调的年度训练（ICT），未完成高调训练。出现这种情况有几种情形：若仍在同一单位，可能全年被召回参加其他ORNS活动，如作战简报、演习准备，这些通常是低调ICT，累计时间。若被调往其他单位，则按新单位的作战需求和召回安排参加低调和高调ICT。

最终，这不是简单问题。因工作、健康、家庭等原因的延期越来越多。我们都越来越忙，武装部队需要理解这些生活优先事项——裴润庆议员刚才也提到这一点。但这同时影响ORNS周期的完成。我们将继续尽力帮助尽可能多的国民服役者早完成ORNS周期，同时满足武装部队的作战需求。

乔安·佩雷拉女士和林伟杰医生询问了我们在国民服役者认可方面还能做些什么，这是国民服役委员会（CSNS）的关键建议之一。我们一直在寻找方式表达对国民服役者及其支持者的感谢——如国民服役税务减免、国民服役住房、医疗和教育（NS HOME）奖项、SAFRA设施。这些认可形式让他们知道他们的牺牲被深切感激，为新加坡的更大利益服务。我们将从三方面加强对国民服役者的认可。

首先，目前我们有家庭认可券计划，国民服役者可在多家商户使用。我们将加强并更名为国民服役卓越奖。变化不仅是名称，获奖人数将从现有的前10%增加到前30%。金额也将增加，前10%获$200，接下来的20%获$100（现行金额）。我们还将推出庆祝礼品，国民服役者结婚或迎来新生儿时将获价值$100的代金券。

第二，2016年下半年，我们将加强来自武装部队、警察部队和民防部队的国民服役者基本人寿和意外伤害保险保障，涵盖全职国民服役和预备役活动。每位服役人员将获得$150,000的团体定期寿险和团体意外伤害保险保障。

第三，我们将改善SAFRA设施。新的SAFRA榜鹅俱乐部将于2016年4月完工。实际上已基本完成，正待开幕。我已参观过俱乐部，设施非常吸引人。东北部地区有82,000名国民服役者及其家属，我相信俱乐部将很好地服务他们。但最终，国民服役者最好的回报是我们共同生活在和平的新加坡，家人安全。这是最好的认可形式。

林伟杰医生还询问我们还能做些什么帮助国民服役者的职业和个人发展。

目前，武装部队已部署部分新兵到其现有技能可贡献于作战需求的岗位，包括具备相关医疗或工程背景的新兵，担任医务兵、技术员或海军医务官。

此外，我们将继续与劳动力发展局（WDA）合作，认证国民服役期间学到的领导和职业技能，如军事警察、医务人员和飞机技术员。这对国民服役者有用。我们将更多考虑服役人员的技能和能力进行部署，同时平衡作战需求。例如，关键岗位和指挥官职位的人员配置必须优先。讽刺的是，这些关键岗位通常没有技能证书。

在国民服役中，指挥官常说，“在国民服役，我们冲刺”，意指大家一起冲锋上山，建立战友情谊，共同训练，这些是我们带回来的宝贵经验，但没有证书。但我们都明白，经历过这些，我们从“男孩成长为男人”。

我们还必须认可支持国民服役的利益相关者，正如法蒂玛·拉蒂夫副教授提出的。去年，我们改进了全民防卫奖，表彰了122名表现出极大支持国民服役的倡导者。有一个例子是Digistore Solutions私人有限公司，这是一家中小企业，强力支持其国民服役员工。除了确保员工的工作职责得到覆盖外，他们还为完成年度训练的员工提供带薪家庭旅行，如马六甲、民丹岛。我听说在年度训练期间，他们甚至派遣公司交通送员工的孩子上学。

为了更好地认可此类公司，今年我们将推出国家认证计划——国民服役标志。该计划认可支持国民服役和全民防卫的组织，鼓励更多雇主和企业采用支持国民服役者的人力资源政策。根据该计划，组织将获得国民服役标志或更高级别的国民服役标志（金奖），顶级国民服役标志（金奖）组织将进一步被认可为国民服役倡导者。

第三，带着自豪感服役。国民服役机构的强大取决于国民服役者的承诺和战斗精神。我们在许多国民服役者身上看到这种精神。尽管要兼顾国民服役职责与日常家庭和工作承诺，这些国民服役者仍抽时间参加课程，提升职业和领导技能，为更高职位做准备。我们也看到国民服役者延长服役，为国家防务贡献。例如，具备工程和心理学相关专长的国民服役者自愿参加专业转换计划。

激励国民服役者如此奉献的往往是与战友在单位中建立的战友情谊。去年，我们一位国民服役指挥官，陆军中校（国民服役）达伦·陈，在Facebook上发布了一则献给其营——823新加坡步兵团的帖子。让我引用他对营使命宣言的描述，我猜是他写的，“一个拥有坚定热情、致力于保护家园的大家庭。”

国民服役下士（国民服役）穆罕默德·阿兹米·阿里芬推迟了蜜月旅行，以完成与营队的重要评估测试。我猜这是得到妻子同意的。国民服役一等兵（国民服役）莫兴志虽被诊断患癌，仍在国民服役伙伴的帮助和支持下完成了年度训练。

我们的国民服役者能够保持这种服役精神，是因为新加坡人团结支持国民服役。这种精神也体现在女性、新公民和第一代永久居民中，他们主动加入武装部队志愿团（SAFVC），正如法蒂玛·拉蒂夫副教授所问。

我们自豪地宣布，去年有226名来自不同背景和年龄的志愿者完成了基础训练。超过80%的志愿者已进入下一阶段训练。完成必要训练的志愿者已被部署到辅助安全部队和海军桥梁值班员等岗位。

新加坡永久居民、志愿辅助安全部队员亚历山大·沃斯分享说，“我越来越渴望回馈我视为家的新加坡，并为国家防务贡献力量。”

就在上周，2016年第一批志愿者完成了基础训练。未来，我们将继续看到武装部队志愿团志愿者在多样岗位上部署，更好支持国民服役者保卫新加坡。

主席女士，明年我们将庆祝国民服役50周年。国民服役的引入是我们国家建设历程中的重要里程碑，发生在新加坡独立不久之后。当时，本院曾有前辈议员激烈辩论。

如今，我认为情况完全不同。我们都团结维护国民服役制度，正如林伟杰医生所说，国民服役甚至成为一种国家认同。确实，我们的国民服役者及其支持者的努力，为新加坡建立了和平与稳定的基石。让我们继续确保国民服役成为新加坡的骄傲和力量源泉。

国防部高级国务部长（莫哈末·马利基·奥斯曼博士）：主席女士，去年新加坡庆祝独立50周年，我们重申了塑造今日新加坡的信念、价值观和态度。但有人可能会问：我们能否走到新加坡100周年？

我们有信心，一个先进且训练有素的武装部队保障我们的家园和生活方式，但我们必须明白，安全机构无法独自完成这项任务。最终，每个人都有责任参与新加坡的防卫。我很欣慰，在焦点小组讨论中，许多新加坡人表达了这一观点。

下午3时15分

今年全民防卫运动的主题是“携手共筑坚强新加坡”，体现了团结的力量。自全民防卫32年前推出以来，我们面临的威胁和挑战不断演变，但作为一个民族共同应对的讯息依然重要，甚至更为重要。

以去年巴黎事件为例，恐怖袭击造成120人遇难。最初的震惊之后，法国人民展现了强烈的团结。仅两周后，巴黎举办了2015年联合国气候变化大会，吸引140多位世界领导人和约4万人参加。如今，尽管公共安全措施加强，巴黎人没有退缩于恐惧和怀疑，而是回归日常生活，庆祝城市的坚韧与力量。正如法国总统奥朗德所说，“[恐怖分子]崇尚死亡，我们热爱生命。”

正如阿姆林·阿敏议员指出，我们面对不断演变的威胁时需要坚韧，我完全同意。2011年，新加坡伊斯兰圣战组织分支15名成员被捕后，学校和工作场所成立了跨种族信心圈，促进宗教间理解。我们从事件中变得更强，但也清楚安全机构无法单独应对威胁。作为公众成员，我们可以通过保持警惕、发现异常及时报警发挥作用。

例如，去年4月，一名自我激进化青年被拘留，因朋友注意到其行为变化并及时报警，阻止了他在新加坡实施攻击计划。今天及未来的战斗，不是坦克和飞机的战争，而是我们心灵和思想的战争，防范威胁社会凝聚力的影响。

主席女士，新加坡武装部队是新加坡社会的缩影，士兵来自不同的背景、宗教和种族。我想提醒莫哈末·费萨尔·阿卜杜勒·马纳普先生，新加坡是一个世俗国家，所有新加坡人根据宪法享有宗教信仰自由的权利。除了伊斯兰教，佛教、印度教、基督教、犹太教和锡克教等宗教也有一定的饮食限制。然而，我们并不坚持公共饮食场所必须满足任何特定宗教的要求。我们的做法不是鼓励任何一个宗教团体完全推行其严格的要求，而是在尽可能的范围内照顾不同宗教信徒的需求，同时维护所有人的公共空间和共同目标。

因此，在小贩中心、学校食堂和美食广场等地方，有清真和素食摊位，但没有专门的清真或素食餐桌区域。这有助于社会融合，新加坡人在同一空间共同用餐和交流。这是我们多种族社会的基石，新加坡人对此表示接受。同样，也没有严格要求所有餐厅厨房必须获得清真认证才能营业。

新加坡武装部队的运作方式类似于整个社会。在营区内，只要空间允许，我们会安排清真食品与非清真食品分开准备，但士兵们在餐厅一起用餐。空间有限时，素食和清真食品由集中厨房配送，而非在炊事班现场制作。在行动中，如野战营，我们提供清真战斗口粮，也提供素食选项。

清真食品的准备必须严格遵守宗教规定，包括食材来源、制作过程甚至储存。海军舰艇空间有限，必须优先用于关键作战需求，如作战系统、弹药和设备备件。尽管如此，我们仍为舰上穆斯林官兵提供选择，如海鲜、鸡肉和蔬菜。同样，我们也尽可能为有特定饮食限制的非穆斯林海军官兵提供便利。

我们的做法与法国和美国等其他海军类似。新加坡武装部队会在能力范围内予以照顾，但作战优先于个人需求。我们的官兵理解并接受这一点，愿意在需要时作出牺牲，致力于保卫新加坡及我们所代表的一切。

让我谈谈关于ACCORD提出的观点。我很欣慰新加坡人理解社区在国家防务中的重要作用，并通过ACCORD提供有益反馈。

法蒂玛·拉蒂夫副教授和裴炎庆先生询问国防部加强社区支持国民服役的工作进展。我很高兴地更新，ACCORD已实施去年提交的18项提案中的14项，以加强对国民服役的支持。

首先，家庭与社区理事会鼓励近70家企业通过“我们支持你服役”计划向国民服役者提供折扣和优惠。国民服役者及其家庭对此反响积极。该理事会还通过与新加坡妇女组织理事会和人民协会妇女融合网络合作，加强了对女性的推广。

其次，通过教育机构理事会，四所大专院校试点健身计划，帮助预备役者为国民服役做好准备。这些学生的成果令人鼓舞。例如，淡马锡理工学院的健身计划使参与学生的IPPT合格率提高了25%以上。此外，教育机构理事会还向外国体系学校和私立资助机构的本地及永久居民学生推广国民服役的重要性。东南亚联合世界书院对此非常热情，举办了面向九所外国体系学校430名预备役者及其家长的国民服役信息晚会。

第三，雇主与企业理事会试点向雇主发放服役后信函，认可服役者在商业领域宝贵的技能和素质。去年，有122个个人、企业和组织因对国民服役的杰出支持获得国民服役倡导者奖。绝对动力咨询私人有限公司是获奖者之一，他们通过为IPPT表现优异的国民服役者提供奖励，并认可服役期间表现良好的员工，展示了对国民服役的强烈支持。

最令人欣慰的是，这些项目均由各理事会成员发起和领导。他们的热情和积极性令人鼓舞。2016年，我们期待“我们支持你服役”计划的扩展，以及与“家庭为生活”项目的更多精彩合作，覆盖更广泛的社区。我们将继续鼓励更多预备役者健身计划，并通过今年晚些时候推出的“国民服役标志”，促进更广泛的支持，表彰支持国民服役的雇主、企业和组织。

阿姆林·阿敏先生和李毅贤先生询问国防部如何鼓励新加坡人加强对国防的承诺。新加坡武装部队定期举办活动，以有趣和互动的方式向公众介绍我们的防御能力。例如，空军将在今年五月举办开放日。六月，新加坡陆军和共和国海军将在VivoCity分别举办展览和海军活动。预计通过这些活动接触超过25万名访客。

去年，我们启动了承诺国防大使计划，让新加坡武装部队的先驱者通过讲述新加坡早期的奋斗和逆境中的成就，激励年轻一代。年轻人觉得这些分享既有趣又真实，正如他们所说，“这是网络上找不到的内容”。

例如，退役上校吴礼春通过讲述他在对抗时期在哥打丁宜丛林中与渗透者作战的经历，吸引了听众。退役少校阿希姆·莫查尔表示，年轻人远非冷漠，他们充满热情，理解新加坡必须自立自强的必要性。

张浩斌博士询问公众应对各种不断演变威胁的准备情况。国防部同意公众需要参与确保未来安全的讨论。因此，我们将今年的全面防卫运动与“新加坡未来”公民参与计划结合，主题为“安全与韧性的国家”。

一位讨论参与者萨拉维南先生说：“看到大家对国家充满热情并愿意分享，感觉很好。”许多人也贡献了有趣的想法，如通过危机模拟演习展示全面防卫在应对混合威胁中的重要性。我们将继续探索如何利用这些自下而上的创意，激发社区对全面防卫的行动。

今年二月至三月，我们举办了全面防卫展览。展览展示了如13岁时自愿参与“公民巡逻”提高社区防范意识的努尔·阿尔法女士，以及打击宗教极端主义宣传的宗教康复小组等个人和团体。参观者李炳杰先生说：“看到人们以自己的方式为社会贡献，感觉很好。毕竟，全面防卫是所有人团结起来保持新加坡强大的体现，无论种族、语言和宗教。”我们希望展览表明每个人都能为保持新加坡强大做出贡献。

今年，我们更新了全面防卫歌曲《人人有份》。我相信各位议员都记得这首歌，但新版更加时尚。由本地乐队QuickPick重新编曲，歌词更新，旋律轻快，迅速流行。歌曲重新引入学校，并在十天内吸引超过60万电视观众。连黄永宏部长也勇于跟唱，通过他的Facebook页面帮助我们触及50万人。遗憾的是，今天没有时间播放视频。希望每次唱这首歌时，我们都能重申对全面防卫的承诺。

我们还通过ciNE65短片比赛和N.E.mation!数字动画比赛等平台继续与新加坡人互动。维多利亚初级学院的温伟婷去年参加N.E.mation!后深受启发，今年自愿帮助并分享经验。我们希望这些比赛作品在全国播放时，能促进关于全面防卫的讨论，激励大家为保持新加坡强大和韧性贡献力量。

主席女士，国防部和新加坡武装部队还通过各种媒体平台接触多元观众。我们的故事突出国民服役者的牺牲和艰苦训练，保卫新加坡。看过《阿兵哥》电影的人说它“揭示了无名英雄的故事”。《突击队员》纪录片系列、《武装部队中的女性》和《武装部队先驱者》等节目都反响良好。我们欣慰新加坡人对国防的承诺依然坚强，未来一年将继续分享更多故事。

建国50年，面临的威胁不断演变，我们的应对也在进步。未来充满不确定性，但我相信，只要我们首先视自己为一个民族，决心携手加强军事、民事、经济、社会和心理防御，我们的社会将足够坚韧，应对任何挑战。

下午3时30分

主席：我们还有一点时间澄清问题。林伟杰博士。

林伟杰博士：谢谢主席。我有两个澄清问题，都是关于国民服役标志和金标志，想请高级国务部长解答。企业获得这些标志的具体标准是什么？我建议政府作为最大雇主之一，确保我们的法定机构和政府部门在私营企业之前就获得国民服役标志和金标志。

其次，关于低调和高调的体能训练营（ICT），我个人也认识一些人多次服低调ICT。是否可以考虑累积这些？比如服三四次低调ICT等同一次高调ICT，累计天数也是一种牺牲，我认为应予认可。

王乙康先生：感谢议员提问。关于法定机构，国防部同意议员的看法。国民服役标志计划的具体细节将在今年晚些时候公布。

关于累积低调ICT成为高调ICT，这个建议以前有人提出过。我们已经研究过，也会继续研究。但我认为有一定限度。就像我做几个额外俯卧撑、多跳几次远跳、多跑几次折返跑，也不能等同于跑完2.4公里。因此，这个逻辑有其局限。

维克拉姆·奈尔先生：主席女士，我想讨论部长提到的新威胁之一——网络安全。网络安全局（CSA）和国防部都关注网络安全问题。我想了解两者之间的协调情况，因为两者面临许多共同问题。网络安全局主要负责国家层面，国防部则关注国内商业设施等。我认为两者需要大量协调，面对的威胁类型也很相似。

黄永宏部长：女士，我简单介绍一下结构。新加坡国家和全政府的网络安全协调机构是网络安全局。其职责是保障全政府的网络环境安全，全政府也包括私营部门。例如，网络安全局与关键行业合作，金融、交通、电力等都是重点。这是其职责范围，隶属总理办公室。

新加坡武装部队负责自身军事网络的网络安全，确保能够执行防御任务——有些细节我不能透露——但我们不依赖外部网络。

普里坦·辛格先生：谢谢主席女士。我的问题给高级国务部长，关于高调ICT问题。根据国防部长的建议，其中一项是实施补偿性高调ICT。请问高级国务部长，国防部在这方面进展如何？因为听您的回答，似乎实施上有困难。

王乙康先生：确实有限度。补偿性高调ICT是将服役者重新部署到另一个正在进行高调ICT的单位。这样做的缺点是他不再留在原单位。对许多国民服役者来说，这很重要，因为他们的朋友和战友都在那个单位。

我们在努力实施补偿性高调ICT，同时也考虑年轻人的多重事务。如果他们能在30岁出头完成义务国民服役，开始组建家庭、买房、专注事业，我认为这是好事。因此，我们完全支持尽早完成服役，最好在30岁出头。

穆罕默德·费萨尔·阿卜杜勒·马纳普先生：女士，我想重申我在发言中说过的，我坚信包容和开放的新加坡武装部队。我不认为高级国务部长需要提醒我，新加坡是一个多种族、多宗教的社会。

女士，我提出这个问题，是因为部长在一次公开论坛上回答为何海军舰艇上没有马来族服役时，提到这是出于实际原因或实际问题。我的观点是，既然这是一个实际存在的问题，是否已经以实际方式解决？这就是我的目的。我相信如果能解决这个实际问题，将进一步促进新加坡武装部队或共和国海军的包容性。

黄永宏部长：女士，我提出程序性问题。议员引用我发言，但我不知道他引用的是哪段。如果他能提供我在会议或论坛上的原话，我很乐意澄清。

但我认为有更大问题。费萨尔·马纳普先生说他不需要被提醒我们是多种族、多宗教社会，但他在发言中只为穆斯林发声。

高级国务部长马利基明确表示，如果我们每个人——穆斯林为穆斯林发声，基督徒为基督徒发声，佛教徒为佛教徒发声——我们从未推动各团体完全争取自己的权利和信仰。我认为马利基部长说得很清楚：在可行范围内，我们会积极支持；新加坡武装部队和社会其他部分一样。

因此，在空间充足的营区，如议员所知，我们设有穆斯林炊事班，提供素食。但我们明确表示，海军舰艇空间始终有限。我们已经充分回答了议员的问题。

但更重要的是社会和武装部队的氛围。武装部队汇聚所有新加坡人。我有不吃牛肉的人，有其他宗教信仰者，也有素食者。我们会尽力照顾，但首要原则是武装部队的作战需求优先，个人需求有时必须服从。能照顾的地方我们会照顾。

我确信有时无法满足所有人、满足所有需求。我不能保证所有流动厨房都是清真。有时我们会提供预先准备的清真战斗口粮，但野外有时会供应新鲜口粮。这些情况都存在。

武装部队是复杂的体系。我们的总体观点是：我们会尽力支持，像社会其他部分一样，但始终以武装部队的需求和作战考虑为先。可能需要个人牺牲，但我们也根据能力和承诺进行部署。

主席：法蒂玛·拉蒂夫副教授。

法蒂玛·拉蒂夫副教授：女士，我想问高级国务部长，武装部队志愿者团的训练是否根据个人能力设计？我知道有一群女士考虑加入，但担心体能能力，我本人也是。

王乙康先生：训练不同于全职国民服役训练，分三个阶段，根据志愿者的体能和兴趣安排。

主席：费萨尔·马纳普先生。

穆罕默德·费萨尔·宾·阿卜杜勒·马纳普先生：女士，我想拒绝部长将我称为总是支持马来/穆斯林议题的人的说法。我们可以查阅会议记录。我相信我更多地关注的是国家层面的问题，而不是马来/穆斯林的问题。我认为，作为集团选区（GRC）制度中少数族裔社区的当选议员，基于我从社区收集到的声音，表达马来/穆斯林议题是我的职责和责任。

黄永宏博士：女士，我很高兴听到这位议员将支持所有宗教的议题。

主席：维克拉姆·奈尔先生，您是否愿意撤回您的修正案？

维克拉姆·奈尔先生：主席女士，我感谢各位议员的发言，也感谢部长和资深国务部长的回应。我认为我们进行了非常热烈的讨论。在许多国家，军队被视为一个强大而遥远的组织。在新加坡则不同。因为我们有国民服役，我想几乎每个人要么正在服役，要么认识正在服役的人。所以，从这个意义上说，军队离我们非常近。同时，它在本地区受到尊重，也受到我们的同辈尊敬，我认为这是一个非常重要的成就。

女士，我为新加坡武装部队感到自豪，也为能在武装部队服役感到自豪。我现在处于自愿延长预备役（ROVER）阶段。我们许多人都为此感到骄傲。基于此，女士，我请求撤回修正案。

【程序文本】修正案经同意，撤回。【程序文本】

【程序文本】主预算中J项下132.96亿新元获批准。【程序文本】

【程序文本】发展预算中J项下6.71亿新元获批准。【程序文本】

主席：秩序。我建议现在休息。

【程序文本】随后，议长女士离开委员会主席席，回到议会主席席。【程序文本】

议长女士：秩序。我建议现在休息。我宣布休会，下午4时05分继续主持会议。

会议因此休会

于下午3时45分至4时05分。

会议于下午4时05分恢复

【议长女士主持】

英文原文

SPRS Hansard 原始记录 · 抓取日期：2026-05-02

Security Environment

Mr Vikram Nair (Sembawang) : Madam, I beg to move, "That the total sum to be allocated for Head J of the Estimates be reduced by $100."

In 1971, when the British armed forces withdrew from Singapore, that marked the end of some 150 years during which the British oversaw Singapore's defence.

Quite suddenly, for the first time in history, Singapore was left to take care of its own defence. There were many challenges at the time. We had barely been independent for six years and were still finding our feet as a nation. The withdrawal of the British forces also had serious economic implications. Asia, like the rest of the world, was divided by the Cold War conflicts and tensions with wars raging in Vietnam and Korea. Closer to the neighbourhood, Konfrontasi was still fresh in our memories, as were the communist and communalist riots on the domestic front.

The challenge for a small country is that should it be subject to aggression by a larger country, it will still need to be able to hold its own. Thus, Singapore has always had to build up its armed forces in anticipation of having to defend itself against potentially larger aggressors. We tried to overcome the glaring disadvantage of size by starting National Service and investing in better technology.

The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) is now one of the most respected armed forces in the region. Our military leaders perform well in international assignments and our armed forces have made a good name for themselves assisting countries in disaster relief and humanitarian efforts.

However, the purpose of the SAF remains primarily to address security threats and I will highlight a few that remain a concern.

The first, terrorism. The spread of terror continues to be ever present in the region. We understand that Southeast Asia is a key recruitment area for the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) which has established Katibah Nusantara in the region – their fighting force which was responsible for the 2016 Jakarta attacks. The terrorist attacks in Brussels and Paris are grim reminders of what terrorists are capable of.

Second, South China Sea. The South China Sea tensions continue to escalate despite the fact that the legal dispute resolution process is moving forward – indeed, maybe, it is escalating in response to this process. The latest actions see China reclaiming land, building up defence installations and lighthouses in the region, with the US and Australia continuing to assert their freedom of navigation. The Philippines and Vietnam, meanwhile, maintain their claims through the legal process.

Even more worrying is the Korean Peninsula, where North Korea continues its nuclear testing and, perhaps, for one of the first times I can remember in history, making specific threats to launch a nuclear strike. This may change the face of warfare if that were to materialise.

Closer to home, the Straits of Malacca continues to have stories of piracy. In June last year, eight men armed with pistols and machetes hijacked the Orkim Harmony, an oil tanker carrying some 6,000 tonnes of petrol worth more than $5 million, and tried to sail the ship to a friendly harbour where they could siphon off the liquid cargo. Their plan was foiled when they were spotted by security forces, but they managed to slip away in a lifeboat.

Mdm Chair, some of these conflicts may seem far away, some seem much closer to home but I believe all of them are important considerations for us. As a small, interconnected country, Singapore is likely to be affected by these threats. I will be interested to know what the Ministry of Defence's (MINDEF's) views are, both in relation to the threats I have described as well as what they believe to be the most salient national security challenges Singapore faces today?

Evolving Security Environment

Mr Zaqy Mohamad (Chua Chu Kang) : Mdm Chair, the nature of warfare today has changed. Threats today come from states, organisations and individuals that seek to undermine our security. The threat of hybrid warfare is also emerging, as we have learnt from the experience of Crimea, where there was a concerted effort to undermine the nation's defences through economic, socio-psychological as well as cyber warfare before taking them on militarily.

Last year, Minister Ng Eng Hen spoke extensively on hybrid warfare and he described hybrid warfare as the exact antagonist of Total Defence. Hybrid warfare integrates conventional and unconventional tools of warfare by both state and non-state actors. It is precisely because of the tools of coercion and aggression that these are wide-ranging, and their being wide-ranging means it may be difficult for nations, such as Singapore, to even identify the source of attacks.

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Furthermore, our world today is increasingly interconnected. While traditional battlefields of the past were largely confined to air, land and sea domains, modern conflicts have moved into other domains that extend beyond territorial and geographical boundaries. So, what are some of these trends that MINDEF has observed and are we facing such threats in Singapore? Has Singapore been tested by such threats in recent months? What are some of these threats?

It is clear that the military solution is not sufficient to address the threat of hybrid warfare. So, how is the Government responding to the threat of warfare on the various fronts and how do we bring in the stakeholders in Total Defence on board? We were quite good in having thought through Total Defence for many years, but given how things have evolved since its inception many years ago, how do we take it to the next level?

Terrorism

Ms Low Yen Ling (Chua Chu Kang) : Mdm Chair, in the past few months, no region has been spared from attacks by terrorists. We have all followed the news reports of recent attacks in Lahore, Brussels, Istanbul. But those attacks represent just a fraction of the total number that has been carried out in recent months.

In fact, in its annual global terrorism index report released at the end of last year, the Institute for Economics and Peace assessed that terrorism is at an all-time high, with more attacks in a wider range of countries than ever before. This index shows that there are nine times more people killed today in terror attacks than in the year 2000.

Regarding ISIS in particular, some analysts have observed that there has been a shift in the group's strategy. A recent Financial Times' article noted that beyond creating a caliphate in Iraq and Syria, ISIS is looking to strengthen its caliphate further afield and export terror to its perceived enemies beyond the Middle East. The recent attack in Jakarta and news reports of ISIS targeting locations in Kuala Lumpur have shown us that ISIS' global strategy includes hitting us, in our very own backyard here in Southeast Asia.

Many continue to travel to Iraq to Syria to fight for the ISIS cause in the Middle East. Most alarmingly, however, analysts have also pointed out that ISIS' tactics are also shifting. ISIS has been encouraging its supporters, some of whom had never travelled to the Middle East, to conduct attacks in their home cities. Without specific operational direction, lone wolves and small wolf packs have been inspired into action by ISIS' general call. Some have obtained weapons or explosives capable of causing mass casualties. This is clearly an alarming trend for Singapore.

In the wake of the recent series of attacks in various cities, militaries have stepped up, alongside law enforcement agencies, to respond to the heightened risk. Military patrols have also been deployed in countries, such as France, Belgium and Malaysia. So, my question is: what are MINDEF's and the SAF's roles in preventing and responding to terrorist attacks?

The Chairman : Mr Vikram Nair, you have two cuts. Please take them together.

SAF and Homeland Security

Mr Vikram Nair : First, on homeland security. Traditionally, SAF has focused its preparations on external threats while the Home Team has focused on homeland security matters. Thus far, the Home Team has done an excellent job in keeping Singapore safe and has anticipated and foiled a number of potential terrorist threats by identifying and arresting key people in time.

However, in the event of a major terror attack, say along the lines of Mumbai or Paris, which we hope will never happen in Singapore, but where the attack is large scale and the perpetrators are armed with firearms and bombs and hundreds are killed or injured, it may be necessary for the military to step in both to engage and eliminate the perpetrators as well as to restore public confidence.

I believe the military's role in homeland defence should be carefully calibrated, as deploying the military would send a clear message to the public that the threat is a serious one. If used for minor threats, the public may get the wrong message and get unduly worried or panic. On the other hand, if used in a situation where panic has already ensued following the attack, it may help calm the situation.

Are there any plans for SAF to step up its responses to homeland security to deal with threats, such as terrorism?

Cyber Threats

On cybercrime, recently, there was a shocking report that hackers had hacked into the Bangladeshi Central bank accounts in New York with the Federal Reserve and stolen some $101 million. An investigation by US cyber forensic expert Fire Eye revealed that much of this money had been channelled to accounts abroad, including places like the Philippines and Sri Lanka.

We understand that the hackers had originally tried to wire out more than $1 billion but the US Federal Reserve managed to block some $850 million of this from being transferred out. Sri Lanka has since managed to trace around $20 million and returned these sums. But the money channeled to the Philippines, amounting to some $80 million, still remains untraced.

Clearly, the figures that were transferred out were staggering and a demonstration of the power of hackers being able to get through government institutions. So, it is very clear that states can become victims of cybercrime. An equally worrying trend is that the power of hacking is also being harnessed by state actors, too, including countries that are supposed to be friendly with each other. News, for example, of the German Chancellor Angela Merkel's phone being hacked by the US National Security Agency created diplomatic tensions between countries that were otherwise very good friends. But this may be a microcosm of state-sponsored hacking that is probably happening elsewhere as well.

Given that cyber threats are on the rise and state actors can be both victims as well as the responsible parties, does MINDEF have plans to develop capabilities to counter this threat?

Cybersecurity

Mr Cedric Foo Chee Keng (Pioneer) : Mdm Chair, let me add to Mr Vikram Nair's cut on cybersecurity. As we know, e-commerce and communications have increased relevance in Singapore and we are becoming more and more reliant on it in the way we work, play and even in many aspects of the activities that we undertake. And particularly in Singapore, with our vision of becoming a smarter nation, cybersecurity is increasingly of concern.

The spectrum of cybercrime can range from highly sophisticated syndicates or to a lone wolf hacker or even a youngster who cannot just resist the chance to crack a password or hack a computer system. An example is the Singpass hacking incident back in 2014 where a man cracked some 300 user accounts and sold personal data to a gang based in China. The purpose? To apply for visas into Singapore. This man had hacked into the user accounts simply by guessing, I guess, through an algorithm, the login passwords of these users. It is fortunate in this case that the incident did not result in even more damage. Had the cyber perpetrator been a terrorist network, more harm could be inflicted.

I would like to ask the Minister how the various Government agencies and, in particular, MINDEF, coordinate with the newly formed Cyber Security Agency (CSA) under the Infocomm Development Authority (IDA) and the Ministry of Communications and information (MCI) to strengthen Singapore's cybersecurity. What measures are in place to prevent them? And if an attack does occur, especially affecting essential services like energy, water and banking, how would we be able to respond to them? What are our disaster recovery plans and business continuity measures?

Cyber Defence

Mr Low Thia Khiang (Aljunied) : Madam, I note that SAF established a centralised Cyber Defence Operations Hub in 2013. Such capabilities are important today, given the network-centric nature of contemporary society and, indeed, military operations today. I have three sets of questions for MINDEF on these matters.

First, I would like to ask if MINDEF can assure the public on the readiness of SAF to handle cyber defence by explaining the types of threats it seeks to address. Cyberattacks need not simply be about conventional military operations. They can involve everything from gathering and corrupting sensitive information to disabling vulnerable civilian infrastructure, such as public utilities, communications, financial systems, emergency and medical response, business infrastructure and even transportation management systems. These actions can disrupt society and make it susceptible to pressure. How does MINDEF's cyber defence address these issues?

Second, what further capabilities does MINDEF intend to develop? How does MINDEF intend to ensure that Singapore is well-protected? Further, like other military systems, cyber defence capabilities may raise suspicions and tensions with neighbours that can, ultimately, make the nation less secure. How does MINDEF plan to mitigate this risk as it develops its cyber defence capabilities?

Lastly, cyber defence tools are powerful and hard to detect. How does MINDEF ensure that there is sufficient oversight of its systems to prevent inappropriate use by other individuals or Government agencies? Can MINDEF assure the public on this matter, such as by issuing an annual report or audit on cyber risks, breaches and mitigation efforts?

Defence Diplomacy

Mr Vikram Nair : Mdm Chair, defence diplomacy has been an important component of Singapore's defence strategy. While the Ministry of Foreign Affairs manages official diplomatic ties between countries, our armed forces have also played an important role in building relations with counterparts in other countries.

These ties have helped us get access to training spaces abroad, opportunities to train together with foreign armed forces and, perhaps most importantly, to build good relations with our counterparts and foreign militaries so that we will have friends should the need ever arise.

In this regard, two of the major powers that operate in this region are the US and China and both play an important role in the security and stability of the region. I was quite happy to know that Singapore has entered into a Defence Cooperation Agreement with the US as well as a Four-Point Consensus with China that will help deepen ties between these two countries. Can MINDEF provide an update on its defence relations with the US and China in the past year?

The Chairman : Mr Baey Yam Keng, you have three cuts. Please take them together.

Bilateral Defence Relations

Mr Baey Yam Keng (Tampines) : Mdm Chair, as a little red dot surrounded by much larger countries, Singapore's security is inextricably linked to our ties with our neighbours.

It is, therefore, for very good reasons that Singapore shares long-standing defence ties with Malaysia, Indonesia as well as Brunei. It is known that senior MINDEF and SAF officials meet with their counterparts regularly. SAF also engages in regular bilateral exercises, high-level visits and professional exchanges.

With changes in leadership, developments in geopolitical situation, set in the context of an evolving regional and international security scene, how have our ties kept up with the times and different priorities?

I would also like to ask MINDEF for an update on the state of our bilateral defence relationships with our immediate neighbours. What are some recent exchanges that have taken place and how have these enhanced the interests of Singapore?

Defence Relations with Australia

In June 2015, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and then-Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott signed the Singapore-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP). Under CSP, the two countries aim to deepen cooperation across four fields: trade and economics, foreign affairs, defence and security, and people-to-people ties through a roadmap known as Project 2025.

On defence and security, CSP will build on strong existing ties between Singapore and Australia's defence establishments. Singapore and Australia are part of the Five-Power Defence Arrangements and both countries' armed forces have deployed alongside each other in the Middle East. Australia currently hosts military training by the Singapore Army and RSAF.

At the signing of CSP, Prime Minister Lee announced that Singapore and Australia also intend to conclude a defence cooperation agreement in 2016. So, what are the defence implications of CSP and how is MINDEF working to enhance defence relations with Australia?

Multilateral Fora

Mdm Chair, the inaugural meeting of the ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting (ADMM) was held in May 2006. It was set up as the highest defence consultative and cooperative mechanism in ASEAN. Four years later, ADMM-Plus was convened to serve as a platform for practical cooperation between ASEAN member states and eight dialogue partners, namely, Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, Russian Federation and the US. It has since met twice.

I would like to ask MINDEF if it could share why it engages other countries' defence establishments and militaries through these multilateral platforms. What has been achieved and what are some new areas of practical cooperation being explored through such multilateral fora? With the realisation of ASEAN Community 2015, how will ASEAN bring regional defence cooperation to new heights?

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Mdm Chair, I understand that one of the areas of cooperation under ADMM is on disaster relief and humanitarian assistance in order for more united and effective response when a disaster strikes the region. In that respect, can MINDEF share how ASEAN members have worked together in recent regional disasters like the Sabah earthquake?

The current regional security landscape is also characterised by non-traditional security challenges, such as maritime security and the rise of violence and brutality committed by extremist organisations and radical groups. How are the multilateral fora helping Singapore to be better prepared for these new challenges?

SAF's Approach to Defence Spending

Mr Zainal Sapari (Pasir Ris-Punggol) : Mdm Chair, the increasingly complex and volatile security environment has prompted defence spending in the region to increase. Likewise, Singapore needs to ensure that we are still as capable and as ready to respond to such threats.

Threats to our sovereignty as a proud nation should not be tolerated and our security should never be compromised. With that in mind, I would like to ask the Minister if SAF's approach to defence spending has changed. Are there plans to increase defence spending at a faster pace and what are the new areas that we are focusing on in our defence spending?

Defence White Paper

Mr Pritam Singh (Aljunied) : Mdm Chairperson, over a number of years, the publication of Defence White Papers has become an increasing phenomenon in the Asia Pacific region. China issued its first one in 1998 and Japan in 2005. When informing members of the public about the immediate security environment, the strategic direction of the military and its core mission, such white papers are effective in answering why there is a need to have a strong and determined force that is able to defend the sovereignty of the country.

However, what is sometimes not so well understood is the impact such white papers can have on improving and building confidence and trust among countries. In fact, before the latest 2016 Australian defence white paper was launched, Australia briefed China and Indonesia – two key partners – about its intention. In an S Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS) commentary this year, a local researcher noted that Australia's 2016 white paper sent a strong positive signal to Southeast Asia and potentially contributes to the region's stability and peace.

More than a decade ago, the ASEAN Regional Forum suggested that defence white papers be published and exchanged. It was quite telling that the former Minister for Defence, Mr Lee Boon Yang, in 1995, quoted verbatim a section of the Australian defence white paper in this House, as a measure of the good relations between the two countries. It is my view that the wider publication of such initiatives through a white paper would serve MINDEF's interests, both nationally and internationally.

MINDEF, as the largest consumer of the national Budget, will always be queried about the nature and scale of its defence expenditure. These demands will grow and are not likely to abate in the years to come. In fact, it is noteworthy that the section on MINDEF comprises only eight pages of the Government's expenditure control document for financial year (FY) 2016. In contrast, the section on the Ministry of Law, a far smaller Ministry budget-wise, has more than 40 pages long.

There is no requirement for MINDEF to release any secret information in the prospective White Paper. But the current state of affairs is more than opaque, especially in an economic environment post-SG50, which ought to be marked by greater fiscal prudence in light of multiple national priorities, all worthy of equal consideration. A White Paper will put into perspective MINDEF's mission and requirements the one hand, and its budgetary needs on the other, in the context of the needs of a small state.

Finally, Mdm Chairperson, some years ago, the Taiwanese even released a comic book version of their white paper to cultivate an interest in military service among young readers. While I am not suggesting a need to do this, the point is that a White Paper offers great flexibility for MINDEF to determine how best to get its message out. The Japanese experience with white papers is quite telling, as it moves from a limited paper in 2015 to a much more comprehensive one last year. A MINDEF White Paper can be even used to showcase the seriousness MINDEF takes in its safety regime, something I will talk about in my next cut.

Security Climate and Role of SAF

Assoc Prof Fatimah Lateef (Marine Parade) : Madam, we live in an interconnected world, plagued by issues of terrorism, security threats, cyberattacks, technological warfare and many other undesirable activities. Not a month passes without some blasts, wars, disputes somewhere, which affect many innocent citizens. These are all major concerns for nations, including Singapore. National militaries around the world are all on high alert.

How does MINDEF ensure our armed forces stay relevant and attuned to the changing security environment and climate, with the background of all these challenges? How prepared are we to respond to such threats as a small nation with a small army? What are the other roles our personnel can play to help step up deterrence levels?

The Chairman : Ms Jessica Tan, please take your two cuts together.

The SAF Today and Its Capability

Ms Jessica Tan Soon Neo (East Coast) : Madam, with rising affluence, procuring the latest technologies and capabilities does not give us a sustainable edge. The SAF does pride itself in possessing cutting-edge capabilities. While the SAF does procure equipment and platforms from overseas, it has also been building Singapore's local defence science and technology capabilities through investments in personnel, facilities, technology and research and development (R&D) in complex defence systems.

What is the range of the local defence technology capabilities that we have? How are these capabilities contributing to the technology edge and indigenous technology science capabilities of SAF? And with the competing demands on engineering talent at the national level, what efforts is MINDEF making to ensure that it continues to have the required engineering talent and capabilities to build on our indigenous defence, science and technology capabilities?

Overseas Training

We have seen heightened security concerns in the region and globally. With greater uncertainty and a wider spectrum of threats, including conventional as well as asymmetric threats, such as terrorism and cyber warfare, how then does the SAF ensure that our defence forces are operationally ready? What is the operational value of regular training that SAF conducts overseas? In what ways do these trainings give us the assurance that they, indeed, prepare our forces?

What is the objective of these overseas exercises in countries like the US, Australia, Germany, France and New Zealand? These countries differ in many aspects from our local and regional conditions, such as climate, landscape and vegetation. Such overseas training exercises do impact citizen soldiers as well as cost of operations. What is the SAF doing to ensure that our society will continue to support this commitment to defence?

To participate in such overseas exercises, our soldiers will need to be away from their families and work. While we need to achieve training effectiveness, how does the SAF balance the impact on work, family and opportunities for our citizen soldiers? With the disruption, pace of change and the need for continual learning and skills upgrading, how would the SAF respond to support our citizen soldiers as they face these changes in competing demands with the need of overseas training and operational requirements?

SAF's Role in Military Operations Other Than War (MOOTW)

Mr Cedric Foo Chee Keng : Mdm Chair, my cut is on SAF's role in Military Operations Other Than War (MOOTW). SAF was established in 1965, as Members know, a necessity created by Singapore's Independence, with the primary focus on providing for Singapore's external defence.

Today, our 3rd Generation SAF is widely known to be well-equipped to defend Singapore against external threats. The SAF is well-respected as a strong and professional armed forces. It underwrites Singapore's sovereignty upon which all Singaporeans can live in peace and secure in the knowledge that Singapore is well-protected.

However, the threats facing Singapore have broadened beyond conventional war to areas like counter-terrorism, piracy and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR). Although the SAF has participated in many MOOTW operations, I believe the training syllabus of full-time National Servicemen (NSFs) and NSmen is still largely based on conventional armed conflict.

So, I would like the Minister to help us to understand how the SAF is preparing to confront the new challenges that I have described. How well is the SAF prepared as regards intelligence, technology and equipment to deal with counter-terrorism? Also, would the SAF be called upon to augment the Home Team in counter-terrorism operations over and above the protection of key installations, which I understand the SAF does today?

In 2015, Singapore assisted in various missions, such as fighting forest fires in Chiang Mai, Thailand and Sumatra, and also search-and-rescue operations in Nepal as a result of the earthquake. Many Singaporeans are proud of our SAF and the Home Team personnel who participated in these HADR efforts. Given that disasters will occur every now and then, whether here or abroad, I would like to ask the Minister if the SAF has sufficiently trained personnel to deploy in the event of major disasters in the region or around the world.

SAF Transformation

Mr Zainal Sapari : Madam, each Singaporean knows that we cannot take our security for granted. Situations today are increasingly volatile and news of newfound threats always seems to be getting a little closer to home. Understandably, this will cause some worry amongst our citizens. Today's threats do not present themselves until the last minute and, by the time they do, we have seen how it is often just a little too late in other countries.

While the SAF may be prepared to defend Singapore against today's threats, these threats – like everything else – will continue to evolve as well. Our approach to defence has not been about keeping up, but always ensuring that we are not one but several steps ahead. This provides us with the two-pronged benefit of deterring those who may mean to harm us, and also ensuring that we are able to react swiftly and decisively to any threat.

I would like to ask the Minister how the SAF is developing its capabilities to protect Singapore against the threats of the future. Can MINDEF provide an update on the SAF's transformation plans?

As our threats evolve, so should our defence capabilities. The consequences of failure on this part are extremely grave and we cannot afford to be complacent on this issue.

SAF's Manpower and Capabilities

Assoc Prof Fatimah Lateef : Madam, a certain critical or minimum size is usually necessary for a nation's army. Our population replacement rate for Singapore is critically low and, with this, fewer babies are born each year. This also will translate to fewer recruits per cohort for National Service. How can SAF maintain our capabilities and capacity in view of these "shrinking" manpower numbers? How do we ensure we can maximise their potential?

We have also strategically, over the years, developed our capabilities in terms of a 4G-SAF and specialisation skillsets. Technological capabilities and enhancements have also been very active as well. Is this investment in technology and IT able to help us cope and compensate for our decreasing manpower numbers?

The Minister for Defence (Dr Ng Eng Hen) : Mdm Chair, first, let me thank the many Members who have highlighted the security challenges that confront Singapore today. I think they have made their points eloquently, many valid points and accurate observations. Collectively, they bring home this truth that as much as all of us want peace, work for greater cooperation and understanding among countries, neither the world nor the region we live in is Utopia; that each generation of Singaporeans will face threats, and each generation will have to renew their commitment to protect what they value or lose it; that we can only depend on ourselves to defend Singapore; that we will need to work with other like-minded partners to deal with potential troubles along the way. Singapore and Singaporeans will have to gear up for "troubled peace" in this new era after SG50.

Each generation of Singaporeans will have to confront their own security threats. The founding generation, as Mr Vikram Nair pointed out, did not have it easy. Indeed, the 1960s and 1970s, as he said, were tumultuous times in Asia and, especially, for Southeast Asia. Whether it was Konfrontasi or the ideological battles against communism and communalism, these contests often led to violence or subversion. And because Southeast Asian states were newly-minted nations in the 1960s and 1970s, only recently freed from their colonial past, individual nations were more preoccupied with their national agendas, rather than cooperating as a region.

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Geopolitics today has improved, and we talked about ASEAN. ASEAN is an accepted regional community in international dynamics. ASEAN has good growth and strong relations with other countries. But despite this progress, as Members have said, challenges exist. Assoc Prof Fatimah Lateef noted that we live in an interconnected world. And, indeed, what happens in some other part of the world, many Members have said that it occurs very far away but comes closer to home, as Mr Zainal Sapari said, whether it is terrorism or technological warfare. And as Mr Vikram Nair noted, there have been numerous developments recently in the South China Sea, more terrorist attacks, and a sophisticated cyberattack involving the US Federal Reserve.

Members have asked key questions − Mr Vikram Nair, Mr Pritam Singh, Mr Zaqy Mohamad, Mr Low Thia Khiang, Assoc Prof Fatimah Lateef, Ms Low Yen Ling, Mr Cedric Foo and Mr Zainal Sapari. In summary, they asked: what are the main security threats to Singapore and how significant are they when compared to previous years? How is the SAF responding to these threats? How can we keep Singapore and Singaporeans safe? How prepared are we? These are all important questions that can change our lives here irrevocably. I agree completely with Mr Zainal Sapari when he said that the consequences of failure will be great. So, I intend to answer these questions in the course of this reply for the Committee of Supply (COS).

First, terrorism. The clear and present threat upon us is terrorism. As of now, there is no specific intelligence of any imminent plot against Singapore, but the general assessment by our intelligence agencies indicates that almost all cities are likely targets, including Singapore. Members here already know of attacks in other cities in the past 18 months – Paris, Sydney, San Bernardino, Istanbul, Bangkok, Jakarta, Brussels and, most recently, Lahore. A few months later, you may have to add more cities to that list. Threat levels for Singapore from ISIS are higher than those posed by Al-Qaeda (AQ) and Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) when they were active. So, if you would like a simple number, what Al-Qaeda was able to attract − both sympathisers and operatives − in the last 10 years, ISIS has already exceeded the number in the last three years. So, our assessment is that the threat levels from ISIS are higher than that from AQ and JI. Let me explain our reasons for this assessment.

First, ISIS has greater means. ISIS controls territories and oil fields in Iraq and Syria from which they can draw resources to fund tens of thousands of fighters and further its goals. ISIS even uses drones for its operations, like a military. In fact, they are a military. They can orchestrate and coordinate attacks far away, as they did in Paris, Brussels or even near us, Jakarta. Their tentacles can reach far. Just this week, the Malaysian Police revealed that ISIS had allocated around S$100,000 to Katibah Nusantara − a network that Mr Vikram Nair pointed out. It is a Malay Archipelago Combat Unit, and ISIS had given them S$100,000 to finance terrorist attacks and bombings in Southeast Asia.

ISIS operatives and sympathisers have already formed networks in our region, as some Members have observed. In the past year, close to a thousand people from Southeast Asia have travelled to Iraq and Syria to join the fight, including Singaporeans. And more have been radicalised without even travelling to the Middle East. Most recently, Members would have read that four Singaporeans were prevented from joining the armed conflicts in the Middle East. As Members have pointed out, returning fighters will bring back their extremist ideology, share their experience in weapons, explosives and actual fighting. In addition, we know that they have linked up with existing cells, like the JI offshoot, Jamaah Ansharut Tauhid, and Abu Sayyaf. Greater means, as I said.

Second, ISIS has motive. In our region, ISIS has declared its mission to establish a wilayat, a "caliphate", and Katibah Nusantara is leading the charge. This central ideology of a Southeast Asian "caliphate" binds Islamic militants who have already set up training camps in Sulawesi, Aceh and in the Southern Philippines. Even the Uighurs are known to have joined a training camp in Sulawesi, led by the Indonesian militant, Santoso. I am not sure what the tenuous connections had been previously between militants in Indonesia and the Uighurs, but here, you have it − that ideology binds them together.

In this narrative, Singapore is an attractive target. Last year, Dabiq − "Dabiq" is an English-language newsletter published by ISIS − named Singapore among the "enemies of the Islamic State" and called on followers to wage jihad against us.

Third, ISIS has opportunity. Every shopping mall, every crowded place is an opportunity for violent extremists to target innocent civilians and cause as much suffering and mayhem as possible. ISIS operatives and sympathisers, especially what we call "clean skins" – those with no prior criminal record – can travel and smuggle components of arms and explosives. Changi Airport received over 55 million passengers last year, and many more crossed land and sea checkpoints of Singapore. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has stepped up security checks, but the terrorists only need to succeed once.

Under these circumstances, can Singapore – or, for that matter, any city – guarantee its residents that no extremist attack will occur? I think the answer is an obvious one. Only a foolish and complacent government will provide that false sense of security. Instead, we must step up our defences, bring our citizens into confidence and, more importantly, confront this threat and prepare to deal with the aftermath together.

I will elaborate on how SAF will respond to this. But even as we ask Singaporeans to prepare ourselves to deal with extremist threats, let me just say that we must be mindful, at the same time, of the trajectory of state-to-state relations surrounding us. As Members have pointed out, the disputes in the South China Sea and East China Sea are increasing. They are symptomatic of a more powerful dynamic of strategic rivalry and rising nationalism. This state of flux, different from post-World War II, different from the Cold War, is creating tension. This dynamic will stress existing military cooperation and alliances; it will stress international agreements or laws, even the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Let me give a few examples to illustrate what I mean.

On a regular basis, Japanese fighter jets scramble in response to the People's Liberation Army (PLA) military aircraft that enter Japan's Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ). The PLA planes are flying into disputed airspace around the Diao Yu/Senkaku Islands. So, the Japanese would have to respond, and they scramble. It is a common occurrence.

Let me give Members a second example. The largest overlap in the South China Sea claims is between Vietnam's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and China's "nine dash line". Members would recall that just two years ago, Vietnamese and Chinese vessels clashed over an oil rig in the South China Sea. And you would remember that, in Vietnam, they held protests and burned down foreign-owned factories, meaning to target Chinese-owned factories. Unfortunately, some Taiwanese factories also got burnt. They could not differentiate. They hear them speak in Mandarin, and so, they got burnt. Just recently, the Vietnamese coast guard seized a Chinese oil tanker allegedly operating in Vietnam's waters. And for the first time ever − if you have not noticed this − a Japanese submarine arrived in Cam Ranh International Port. It called in Vietnam last month for the first time.

An example closer to home: the Indonesian Government has also taken a hard stance against illegal fishing in its EEZ. Since President Joko Widodo took office in 2014, Indonesia has confiscated and destroyed approximately 150 foreign fishing boats. Just last month, there was a standoff between the Chinese coast guard and an Indonesian patrol vessel. Indonesia has since announced plans to deploy fighter jets to the Natuna Islands. And supposedly, as a show of strength, military ships of the Indonesian National Defence Forces (TNI) are used to blow up these merchant vessels. It is not the most cost-effective solution. Military munitions cost more but, as a show of strength, they will use TNI to blow up the vessels.

As we observed, these incidents are occurring at an increasing regularity. We have to remember that they occur against the backdrop of Asia's highest military spending ever. In fact, collectively, Asia has spent more on its defence than Europe, in absolute dollars, since 2012. We have exceeded Europe. Rising nationalism and improving economies have fuelled many Asian countries to spend larger and larger sums to modernise their militaries. In itself, this is not wrong. But with more capable militaries, miscalculations or missteps can precipitate serious tensions and even physical conflicts.

As we look around and look at our security challenges, this troubled peace around us reaffirms our policy on steady and prudent defence spending. Mr Zainal Sapari asked about this, as well as Assoc Prof Fatimah Lateef. I want to thank Members from all parties here – Non-Constituency Members of Parliament (NCMPs) included – for their steadfast support for the defence budgets over the years. Together, Members in this House were wise not to have taken short periods of peace for granted. As some Members have pointed out, Singapore, too, could have gone down the path of European countries to reap our own "peace dividend" because the threat of communism had waned and we see ASEAN progressing. But if we had been so lulled into that complacent mood and under-invested in defence capabilities, then, just like countries, such as Finland or the Baltic states, I think we would have regretted it now and rushed to catch up. But we avoided spikes or dips in our defence spending and maintained a strong SAF.

The next decade would not be easy for Singapore. In fact, I believe that the next few decades will pose to Singapore its greatest challenge since our Independence. We have never had a situation where our factors of production are on the decline and our needs are going up. Even in the 1960s and 1970s, when our needs were going up, we reaped our demographic dividend. But in 2030, we will have nearly one million people above 65 years old, our workforce is declining and our social spending needs to go up.

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But even as our population ages and social spending increases, we must maintain steady defence spending because that is the most effective way to stretch every defence dollar. It allows us to plan long term. It allows us to avoid disruptive changes from fluctuating expenditures. It is very difficult, as Mr Sapari has pointed out, and other countries have discovered, to suddenly wake up and say, "Oh, I need a stronger defence because the threats have gone worse" and then quickly expect to build a strong defence. It will be too little, too late.

This PAP Government will continue to invest wisely and spend prudently on defence. For MINDEF, we buy only what the SAF needs, and after a robust and stringent evaluation process. We do not go around shopping for expensive or highly sophisticated stuff. We adopt the most cost-effective solution, looking clearly at what we need. And our first preference is to upgrade existing platforms, if we can do it. For example, like the F-16s, we are going to upgrade them. We only buy new equipment if Singapore needs them to maintain that defence edge.

Some Members have asked how I see our defence expenditure going forward. Our defence expenditure has roughly kept pace with inflation, growing by about 4% annually in nominal terms over the past decade. I expect to maintain the same trajectory in the longer term, but we have to watch inflation and see if there is deflation or lower rise of inflation. Sometimes, it does not get passed on to the equipment we buy so quickly. So, we have to observe.

Is this era of troubled peace hyped up? Some have said so. Some have questioned: do we really need that kind of defence? The US, the world's most wealthy democracy with the largest and most capable military, can perhaps take that line and live with the consequences, if something goes wrong. But for Singapore, a little red dot in the middle of a region with extremist threats, rising nationalism and strategic rivalry, we should guard against the worst and prepare ahead.

Indeed, some scholars and even world leaders have suggested that the face of "war" has already changed and is upon us. According to them, unlike in the past when wars were fought in specific localities, today's conflicts are increasingly borderless, and occur wave after wave. So, against extremism, first there was AQ, 9/11. That was weakened. Now, ISIS. But if ISIS is defeated, I believe another group will rise to take its place. It may not be in Iraq or Syria but there is a host of failed states that an extremist group can gain a geographical foothold in and take the resources, whether it is Libya or other countries.

In cyberattacks and biological pandemics, ground-zero can be anywhere. We were worried about bird flu in Indonesia; for the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), it was in some parts of the world; Zika virus in some countries; it can arise anywhere and spread very far quickly. This troubled peace, according to this new narrative, is the new normal in our globalised world.

Mr Zaqy Mohamad talked about hybrid warfare that is ongoing. Indeed, it is the antithesis of Total Defence. And if you think about it, that generation was prescient and very clever in launching Total Defence – this was more than 30 years ago – because hybrid warfare is an orchestrated campaign to weaken and fracture the solidarity of a target nation. It is no laughing matter because it is actually being practised.

According to this doctrine, the aggressor targets a specific country or countries and undertakes a long-term campaign to undermine the civil, economic, social, psychological and military defences. That is equivalent to our Total Defence. For example, ISIS employs hybrid warfare skilfully and exploits social media in sophisticated ways to target the young and innocent. Even online games, which seemingly are innocent, are used to socialise youngsters to their cause, and the shocking propaganda videos of beheadings and burning people go viral and attract more sympathisers.

Members have talked about cyberattacks. Cyber attacks are integral parts of hybrid warfare. Last December, unidentified hackers attacked Ukraine's power grid and disrupted electricity to a large part of the country for hours. Just imagine our power grid is down, traffic lights are out, power stations fail – you can gut out the country quite easily.

Adversaries can, therefore, cripple key operating systems of target countries, steal their state and people's secrets, invade the hearts and minds of their people, all without stepping foot onto their soil. Singapore is particularly susceptible to hybrid threats because we are an open economy and connected to the world.

Members here have asked how the SAF should respond in this new normal of troubled peace. I am glad to say that there was foresight in leaders in MINDEF and the SAF to have identified these broad challenges more than a decade ago. It was, as Mr Cedric Foo pointed out, that the previous SAF construct could not have addressed this wider spectrum of threats decisively because the previous structures of the SAF, as Members here know, centred on combined arms within the Army, with a competent Air Force and Navy. They would have been inadequate to deal with non-traditional security challenges – natural disasters or hybrid threats, such as cyberattacks or terrorism. But as Members have pointed out, the spectrum of today's threats continues to widen and evolve and the SAF must adapt. Let me share what the SAF is doing to respond decisively.

With your permission, Mdm Chairman, let me display an infographic on the screens to show how SAF is stepping up for counter-terrorism.

The Chairman: Yes, please. [ Slides were shown to hon Members. ]

Since 9/11, the SAF has stood up task forces to deal with peacetime threats. These task forces are geared up in high readiness posture, fully manned to respond quickly even with little warning. Let me elaborate on these task forces. The Special Operations Task Force (SOTF) is drawn from the Commandos, the Naval Diving Unit and assets from across the three Services and they will be our SAF's first responders in counter-terrorism and other contingency operations. There is another task force for homeland security and this is called the Island Defence Task Force and it is operational. In other words, it safeguards our homeland security with active and NS servicemen protecting key installations. You would have seen them if you are in Changi Airport, if you are working in Jurong Island and Sembawang Wharves. They regularly conduct patrols with the Home Team and, because they are tasked to deal with real threats, they are armed and given clear rules of engagement.

At sea, the Maritime Security Task Force protects our waterways, and the Air Defence Task Force keeps a close watch over our skies. After the 2008 Mumbai attacks, our response plans were again strengthened to tighten our linkages with home-front and other Government agencies.

We have assessed, as we said, the rising threat of terrorism. In the next few months, the SAF will redouble our efforts to gear up for counter-terrorism. First, studying what happened in Paris, Jakarta and Brussels, the SAF will enhance its incident response. The SOTF must have the capability to respond even faster when activated, and have the means to neutralise armed attackers, in addition to hostage rescue.

Some Members have asked: can we use technology? Indeed, we have to and we must. The SAF is working with our defence engineers and scientists to equip these special forces with better tactical sensors like micro-Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), perhaps small enough to fit in your palm and well-suited for urban terrain. We will continue to develop new technologies and tools that will give the SAF an edge in this fight against terror.

In this, working with the Home Team closely and seamlessly is crucial if we are to bring to bear the full strength of our security capabilities. SAF is working closely to share intelligence and develop joint operational command systems. We are conducting more joint exercises together. Last year, Exercise High Crest was conducted to validate our whole-of-Government response to simultaneous maritime security threats. In that exercise, various agencies, the Singapore Police Force (SPF), the Home Team, SAF, the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF), the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) and the Maritime and Port Authority (MPA), worked together to intercept a terrorist speedboat, storm a hijacked merchant vessel and deal with the aftermath.

Second, more SAF units will be trained to take on a wider range of security tasks. We do not assume, as Ms Low Yen Ling says, that attacks will only be carried out by lone wolves or wolf packs – smaller groups – like those which occurred in Jakarta. We must be able to deal with orchestrated attacks, like those which occurred in Paris and Brussels, where airports, mass rapid transit (MRT) stations, shopping malls and town centres are targeted simultaneously. To deal with these scenarios, more SAF units will be trained to conduct deterrence patrols in populous areas. These units will be better equipped to perform their tasks. So, for example, we commissioned last year the Peacekeeper Protected Response Vehicle (PRV), which will give our responders greater mobility, protection and more precise firepower to deal decisively with threats.

How do we train? I think that is a question that some Members asked, including Mr Cedric Foo. I agree with Members that for SAF soldiers to competently undertake this range of missions, we will have to continue to invest in new and realistic training facilities. SAF has decided to build a new high-density urban training facility and this will have features, such as high-rise buildings, mock-up transport nodes and complex road networks. And that will provide a highly realistic training ground for counter-terrorism as well as conventional urban operations.

But as some Members rightly pointed out, beyond our homeland response here, we need to address the threat at its source. Because only when the source of the threat and recruitment is diminished or eradicated, can the situation here improve. It was so for AQ. If we did not address or diminish the capability of AQ, more cells like JI would flourish. This is why Singapore has been involved in multinational counter-terrorism operations since 2007, first, against AQ in Afghanistan, and now against ISIS.

Last year, the SAF deployed our KC-135R tanker to support air-to-air refuelling operations, and we also deployed an Imagery Analysis Team (IAT). This IAT is tasked to monitor suspected terrorist facilities and activities to help the coalition partners in disrupting supply chains that feed terror networks here. The commanders there have commended our efforts and asked the SAF to continue the IAT deployment which we have extended for another year this year.

Even as the SAF gears up for troubled peace and the present threat of terrorism, the SAF will continue to conduct realistic exercises at a high tempo to maintain a strong deterrence. Members, such as Ms Jessica Tan, have asked about this, whether they are important. I will tell Members that they are very important because that is where we can validate our capabilities. Singapore is not very large to train in. My Terrexes can go at 70-90 kilometres/hour. Training exercises might be finished in 15 minutes if you are going at that speed.

We need the large space because we have so many platforms, so many different units working to bring it together and say, "Would it work? Can we talk? Can we hit a moving target? Can we orchestrate and how quickly? Can we learn from the mistakes?"

So, we need the places, as we do in the US in Exercise Forging Sabre, and Exercise Wallaby in Australia and Exercise Cope Tiger in Thailand, not only to validate our systems, but in joint exercises to benchmark our own capabilities and to show others our capabilities. Because when the SAF is able to perform in exercises, people will take us seriously.

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We will continue these exercises and we want to make sure that they are mindful of NSmen's commitments. Even the NSmen who have gone, when I talked to them after their exercises, they feel motivated. They feel, "Oh, I did something, I can manoeuvre here". I remember visiting some of them in Bionixes, and they said, "Here I can manoeuvre a lot, whereas in Singapore, you know, it is short circuits".

Most recently, the SAF took over command of the Combined Task Force 151 for the fourth time for our counter-piracy efforts. Some Members have pointed out that piracy has occurred in the Straits of Malacca as well as the South China Sea. We believe that we should help contain piracy in any part of the world and, so, we are in the Gulf of Aden.

As Members have pointed out, we may be called to help in Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) missions and peace support operations like the Nepal earthquake and the forest fires in Chiang Mai and Palembang, and we will train for that – something which Mr Cedric Foo asked about. We will look at not only training, but set-up structures, which is why we started the Regional HADR Coordination Centre in Changi.

Some of you have asked about shrinking manpower pools and how we can address this. I think Assoc Prof Fatimah Lateef noted the demographic trends and Ms Jessica Tan asked how technology can continue to be used to maintain the SAF's edge. I agree with the Members that it is a vital tool, without which we cannot multiply our efforts.

Ms Jessica Tan asked how we can continue to compete for defence engineering scholars. First of all, we will compete. I want my unfair share. SAF wants its unfair share. We will introduce a new SAF Engineering Scholarship to attract bright young individuals with the interest and commitment to join SAF as military engineers. Just as with the recipients of the SAF Scholarship, those who take up this SAF Engineering Scholarship will be able to depart for their university studies earlier, so that, on their return, they can apply their specialised skills and knowledge to the SAF as military engineers. This is important because they will form the next generation of leaders in our engineering corps to ensure that we maintain an edge in defence technology.

Some Members – Mr Pritam Singh and Mr Zainal Sapari – have asked about hardware. We will continue to refresh and upgrade platforms at a sustainable pace. This is in lieu of a White Paper. Our SAF is not very big that there will be much more information that I can give in the White Paper than what I am telling Members here. So, if Members see what we have in Changi Naval Base, see what we have in Sungei Gedong, see what we have in the airbases, it is all there.

The fact that we primarily raise the SAF for deterrence, people understand. And we make friends with other people. We are not quite like Australia, which I think needs a White Paper for now and then to, as Mr Pritam Singh say, show others. For Singapore, for the SAF, we make friends with everyone and our defence is purely for deterrence.

The Navy is acquiring eight versatile Littoral Mission Vessels (LMVs) to replace our long-serving Patrol Vessels. The first LMV, Independence, was launched in July last year and is expected to be operational by early next year. We have two new Type 218SG submarines. I will tell Members that the development is on track. They will replace the ageing Challenger-class submarines and should be commissioned by 2020.

This year, the Army will also launch a new Protected Combat Support Vehicle to provide better protection and mobility for our supporting troops. For RSAF, our Super Pumas and some of our Chinooks are ageing and will need to be replaced. We are finalising our evaluations and expect the new RSAF helicopters soon. We will announce it when we finish the evaluations. For the F-16s, as I have said, we are upgrading them with more advanced radars – the Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radars – and air-to-ground weapons.

The SAF will deploy more unmanned platforms, beyond what we already have – the UAVs, so that manpower resources can be freed up for other missions. The Navy envisages that unmanned vessels may eventually complement our ships to patrol our waterways and clear underwater mines. Likewise, our Army may use Unmanned Ground Vehicles to conduct security patrols.

Mr Vikram Nair, Mr Low Thia Khiang and Mr Cedric Foo asked about our cyber defences – well put questions. We consider this threat as a very serious one. It can potentially be more destructive than even physical intrusion, because it can disrupt our key installations. I would say that this is also a national priority. Nationally, the Cyber Security Agency (CSA) was launched last year under the aegis of the Prime Minister's Office (PMO); overseeing is PMO and Deputy Prime Minister Teo who oversees the National Security Coordination Secretariat (NSCS). Some of the Members' specific questions on national security should be put to that agency.

But for the SAF, as Mr Low rightly pointed out, what we set up recently was a Cyber Defence Operations Hub (CDOH). We will have to increase the headcount. I will not give Members the exact numbers but I will just say that we will double the headcount by 2020.

Cyber intrusions occur daily. For those in this business, it is not tens; it is not hundreds; it is not thousands; it is hundreds of thousands or millions of network event logs. You use algorithms, smart software, to try to remove the bulk of them and identify suspected intrusions. But what you are worried about are not the ones that sort of deface your page and make you lose face but does not really affect you. What you are worried about is cyber attack, things that can burrow into your systems, steal secrets or have a trigger at a particular time to render you defenceless.

This is of national importance. There is structure, there is organisation, and much of it is what we call "security by design". You design security into your networks even as you build them. You can address these questions, as I have said, at the national level to CSA.

For the SAF, we expect to use more artificial intelligence and better data analytics to detect and respond to these cyber threats. We will build greater security into our software design, shore up the defences in our network architecture to make them more resistant and resilient to cyberattacks. This includes hardware infrastructure. There will also be substantial investment into developing more and better-trained cyber defence personnel. The SAF will work with the national CSA.

We spend a significant amount of our resources to maintain a strong defence but, even so, Singapore cannot face our security threats alone. It is foolhardy to try, and we will fail. For example, to stop the spread of terrorism globally, we are stepping up our intelligence-sharing with our neighbours in Malaysia and Indonesia, and partners, such as the US and Australia, so that they can provide us with early warning and help us apprehend suspects that intend to do us harm. This is particularly important as militants have been using Southeast Asia as a transit point.

Beyond intelligence, we continue to build up enduring partnerships to strengthen regional security. Mr Baey Yam Keng and Mr Vikram Nair asked about our defence diplomacy efforts. We are friends with all and we cultivate relations with all, and we continue to build good ties with our closest neighbours, the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) and the TNI, the Indonesian National Defence Forces. We will also be celebrating the 40th anniversary of our defence relations with Brunei this year.

Mr Vikram Nair asked about China and the US. Last December, US Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter and I concluded the enhanced Defence Cooperation Agreement. This agreement updates and deepens our defence ties to cover non-conventional security areas, such as counter-terrorism, biosecurity and cyber defence. It is that close relationship with the US which has given us access to much-needed training space and high-end defence technology. Whether it is our F-16, F-15, Chinook or Apache helicopters, our pilots train extensively in the US and they are given access to training areas many times the size of Singapore.

Mr Nair asked about China. We agreed on a Four-Point Consensus for our military ties in 2014, to "promote confidence building… and strengthen practical cooperation". With China, we introduced a new bilateral naval exercise series named Maritime Cooperation last year. We will build on these initiatives to encourage China to continue to play a peaceful and constructive role in the region.

Mr Baey Yam Keng asked about Australia, on the CSP. The defence relationship is a very important one. Many SAF servicemen go to Exercise Wallaby, train in sizeable areas and we hope that this partnership will take us even further in personnel exchanges, counter-terrorism and R&D collaborations, through CSP that the two Prime Ministers endorsed last year.

Apart from our bilateral efforts, some Members have asked, as Mr Baey Yam Keng did, about the Shangri-La Dialogue and ADMM. Some Members have asked why we engage in these. To paraphrase Churchill, "jaw-jaw is better than war-war". Yes, this requires effort but, more importantly, coming together as a defence community promotes a rules-based security architecture, things that we can agree on, that are underpinned by international law and which create opportunities for dialogue and practical cooperation. Sometimes, it helps us, as some Members rightly pointed out, in responding to contingencies and crises like HADR.

But let me nuance that. We are not NATO. It will take us a long time before we think of ourselves to be anything like NATO, and I am not even sure if the NATO structure is optimal for ASEAN. We cooperate in partnerships with the understanding that it cannot mean that you subsume your sovereignty or your control of your military forces to other countries. It just will not work in ASEAN.

Where we can, we will cooperate and have dialogue. For example, the ADMM-Plus Maritime Security and Counter-Terrorism Exercise will be conducted this year, which Singapore will co-organise. It will involve 18 militaries and build trust among one another and reduce the risk of mishaps at sea.

Mdm Chair, Total Defence was launched more than 30 years ago, as Mr Zaqy Mohamad pointed out. But the threat that we now face from extremist groups like ISIS makes Total Defence more relevant than ever. Because just as damaging as physical harm, extremists can sow deep mistrust among Singaporeans and weaken our social cohesion.

The crucial question is this: after an extremist attack, will it splinter our society? Will it paralyse Singaporeans and sow discord through fear? We want to hear what Singaporeans hope to do to strengthen Total Defence and encourage more ground-up ideas. Senior Minister of State Mohamad Maliki and Senior Minister of State Ong Ye Kung are leading these efforts and will share more about our SGFuture engagements later.

Mr Pritam Singh asked if MINDEF or SAF should do more, whether it is a Defence White Paper or other aspects, to shore up support by Singaporeans and external countries in terms of our defence capabilities or defence intentions. I think that is a noble goal. How we do it effectively, we can discuss. But I would say that we conduct periodic polls – these are sometimes population surveys. Thankfully, the support for defence has been very high. In last August's polls, 97% of Singaporean respondents felt that the Government had performed well in defence and national security.

At the core of Total Defence is societal trust – trust among one another as citizens, trust between commanders and soldiers, trust between the Government and people, trust between the SAF and those we promise to protect.

The SAF knows that it can only build this trust by living by its values. One core value which all soldiers pledge is to defend Singapore with their lives. SAF commanders and soldiers must put Singapore and Singaporeans first, above their own well-being, whether it is in training or operations.

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Six years ago, both engines of one of our Apache helicopters failed mid-flight. Apache has got two engines; both failed. For MAJ Adrian Quek and MAJ Spencer Ler, let me just say, it would not be an exaggeration to say that probably their lives flashed before their eyes and their lives were at actual risk – it could have been their last flight. But they acted professionally and, as every airman is taught, ensured that civilian lives were not put at risk, even if it meant endangering their own.

They glided in free fall from 10,000 feet, reached the ground in two minutes. In the meantime, while they were in free fall, they manoeuvred the helicopter down to an open field away from buildings. The pilots survived and, more importantly, no civilians were injured.

We see this duty to put others before self, exemplified by our own NSFs. Three years ago, LTA Kamalasivam, put his life on the line to save a recruit during a live grenade exercise. The recruit had accidentally released the hand grenade lever. As many Members here who have done National Service know, when you release the lever, you throw the grenade, because that is when the grenade is activated. He released it. This officer did not panic, immediately instructed the recruit to throw the grenade, then shielded the recruit as he pulled both of them down behind the concrete walls. Fortunately, both escaped with minor wounds.

I wish I could promise Singaporeans that risks do not exist for our SAF soldiers who are asked to protect Singaporeans, who are asked to train hard and conduct missions. But all of you know that risks exist for all militaries – whether it is helicopters, infantry or ships. We will do all that we can to carry out our training and missions safely, because each life in Singapore is precious.

Ultimately, I would say, for the SAF, the lives of Singaporeans must come first. [ A slide was shown to hon Members ] That is MAJ Quek and MAJ Ler, and that is LTA Kamalasivam receiving the SAF Medal for Distinguished Act on SAF Day. He was an NSman; after the incident, he decided to sign on and be a regular. I am very happy he joined the SAF. These two pilots and this officer exemplify the core value of selfless service in the SAF.

Mdm Chair, in this troubled peace, the SAF will train hard, prepare well and continually adapt to protect Singapore. I again ask and thank Members of this House and Singaporeans for their unstinting support and commitment to maintain our strong defence. With Singaporeans strongly behind and with us, the SAF will respond decisively to all those who seek to do us harm and protect this precious island we call home.

Training and Learning Systems

Mr Lee Yi Shyan (East Coast) : Mdm Chair, as the Minister for Defence has just assured the House, SAF is respected as a strong and professional armed forces. In addition to having cutting-edge capabilities, a key element in maintaining a strong and professional armed forces is effective training.

At MINDEF's COS debate in 2015, Minister Ng Eng Hen also said that the SAF had consistently benchmarked with militaries from other advanced countries and tested its systems through realistic training and real operations. He also discussed ways in which MINDEF and SAF had been prudent in their land use for training space.

Given Singapore's land constraints and the increasing complexity in the battlefield, in what new ways is SAF improving its training and learning systems in a way that overcomes resource constraints? How is SAF ensuring that our servicemen maintain a high-level of operational readiness?

The Chairman : Mr Pritam Singh, you have two cuts. Please take them together.

NS Training System

Mr Pritam Singh : Mdm Chairperson, the NS training system has come a long way, helped in no small part by MINDEF's readiness to take on board the inputs of NSmen and their families. It bears repeating that NSmen are frontline soldiers and training must be taken seriously. However, for some soldiers, there are some areas of the NS training cycle that can be improved, subject to operational and budgetary exigencies.

One suggestion is to consider how more NSmen can be deployed to the NS units more quickly than before; ideally not more than two years after their operationally-ready date. This would have the advantage of ensuring that the fitness levels of NSmen remain relatively high with a less steep physical training curve when preparing for the Individual Physical Proficiency Tests (IPPTs) or in-camp trainings (ICTs).

Secondly, I would like to seek an update with regard to the mismatch between high and low-key ICTs for some NSmen. Some clock many low-key ICTs and fewer high-key ones, leading to a long wait before they are emplaced on MINDEF's reserve list. To what extent have SAF NS units been able to implement make-up high-key ICTs as recommended by the Committee to Strengthen National Service (CSNS)?

Finally, MINDEF has been generous towards NSmen over the years, topping up our Central Provident Fund (CPF) accounts through our NS journey. However, in view of the renewed impetus towards lifelong learning and particularly SkillsFuture, can I ask MINDEF, when it next reviews its NS policies, to consider topping up the accounts of NSmen with additional SkillsFuture credits through the course of their NS training cycle in recognition of their lifelong commitment towards National Service?

Training Safety

Mdm Chairperson, one of the things that goes under the radar for many Singaporeans is the intensity at which the SAF plans and trains for war, and for operations other than war. This is not surprising as a lot of our training is done overseas in view of the shortage of training grounds in Singapore, with the SAF going to places such as Germany, France, Australia, Thailand, India, Taiwan, Thailand, Brunei, New Zealand and the US, amongst others, in addition to ad hoc exercises with countries like China.

It is inevitable that with such a high training tempo, accidents and mishaps can happen, in spite of the SAF's best efforts and the best efforts of the commanders. I would like to suggest that MINDEF consider ramping up publicity of its training safety efforts for the general public's information. A section or a part of all open houses and public outreach campaigns can be dedicated to this purpose. While the information may not attract as many viewers as a Leopard tank on display, it would be an important reflection of MINDEF's commitment to safe and tough training in a realistic environment.

Support for NS

Assoc Prof Fatimah Lateef : Madam, defence of a nation is critical. For Singapore, our position at the crossroads of global trade and travel makes it a very strategic as well as a very vulnerable location. Thus, in defending our nation, every effort, every individual counts. The SAF Volunteer Corps (VC) was introduced to enable persons who are not eligible for National Service to come forward to serve. They are altruistic individuals and they act as our defence ambassadors, doing so voluntarily.

Can MINDEF update us on the initial batches of the Volunteer Corps? What has the experience been training them? Also, are there refinements needed to the scheme?

We also welcome the many advocates who support our National Service and defence movement in Singapore. These persons and organisations are representatives from businesses, institutions, individuals and even small and medium enterprise (SME) employees. How does MINDEF plan to continue to engage this important group of people and organisations and continue to strengthen our relationship with them into the future?

Recognition in NS System

Ms Joan Pereira (Tanjong Pagar) : Mdm Chair, allow me to begin, first, by stating my appreciation on behalf of many mothers, the good work that NS has done to help our boys become men.

Our NSmen form the backbone of our national defence system. As a small country with an ageing population, we have to plan well to enable each serviceman to maximise his potential in protecting Singapore. To fulfil their duties, our servicemen have to make a lot of sacrifices, take time from their studies, work and family life. So, it is only appropriate that they be given due recognition.

Hence, I was glad that CSNS was set up to examine how the NS system can be strengthened for the future. Based on feedback, CSNS made recommendations in five areas: (a) strengthening NS training system; (b) increasing opportunities for NSmen to contribute; (c) establishing the SAF Volunteer Corps (SAFVC); (d) enhancing recognition and benefits for NSmen; and (e) expanding community support for NSmen.

As a result, MINDEF and MHA adjusted the pre-enlistment medical screening and administration schedule to enlist servicemen between four to six months. Last year, MINDEF also announced the revamp of the National Service Recognition Award (NSRA) into the NS HOME (Housing, Medical and Education) Awards, which will provide additional MediSave and MediShield Life grants.

Would the Ministry provide an update on new initiatives by CSNS? How has MINDEF continued its efforts to recognise the contributions of our NSmen?

National Servicemen

Dr Lim Wee Kiak (Sembawang) : Madam, the first batch of 9,000 youths were called-up for NS in 1967 where they spent two to two-and-half-years in full-time service and thereafter more than a decade serving NS for a few weeks annually. They are all part of the Pioneer Generation. Now they are 67 years old.

Every Singaporean will know of someone serving or have served NS. That someone may be a father, husband, brother, son or, for some, even grandson. Occasionally, we are reminded of NS when we turn on our TV or radio. We hear the broadcast about mobilisation, of in-camp training as well as mobilisation of resources with certain call signs.

But beneath this calm and peaceful environment, thousands of men are donned in their green fatigues or pixelated uniforms on land, air and sea. A small part of them are professional soldiers but the bulk are our operationally-ready NSmen. They have trained hard in all aspects of warfare, sometimes in the day and other times at night. Some would go overseas to train in various terrains, brave the thunderstorms during the monsoon season, or brave the gales and high seas, jumping off the plane with parachute and so on and so forth. Combat ration and cup noodles are luxuries during field training. Sometimes, night becomes day and day becomes night. When in uniform, you do not worry about time. Your focus is achieving your mission, meeting your combat objectives. How do I know? Well, I know all these because we have been there, done that with our fellow NSmen. I am still an active NS Navy medical officer.

Because we have a strong defence force as a foundation, this peace and security allows us to prosper and thrive. Our NSmen answered to the call of the nation and serve in various vocations in the armed forces a few weeks annually. During those few weeks, they will miss their families; their work will be shouldered by colleagues at their workplaces.

NS has done a lot for our country. Apart from putting up a strong defence force, NS also builds up a strong spirit of camaraderie – a Singapore identity among the men. NS is a platform that allows men to gel, eat, sleep and train together regardless of race, language or religion. NS is a passage, a bonding experience, for many Singaporeans across all walks of life.

Intake after intake, our NSmen have answered to the call of duty. Their competence and commitment are, indeed, qualities that would make every employer proud. Our men have undertaken so many missions, from humanitarian missions in the aftermath of natural disasters to participating in United Nations multinational military missions.

I would like to ask the Minister how MINDEF or SAF can do more to recognise the sacrifices and commitment of our NSmen. Since our NSmen contributed and played an important role in our country's security, perhaps we should consider other quantifiable way of taking care of them, such as providing them free coverage through MediShield Life when they are 60 years old and above. Since they have spent their youth defending our country, it is only right for the country to take care of them when they are old.

As NSmen form the majority of personnel in our defence force, they are assets to our defence. It is also important to provide training and develop our NSmen both professionally and personally. What are the programmes available in this aspect and what can MINDEF do more in this area?

Compensation for SAF Personnel

Mr Muhamad Faisal Bin Abdul Manap (Aljunied) : Madam, I have two suggestions and three clarifications on SAF compensation.

First, will MINDEF consider including psychological issues, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or depression arising from training or operations, in its definition of disability? This condition can be debilitating over the long term and affect the ability to perform duties or work after leaving the service.

Second, Singapore spends large amounts on defence annually. How do we allocate funds to ensure that our NSFs and NSmen are adequately covered? How does MINDEF advise its members on SAF Group Insurance and ascertain that they are adequately insured? Will MINDEF consider covering the full cost of insurance or co-paying private insurance when citizens serve their NS obligations?

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Third, how does MINDEF assess the adequacy of the Work Injury Compensation Act (WICA)-based compensation model? An injured or disabled person may need long-term care, equipment or facilities that go beyond medical services or prosthetics. This may drain the family financially and emotionally and may even require a family member to leave work to provide long-term care. How does MINDEF assess if the permanent loss of income and the cost of care for the lifetime of a disabled person are adequately covered?

Fourth, does the compensation framework take into consideration cases where injured service personnel are ineligible for insurance coverage after they leave the service or are forced to pay much higher premiums?

Lastly, what is the total amount MINDEF sets aside for compensation and support for long-term disability or death in this year's Budget?

Total Defence

Dr Teo Ho Pin (Bukit Panjang) : Madam, the recent terrorist attacks in many countries, such as Belgium, France, India and Indonesia, have raised concerns among many Singaporeans. Today, extremists are influenced by misinformation and wrong religious teachings to cause harm to innocent people. The change of tactics by these extremists to attack soft attacks, such as concert halls and cafes, has posed new challenges to the security forces of many countries and their people. Besides causing physical damage to property and killing innocent lives, these terrorist attacks have also affected the trust among different races and religions or between the government and its people. Thus, many countries are stepping up their anti-terrorism efforts to cope with these new threats.

Likewise, in Singapore, our Government has been strengthening our Total Defence capabilities to protect Singaporeans and prepare them for such attacks. In view of the rising security threats, I wish to ask the Ministry the following questions: (a) what is the total defence readiness of Singaporeans; and (b) what more can be done to strengthen resilience among Singaporeans?

Madam, I am concerned that many Singaporeans are still not well equipped to handle emergencies, such as bomb explosions or natural disasters. Many do not have basic emergency preparedness (EP) knowledge or skills, such as first-aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), automated external defibrillator (AED), and are not aware of EP response protocol. I understand that SG Secure will be conducting EP skills training in the community. I hope that Singaporeans will adopt a more serious attitude to learn and practise these skills properly. EP skills will make a difference between life and death in times of emergencies.

The Chairman : Mr Amrin Amin, you have three cuts. Please take them together.

Mr Amrin Amin (Sembawang) : Thank you, Mdm Chair. On Total Defence, we face a growing threat of extremist ideologies that threaten to undermine our multiracial and multi-religious harmony and divide us. What role can Total Defence play in strengthening our resilience against such threats? What are MINDEF's efforts in fostering Singaporeans' commitment to Total Defence?

Resilience in the Face of Challenges

Threats and challenges to our security continue to evolve. Global security developments, such as terrorism, epidemics, economic crisis and environmental disaster, impact Singaporeans at home and abroad. What role can Singaporeans play in defence and how can we be a resilient society in the face of such varied security challenges?

Commitment to Defence

The most advanced military hardware in the world would be useless without the willingness of our people to defend the country. Our safety and security depend on the contributions of all Singaporeans. Singapore is worth defending and can be defended. This core belief must be instilled and maintained in every Singaporean. What we cannot defend, we do not own. How is MINDEF engaging Singaporeans to strengthen the commitment in the defence of Singapore?

Mr Lee Yi Shyan : Mdm Chair, last year, Singaporeans celebrated its Golden Jubilee during which we recognised the contributions of the Pioneer Generation and leaders in nation-building. Thanks to them, Singaporeans have enjoyed decades of relative peace and stability. For the younger generations of Singaporeans, events, such as Konfrontasi, racial riots and Singapore's road to Independence, are study subjects rather than personal memories.

For many in the younger generation, the outpouring of recollections when Mr Lee Kuan Yew passed on, may have been the first time they learned of the hardships our Pioneers had endured to build the Singapore of today. Even as we move past SG50 and SAF50 celebrations, there are still many ways in which we can recognise our Pioneers and tap on their wealth of experiences.

How is MINDEF working to engage younger generations of Singaporeans on defence issues and foster a stronger commitment to defence amongst our youths? Does MINDEF plan to tap on the experiences and wisdom of SAF Pioneers? How is MINDEF using social media to engage young people and Singaporeans at large?

Given the multifaceted nature of threats to Singapore's security, all Singaporeans must stand ready to play their part in the Total Defence of Singapore. Modern threats evolve quickly and our concept of Total Defence must also be updated to adapt to global, regional and societal developments and challenges. Can MINDEF provide an update on its 2016 Total Defence Campaign?

Navy Vessels

Mr Muhamad Faisal Bin Abdul Manap : Madam, I am a strong believer in having an inclusive and open SAF that is fair and just to all Singaporeans regardless of race, language and religion. As such, in the COS debate last year, I urged the Minister to seriously consider the possibility of ensuring that all navy vessels are equipped with halal-certified kitchens so that Malay/Muslim Singaporeans will be able to serve freely in the navy vessels without any constraint. I would like to seek an update from the Minister on whether MINDEF has made any progress on this matter in making navy vessels more friendly to Malay/Muslim Singaporeans. If efforts have been made, how many vessels out of the total number currently in active service have halal-certified kitchens?

I understand that SAF's deployment of our NS soldiers is based on aptitude, abilities and commitment to Singapore. I would like to see the practical issues, such as the installation of a halal-certified kitchen on board a navy vessel, addressed and resolved promptly, so as not to further deprive and shatter the dreams of eligible Malay/Muslim Singaporeans from serving our nation in the navy on board a navy vessel.

Update on the Advisory Council on Community Relations in Defence

Mr Baey Yam Keng : The Advisory Council on Community Relations in Defence (ACCORD) serves as a channel for the community to provide feedback on issues concerning Singapore's defence. Besides the NSmen, regulars and NSmen, the buy-in extends to their families, friends, colleagues and society at large. Practically everyone in Singapore has a stake. ACCORD members have played and are playing a significant part in building public acceptance and support for Singapore's security and defence needs.

Can MINDEF provide an update on the work of various ACCORD Councils in the past year? How extensive and representative has public engagement been and will be done?

Mdm Chair, building buy-in from stakeholders and the larger community is a two-way process. SAF also has to be understanding, accommodating and compassionate while maintaining the integrity of our defence system where it is the duty of every Singaporean man.

Recently, a resident came to my Meet-the-People session to appeal for a 15-day exemption from a one-month-long mobilisation manning period. This is because his company just sent him on a five-day incentive trip to Europe for his outstanding work performance. But he only got to know about this one week before the manning period. As it was a rare opportunity for him, he would like to extend his trip for another 11 days on a personal holiday.

So, the human resources department of his company, which is a major local bank, emailed to the SAF to appeal for him. It was a very cordial and professional email. So, I was quite surprised with the tone of the reply by the Commanding Officer (CO), and I quote an extract: "I still have the prerogative to fully reject his request to even go for the business trip, let alone the personal trip. I have not received his payslip and commission. I have also not been furnished the total cost of business trip to Italy. I have to finally state categorically that I manage 300+ men. The standards I set have to be complied with by the rest of the men. It is not as simple as you may think."

I am glad that my resident eventually managed to get permission to go on his incentive trip, but not the extension. However, I feel that the CO could have been friendlier and understanding when he dealt with the company which was appealing for its staff. I am sure such instances are very rare, but I do hope that MINDEF could advise their officers to be more mindful.

The Chairman : Senior Minister of State Ong Ye Kung.

The Senior Minister of State for Defence (Mr Ong Ye Kung) : Mdm Chair, I am having a bad cough but I will try my best.

As our security environment becomes increasingly complex and volatile, we need not only advanced equipment and technologies, but also the continued contribution and commitment of every NSman.

Today, I will talk about three areas of efforts important to NSmen – effective training, meaningful recognition and instilling pride. In the process, I should be able to answer most of the questions raised by Members in their cuts.

Mr Lee Yi Shyan asked about improvement in our training and learning systems. The soldiering skills of our servicemen are gained, honed and maintained through rigorous training. But Singapore does not have large tracts of land for military training and we have to make training realistic through innovative means.

Take, for example, live-firing. To allow servicemen to gain greater confidence in their shooting skills and handling weapon systems, live-firing ranges are now equipped with targetry systems that can replicate realistic operational scenarios.

Further, live training is augmented by simulation training, which develops our soldiers' cognitive decision-making skills, while sharpening their physical war-fighting skills. One example is the Motorised Infantry Simulator Centre, launched in October 2015. It hosts a suite of simulators that provide tactical training for selected weapons and platforms.

Besides rigour and realism, another critical element of training is safety. Mr Pritam Singh asked about public engagement on training safety. I think this is a very valid concern that we also share. SAF has a very good safety record. But we are not congratulating ourselves. Instead, we will strive to continue to improve.

We recognise that for every Singaporean male serving NS, there will be loved ones at home worrying about their safety. To give them peace of mind, family members who visit the Basic Military Training Centre (BMTC) are shown how training is conducted and the safety precautions we take.

Training safety is also featured in many of our public engagement events. And I have noted Mr Pritam Singh's suggestions for more of them. I hope the Members of this House, especially all those like Dr Lim Wee Kiak, who are still actively serving NS, will help us by playing a part to assure the public and all our residents on our strong emphasis on training safety.

Unfortunately, much as we try, there will inevitably be injuries and casualties. Mr Faisal Manap asked about our compensation framework, and gave several suggestions, when that happens.

Our compensation framework takes reference from and is more generous than that under the Work Injury Compensation Act (WICA). Any compensation amounts are generally two to four times that provided under WICA. MINDEF also pays for all necessary medical expenses incurred at Government and restructured hospitals or clinics for the treatment of service-related injury, for as long as required. Beyond compensation provisions, our welfare frameworks provide additional support to the servicemen and their families through the SAF Benevolent Fund and the SAF Care Fund.

But any form of compensation would never be adequate to make up for any permanent loss of limb, or worse, life. Mr Faisal Manap rattled off many suggestions. I was trying to catch them, after hearing them for the first time. But the impression I get is, I think, do not go down the road where recognition of NS becomes a valuation of the sacrifice and any compensation counts to the dollar. Because it will never be enough. You lost a limb, you lost a loved one. It will never be enough. But we will have to do what we can that is fair, and we hope that our compensation and welfare frameworks can provide adequate support when unfortunate incidents happen in the course of service.

Mr Pritam Singh also asked about the management of NSmen undergoing Operationally Ready NS (ORNS). Let us first talk about when ORNS starts. And I must say that it is also in the interest of the SAF for ORNS to start as soon as possible. But not in the first year, because those would have just "ORD-ed" or completed their compulsory two-year NS stint, and it is quite difficult for them to be called back in the first year.

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Currently, the majority of NSmen in operational units are called up for ORNS training within the first two years after their ORD. But some NSmen may begin their ORNS training cycle later for a variety of reasons, such as their being overseas for work or study, deferred due to heavy commitments, academic or professional, or they are pending medical reviews. They may also be trainers or headquarter staff who do not have a unit and need to be redeployed to another unit. That accounts for the majority of the reasons why ORNS starts later for certain people.

Notwithstanding, where feasible, we will ensure ORNS training starts as soon as possible. It is in our interest because, especially when you ORD as a unit, you want to keep the unit together and the camaraderie going.

There are a few ways. One way is to ensure that the first few years of ORNS comprise shorter, low-key trainings. And that facilitates the calling up. Second, we have tied up with local universities to facilitate the call-up of the students. This also ensures that ORNS training starts early. Third, is to make some changes to how we deploy NSmen. For example, trainers who went through full-time NS at the Basic Military Training Centre (BMTC) may be deployed as training instructors at our Training Institutes. These measures ensure that ORNS training starts early. More importantly, it holds the unit together, keeping the camaraderie going.

Then, there is the issue of when ORNS ends. Since 2006, we were able to reduce the ORNS cycle from 13 years to 10 years. A great number were able to complete by their early 30s, when they have many more preoccupations in life. There is a structure to the 10 years of ORNS – starting with low-key, perhaps company-level training, before ramping up to high-key, longer exercises.

However, when an NSman misses a high-key training due to health reasons, extended overseas assignment or, like Mr Baey Yam Keng just told the story, due to being given an incentive trip, he may then disrupt his ORNS cycle. Some of us may have experienced that ourselves and we end up undergoing more low-key ICTs and not fulfilling our high-key ones. There are a couple of scenarios when that happens; when you miss high-key ICTs. If he remains in the same unit, then he may be called up for other ORNS activities throughout the year, such as operational briefings, exercise preparations. These are typically low-key ICTs and they clock up. If he is deployed to another unit, he will then follow the operational requirements and call-ups of the new unit, which will include both low- and high-key ICTs.

Ultimately, this is not an easy issue. Deferments for various work, health, family reasons, they are ever rising. We are all getting so busy, and the SAF needs to be understanding to these competing life priorities – a point that Mr Baey had just made, too. But, at the same time, this disrupts and affects the completion of the ORNS cycle. We will continue to do our best to facilitate as many NSmen as possible to complete their ORNS cycle early, while meeting the SAF's operational needs.

Ms Joan Pereira and Dr Lim Wee Kiak asked about updates on what we can do more in terms of recognition for NSmen, and this is one of the key recommendations of CSNS. We have been finding ways to show appreciation to our NSmen and those who support them – the NSman Tax Relief, National Service Housing, Medical and Education (NS HOME) Awards, SAFRA facilities. These forms of recognition are important to let them know that their sacrifices are deeply appreciated and for the greater good of Singapore. We will enhance the recognition for NSmen in three ways.

First, today, we have the Family Recognition Voucher scheme where NSmen receive vouchers which they can use at many outlets and merchants. We will enhance it and rename it as the NS Excellence Award. But the change is not just in name. The number of NSmen who are awarded vouchers in recognition of their good performance during ICTs and NS courses will increase. Today, it is the top 10%; it will increase to the top 30%. The amount will also increase. The top 10% will receive $200 while the next 20% will receive $100, which is the amount awarded today. We will also be introducing Celebratory Gifts for NSmen. They will receive $100 worth of vouchers when they get married or welcome a new child into their families.

Second, in the later part of 2016, we will enhance the basic life and personal accident insurance coverage for NSmen from SAF, SPF and SCDF. This will cover all incidents during full-time NS and ORNS activities. Each serviceman will be covered for $150,000 in group term life and in group personal accident insurance.

Third, we will improve SAFRA facilities. The new SAFRA Punggol club will be completed in April 2016. Actually, it is kind of completed and is just waiting to be opened. I have visited the clubhouse. It has a very attractive set of facilities. In the northeastern region, there are 82,000 NSmen and their families. I believe the clubhouse will serve them well. But ultimately, the best reward for NSmen is that, together, all of us, we live in a peaceful Singapore and our families are safe. That is the best form of recognition.

Dr Lim Wee Kiak also asked what more we can do to help NSmen in their professional and personal development.

Today, SAF already deploys some NSFs to vocations where their existing skills can contribute to operational requirements. These include NSFs with relevant medical or engineering backgrounds, who can serve as medics or technicians or navy medical officers.

In addition, we will continue to work with the Workforce Development Agency (WDA) to accredit the leadership and vocational skills learnt during NS, such as for military police, paramedics, and aircraft technicians. This would be useful to our NSmen. We will do more to consider the skills and abilities of our servicemen during deployment, while balancing operational requirements. For example, the manning of critical vocations and commander positions must always remain a priority. Ironically, these are the key positions where you do not receive skills certificates.

In NS, the commanders always say, "In NS, we chiong sua". It means we charge up the hills together, build camaraderie, train together, and that is something we take back and is valuable to us, but there is no certificate for that. But each of us understands, that when we went through that, we took back something and we grew from "boys to men".

We must also recognise stakeholders that support NS, something that Assoc Prof Fatimah Lateef raised. Last year, we revamped the Total Defence Awards and recognised 122 NS Advocates who have demonstrated tremendous support for NS. There is one example. Digistore Solutions Pte Ltd is an SME that has provided strong support for their NSmen employees. In addition to ensuring that their employees' work responsibilities are covered, they provide paid family trips to nearby locations, such as Malacca, Bintan, for employees who complete their ICTs. I heard that during ICTs, they even deploy company transport to send their employees' kids to school.

To better recognise such companies, this year, we will launch a national accreditation scheme, the NS Mark. This scheme recognises organisations supportive of NS and Total Defence and encourages more employers and businesses to adopt human resource practices that support our NSmen. Under the scheme, organisations will be awarded either the NS Mark or the higher-tiered NS Mark (Gold), and top NS Mark (Gold) organisations will be further recognised as NS Advocates.

Third, serving with pride. The NS institution is only as strong as the commitment and fighting spirit of our NSmen. We see this spirit in many of our NSmen. Despite having to juggle NS duties with day-to-day family and job commitments, these NSmen set aside time to attend courses to upgrade their vocational and leadership skills in preparation for their higher appointments in NS. We also see NSmen extending service to contribute to national defence. For instance, NSmen with the relevant expertise in engineering and psychology have volunteered for the Expertise Conversion Scheme.

Often, what motivates our NSmen to serve with such dedication are the camaraderie and friendships forged with their fellow NSmen in the units. Last year, one of our NS Commanding Officers, Lieutenant Colonel (NS) Darren Tan, shared a Facebook note dedicated to his battalion, 823 Singapore Infantry Regiment (SIR). Let me quote him on his battalion's mission statement, I assume he wrote it, "One family with unwavering passion to excel in the protection of our home."

Corporal (NS) Mohammad Azmi Bin Arifin deferred his honeymoon so that he could complete an important evaluation test with his battalion. I assume it was with his wife's approval. First Sergeant (NS) Mok Shing Chi, despite being diagnosed with cancer, continued to serve his ICT with the help and support of his NS buddies.

Our NSmen can keep this spirit of serving going because Singaporeans are united in supporting NS. This spirit is also demonstrated by women, new citizens and first-generation Permanent Residents (PRs) who have come forth to serve in the SAF Volunteer Corps (SAFVC), which Assoc Prof Fatimah Lateef had asked about.

We are proud that last year, 226 volunteers from a diverse range of backgrounds and ages completed their Basic Training. More than 80% of the Volunteers have progressed to the next phases of training. Volunteers who have completed the requisite training have since been deployed in vocations, such as Auxiliary Security Troopers and Naval Bridge Watch Keepers.

Alexander Voss, a Singapore PR and one of our Volunteer Auxiliary Security Troopers, shared, "I have had a growing desire to give back to Singapore, which I think of as my home, and play a part in our nation's defence".

Just last week, the first intake for 2016 completed their Basic Training. Moving forward, we will continue to see SAFVC volunteers deployed in diverse roles to better support our NSmen in defending Singapore.

Mdm Chair, next year, we celebrate 50 years of NS. The introduction of NS is a significant milestone in our nation-building journey, occurring shortly after Singapore gained Independence. Then, in this House, there were heated debates by an earlier generation of Members.

Today, I think the situation is totally different. We are all united in upholding the institution of NS and, as Dr Lim Wee Kiak said, NS has even become a form of national identity. Indeed, the efforts of our NSmen and those who support them have been instrumental in establishing the bedrock of peace and stability upon which we have built Singapore. Let us continue to ensure NS will remain a source of pride and strength for Singapore.

The Senior Minister of State for Defence (Dr Mohamad Maliki Bin Osman) : Mdm Chair, last year, Singapore celebrated 50 years of Independence and we reaffirmed the beliefs, values and attitudes which contributed to building the Singapore of today. But some may wonder: will we make it to SG100?

We are confident that our home and way of life are safeguarded by an advanced and highly trained SAF, but we must know that our security agencies cannot do the job on their own. Ultimately, it is the responsibility of every individual to participate in the defence of Singapore. I am heartened that many Singaporeans I spoke to during focus group discussions shared this view.

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This idea of strength in unity is captured in this year's Total Defence campaign theme "Together We Keep Singapore Strong". The threats and challenges we face since Total Defence was introduced 32 years ago have evolved, but the message to respond as one people remains equally, if not more, important today.

Take the experience of Paris last year, when terrorist attacks claimed 120 victims. The initial shock gave way to a strong show of solidarity by the French. Just two weeks later, Paris hosted the 2015 United Nations Conference on Climate Change involving more than 140 world leaders and around 40,000 attendees. Today, despite increased public security measures, Parisians have not withdrawn into fear and doubt but have returned to their daily routines in celebration of the city's strength and resilience. As President Hollande said, "[the terrorists] have a cult of death, but we have a love of life."

As Mr Amrin Amin pointed out, we need to be resilient as we face evolving threats. I fully agree. In 2011, following the arrest of 15 members of the Singapore JI branch, interracial confidence circles in schools and workplaces were formed to promote inter-religious understanding. We emerged stronger from the episode, but it became clear that security agencies cannot fight the threats alone. As members of the public, we can play our part by being vigilant and sounding the alarm if we find something amiss.

For example, a self-radicalised youth was detained in April last year after a friend noticed changes in him and alerted the authorities before he could carry out his attack plans in Singapore. The battle today, and in the future, is not one waged by tanks and planes. It is a battle that needs to be won in our hearts and minds as we guard against influences that threaten our social cohesion.

Mdm Chair, the SAF is a microcosm of Singapore society, with soldiers from different backgrounds, religions and race. I would like to remind Mr Mohamad Faisal Abdul Manap that Singapore is a secular state and all Singaporeans enjoy the right to practise their religions under our Constitution. Apart from Islam, religions, such as Buddhism, Hinduism, Christianity, Judaism and Sikhism, also practise certain dietary restrictions. However, we do not insist that public eating places cater to any specific religious requirement. Rather than encouraging any one religious group to push fully for its own strict requirements, our approach has been to accommodate as far as practicable the needs of devotees of different religions while maintaining the common space and common goals for all.

So, in hawker centres, school canteens and food courts, for example, there are halal and vegetarian food stalls, but there are no specific corners for halal or vegetarian tables. This facilitates social integration, where Singaporeans come together, eat in the same space and interact. This is the cornerstone of our multiracial society and Singaporeans accept this. Similarly, there is no strict requirement that all restaurant kitchens must be halal-certified before they are allowed to operate.

The SAF operates similarly, just like society at large. In our camps, where space is available, we make provisions for halal food to be prepared separately from non-halal food, but our soldiers eat together in our dining halls. Where space is limited, vegetarian and halal food are brought in from centralised kitchens instead of being prepared in the cookhouse. In operations, like field camps, we provide combat rations that are halal, and vegetarian options are also made available.

The preparation of halal food requires strict adherence to the religious stipulations governing the food source, preparation and even storage. For Navy ships, space is always a premium which needs to be maximised and prioritised for key operational requirements, such as for combat systems, ammunitions and equipment spares. Nonetheless, we make provisions for our Muslim servicemen on board ships by providing options, such as seafood, chicken and vegetables. Similarly, we make provisions for non-Muslim Navy servicemen with specific dietary restrictions, wherever possible.

Our practice is similar to other Navies, including France and the US. SAF will accommodate where we can, but the SAF's operational priorities come before individual needs. Our servicemen and women understand and accept this. They are prepared to make sacrifices where needed and are committed to defending Singapore and all that we stand for.

Let me talk about the points raised on ACCORD. I am heartened that Singaporeans understand the importance of the community's role in the nation's defence and provide useful feedback through ACCORD.

Assoc Prof Fatimah Lateef and Mr Baey Yam Keng asked for an update on the work MINDEF has done to strengthen the community's support for NS. I am pleased to update that ACCORD has implemented 14 out of 18 proposals submitted last year to strengthen support for NS.

First, the Family and Community (F&C) Council has encouraged almost 70 businesses to show appreciation to NSmen by offering discounts and benefits through the "We Support YOU in NS" programme. The response from our NSmen and their families has been very positive. The F&C Council also improved their outreach to women through partnerships with the Singapore Council of Women's Organisations and the Women's Integration Network of the People's Association.

Second, through the Educational Institutions (EI) Council, four Post-Secondary Education Institutions piloted fitness programmes to help pre-enlistees get ready and fit for NS. These are their students. The results are encouraging. At Temasek Polytechnic, for example, the fitness programme increased the IPPT pass rate of participating students by more than 25%. In addition, the EI Council reached out to Singaporean and PR students in Foreign System Schools and Privately-Funded Institutions to help them understand the importance of NS. The United World College of South East Asia was so enthused that they hosted an NS Information Evening for 430 pre-enlistees and their parents from nine Foreign System Schools.

Third, the Employer and Business (E&B) Council piloted a post-ICT letter to employers, to recognise useful skills and attributes of our servicemen which are invaluable in the business world. Last year, 122 individuals, businesses and organisations were awarded the NS Advocate Award for their outstanding support towards NS. Absolute Kinetics Consultancy Pte Ltd was one of the winners. They demonstrated their strong support for NS by providing incentives for NSmen who excel in their IPPT and recognising employees who do well during NS.

What is most heartening is that these projects were initiated and led by members of the respective councils themselves. Their passion and enthusiasm are truly inspiring. In 2016, we can look forward to an expanded "We Support YOU in NS" programme and more exciting collaborations with Families for Life to reach the wider community. We will continue to encourage more pre-enlistee fitness programmes and engender broader-based support for NS through the "NS Mark" later this year, which recognises supportive employers, businesses and organisations.

Mr Amrin Amin and Mr Lee Yi Shyan asked how MINDEF is encouraging Singaporeans to strengthen commitment to defence. The SAF regularly organises events to educate the public on our defence capabilities in a fun and engaging way. For instance, the RSAF will organise an Open House in May this year. Later in June, the Singapore Army and the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) will hold an exhibition and Navy@Vivo respectively. We project to reach out to over 250,000 visitors through these events.

Last year, we launched the Commitment to Defence (C2D) Ambassadors programme to allow our SAF Pioneers to engage and inspire the younger generation with personal stories of Singapore's early struggles and our accomplishments in the face of adversity. Our younger generation found the sharing sessions interesting, authentic, and I quote, "not something we can get from the Internet".

For example, C2D Ambassadors like COL (Ret) Goh Lye Choon would captivate his audience by recounting his experience fighting infiltrators in the jungles of Kota Tinggi during Konfrontasi. According to C2D Ambassador MAJ (Ret) Ashim Mochtar, our youths are far from apathetic. They are passionate and understand the need for Singapore to stand up for itself.

Dr Teo Ho Pin asked about the public's readiness to address a variety of evolving threats. MINDEF agrees that the public needs to join the conversation on ensuring our future security. Therefore, we integrated this year's Total Defence campaign with the SGfuture citizen engagement initiative, under the theme "A Secure and Resilient Nation".

One of the discussion participants, Mr Saravenan said, "It was good to see that we feel strongly about our country and care enough to share." Many have also contributed interesting ideas to bring Total Defence to life, such as by running crisis simulation exercises to demonstrate the importance of Total Defence in overcoming hybrid threats. We will continue to explore how such ground-up ideas can revitalise community action for Total Defence.

We held a Total Defence exhibition in February and March this year. The exhibition featured individuals like Ms Nur Arfa, who was only 13 years old when she volunteered with "Citizens on Patrol" to spread awareness on crime prevention in her neighbourhood; as well as groups like the Religious Rehabilitation Group that fight religious extremist propaganda. Mr Lee Beng Kit, an exhibition visitor, said, "It is nice to see people contributing to society in their own ways. After all, Total Defence is about everybody coming together to keep Singapore strong, regardless of race, language and religion." We hope that the exhibition showed that there is much each individual can do to keep Singapore strong.

This year, we refreshed the Total Defence song "There's a Part for Everyone". I am sure Members can all remember that song from many, many years ago. But the updated version is a lot more hip. Indeed, with updated lyrics and a new upbeat arrangement by home-grown band QuickPick, the familiar medley caught on very quickly. The song was re-introduced to schools and reached more than 600,000 TV viewers over a 10-day period. Even Minister Ng Eng Hen was game enough to sing along to the refreshed song, helping us reach out to half a million people through his Facebook page. Unfortunately, I do not have time to show the video today. I hope that all of us will renew our commitment to Total Defence each time this song is sung.

We also continue to engage Singaporeans through platforms like the ciNE65 short film competition and N.E.mation! digital animation competition. Hoon Wei Ting, from Victoria Junior College, was so inspired by her participation in N.E.mation! last year that she volunteered to help out and share her experience with participants this year as well. We hope that when these competition clips are shown nationwide, they will encourage conversations about Total Defence and inspire all to do their part to keep Singapore strong and resilient.

Mdm Chair, MINDEF and the SAF also reach out to a diverse audience through various media platforms. Our stories highlight the sacrifices our NSmen make and the tough training they undergo to defend Singapore. Those who caught the "Ah Boys to Men" movies said it "shed (light) on the untold story of our unsung heroes". Programmes, such as the "Commandos" documentary series, "Women in the SAF" and "SAF Pioneers" were all well-received. We are heartened that Singaporeans' commitment to defence remains strong, and we will continue to share more of our stories in the coming year.

After 50 years of nationhood, the threats we are facing have evolved, but so have our responses. The future is uncertain, but I am confident that if we see ourselves, first and foremost, as one people and have the resolve to work together to strengthen our military, civil, economic, social and psychological defences, we, as a society, will be resilient enough for any challenge that comes our way.

3.30 pm

The Chairman : We have a bit of time for clarifications. Dr Lim Wee Kiak.

Dr Lim Wee Kiak : Thank you, Chairman. I have two clarifications, both for the Senior Minister of State, regarding the NS Mark and NS Gold Mark. What are the specific criteria for the companies to achieve these? May I suggest that, the Government, being one of the largest employers, make sure that our own Statutory Boards and Government agencies all achieve NS Mark and NS Gold Mark even before the private sector firms do it?

Secondly, regarding the low-key and high-key ICTs, personally, I also know of a few people who served many, many low-key ICTs somehow. Is it possible for them to consider accumulating that? For example, if you serve three or four low-key ICTs, it is equivalent to one high-key ICT. The number of days, added together, forms a sacrifice as well. I think we should recognise that, too.

Mr Ong Ye Kung : I thank the Member for the questions. For the first point on the Statutory Boards, I would say that MINDEF agrees with the Member. As for the details of the NS Mark Scheme, they will be announced in the latter part of the year.

On accumulating low-key ICTs to become high-key ICTs, this is a suggestion that had been raised before. We have looked at it and we will probably continue to look at it. But I think there is a limit. Just as I do some extra push-ups, do one more broad jump, one more shuttle run, it does not equal a 2.4-kilometre run. So, there is a limit to that logic.

Mr Vikram Nair : Mdm Chair, I would like to discuss one of the new threats that the Minister mentioned, which was cybersecurity. There is CSA and I think MINDEF are looking at cybersecurity issues. I am just wondering what is the coordination between the two, because there will be a lot of joint issues faced by both. One looks at, I understand, state-related issues; the other looks at domestic, commercial facilities and so on. I think there is probably a lot of coordination required and lots of the types of threats both tackle will be similar.

Dr Ng Eng Hen : Madam, if I can provide a simple structure. The national coordinating agency for Singapore and whole-of-Government is the CSA. Its task remit is to secure, if you like, the cyber environment for the whole-of-Government. Whole-of-Government also includes the private sector. For instance, CSA engages key clusters. The financial cluster is key; transport, power, and so on and so forth. That is its remit. And it is structured under PMO.

For the SAF, we are responsible for cybersecurity of our own military networks to make sure that we can conduct a defence – there are some things that I would not tell you – but we can conduct our defence. We are not dependent on your networks.

Mr Pritam Singh : Thank you, Mdm Chairperson. My question is directed to the Senior Minister of State. I am just following up on the high-key ICT issue. According to the CSNS, one of their recommendations was to implement make-up high-key ICTs. Can I just get an update from the Senior Minister of State how far SAF has gone into this? Because if I hear the Senior Minister of State correctly, it seems as if there may be difficulties in implementing this recommendation.

Mr Ong Ye Kung : There is a limit. Of course, make-up high-key ICT is to redeploy them to another unit which is going through a high-key ICT. In the process, what we lose is that he is no longer in the unit. To many NSmen, that actually is quite important because your friends and comrades are all from that unit.

While we try to implement the make-up high-key ICT, it is also in our interest to cater to young people and their many preoccupations. If they can finish their ORNS by their early 30s, then start to have babies, get their flats and start to work hard and be more focused on their career, I think it is a good thing. So, it is totally in our interest to make sure it ends as early as we can, early 30s if possible.

Mr Muhamad Faisal Bin Abdul Manap : Madam, I would just like to repeat what I have said in my speech that I am a strong believer in an inclusive and open SAF. I do not think that I need the Senior Minister of State to remind me that Singapore is a multiracial and multi-religious society.

Madam, I bring this issue up because of what the Minister had answered to a question posed to him during one of the public forums regarding why there are no Malays serving in the Navy vessels. The Minister mentioned that it is due to practical reasons or practical issues. My point is that since this is a practical issue or practical problem that exists, has this practical problem been resolved practically? So, that is my purpose. I believe if this practical reason can be resolved, it will further foster the inclusivity of SAF or RSN.

Dr Ng Eng Hen : Madam, a point of order. The Member is quoting me and I do not know what he is quoting. If he can show what I actually said in the conference or at the meeting, I am more than happy to accommodate what I said.

But I think there is a larger point. Mr Faisal Manap says he does not need to be reminded that we are a multiracial, multi-religious society. But he is only championing in his speech for Muslims.

Senior Minister of State Maliki made it clear that if each of us in this House – Muslims champion Muslims, Christians champion Christians, Buddhists champion Buddhists – we have never pushed for each group to fully push for their rights, for their observances. I think Senior Minister of State Maliki was very clear: where it is practicable, we will lean forward; the SAF, as with the rest of society.

So, in camps where there is adequate space, as Members know, we have Muslim cookhouses, vegetarian food is served. But we made it clear that, for the Navy, that space is always a premium. We have answered the Member's questions fairly.

But there is a larger point in this: what is the tone of the society, the tone of the SAF? Because in the SAF, I draw from all Singaporeans. I have people who do not eat beef. I have people with religious observances, apart from Muslims. I have vegetarians. Where we can, we will accommodate. But the overriding principle must be that the SAF's operational concerns must come first, and individual needs sometimes must subsume under that. Where we can, we will accommodate.

I am certain that there are situations where I cannot please all, accommodate all requirements. I cannot, hand on heart, assure you that all my mobile kitchens are halal. And sometimes, if we can, we will offer combat rations which are halal, which are pre-prepared. But fresh rations sometimes are served in the field. So, there are all these instances.

The SAF is a complex machinery. And I think our overall point is: where we can, we will lean forward as with the rest of the society, but always with the understanding that the SAF's needs and operational concerns must come first. There may be individual sacrifices that we make, but we deploy based on merit as well as commitment.

The Chairman: Assoc Prof Fatimah Lateef.

Assoc Prof Fatimah Lateef : Madam, I would like to ask the Senior Minister of State whether the training for the SAF Volunteer Corps is structured to meet the capabilities of the persons. Because I do know of a group of ladies who are actually considering joining but worry about their physical capabilities, myself included.

Mr Ong Ye Kung : The training is different from the full-time NS training. It is in three different phases and it will be structured according to the physical abilities and also the interests of the volunteers.

The Chairman: Mr Faisal Manap.

Mr Muhamad Faisal Bin Abdul Manap : Madam, I would like to reject the Minister mentioning me as someone who is always championing Malay/Muslim issues. We can check the Hansard. I believe that I have voiced out more national issues, compared to Malay/Muslim issues. And I believe it is my role and responsibility as an elected Member of a minority community in the Group Representation Constituency (GRC) system, it is my responsibility and role to voice out Malay/Muslim issues based on the voices that I gather from the community.

Dr Ng Eng Hen : Madam, I am very pleased to hear that the Member will champion issues for all religions.

The Chairman : Mr Vikram Nair, would you like to withdraw your amendment?

Mr Vikram Nair : Mdm Chair, I would like to thank the Members for their contributions, and the Minister and Senior Ministers of State for their responses. I think we have had a very lively discussion. In many countries, the military is seen as a powerful remote organisation. In Singapore, it is quite different. In Singapore, because we have NS, I think almost everyone is either serving in the military or know someone who is serving in the military. So, in that sense, it is very close to home. At the same time, it is respected around the region, it is respected by our contemporaries, I think that is quite an important achievement.

Madam, I am proud of the SAF and proud also to be serving in the SAF. I am now into my Reservist on Voluntary Extended Reserve (ROVER) stage. It is something many of us are proud of. With that, Madam, I beg leave to withdraw the amendment.

[(proc text) Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. (proc text)]

[(proc text) The sum of $13,296,000,000 for Head J ordered to stand part of the Main Estimates. (proc text)]

[(proc text) The sum of $671,000,000 for Head J ordered to stand part of the Development Estimates. (proc text)]

The Chairman : Order. I propose to take the break now.

[(proc text) Thereupon Mdm Speaker left the Chair of the Committee and took the Chair of the House. (proc text)]

Mdm Speaker : Order. I propose to take a break now. I suspend the Sitting and will take the Chair at 4.05 pm.

Sitting accordingly suspended

at 3.45 pm until 4.05 pm.

Sitting resumed at 4.05 pm

[Mdm Speaker in the Chair]

Hansard 原始记录