預算辯論 · 2018-03-02 · 屆國會 13

國防預算與安全挑戰

AI 安全與倫理 AI 與國家安全 AI 基礎設施與研究 AI 與公共部門爭議度 3 · 實質辯論

議員質詢新加坡國防預算，強調國防自主的重要性及面臨的多元安全威脅，包括恐怖主義、核武風險及網路安全。政府回應需持續投資國防力量和維護國際防務聯盟，以應對複雜且不斷演變的安全環境。核心爭議在於如何平衡有限資源與不斷增長的安全需求。

關鍵要點

• 國防自主迫切需求
• 多元安全威脅增加
• 維護國際防務聯盟

政府立場

持續投資國防與聯盟建設

質詢立場

支援國防預算但關注資源分配

政策訊號

加強國防投入與多邊合作

“Singapore needs to be a strong and valued partner in order for other countries to want to form alliances with us.”

完整譯文（中文）

Hansard 原始記錄 · 2026-05-02

主席：國防部J項。Vikram Nair先生。

國防開支與緊張局勢升級

Vikram Nair先生（實龍崗）：主席，我提議，“將預算中J項的總撥款減少100元”。

新加坡發展自身防禦能力的需求幾乎與獨立同時出現。獨立後不久，駐新加坡的英軍宣佈將提前撤離，新加坡此後需自行負責國防。

這促使1967年國民服役制度的啟動和新加坡武裝力量的重點發展。作為一個小國，安全始終是挑戰。戰爭爆發時，通常認為資源豐富的大國會戰勝小國。

與鄰國相比，他們擁有更大的人口、土地和自然資源，新加坡獨立時貧窮，面臨諸多緊迫需求和挑戰。但當時政府明白，從一開始就需要強大的國防力量，沒有國防就沒有經濟未來和安全。因此，儘管困難重重，政府仍投資國防。

建設強大國防力量同時伴隨著建立穩固的防務關係，1971年與馬來西亞、澳大利亞、紐西蘭和英國簽訂的五國防務安排（FPDA）是我們最早參與的防務協議之一。此後又建立了更多重要的防務和訓練安排，包括與其他地區國家和大國。

這些聯盟基於各方共同利益建立，新加坡必須成為強大且受重視的夥伴，其他國家才願意與我們結盟。

儘管我們的國防力量依然強大且可信，防務聯盟穩固，但安全環境依然充滿風險和不確定性。正如我們在早前外交辯論中討論的，這些威脅範圍廣泛且嚴重。

恐怖主義威脅持續蔓延，激進分子和從中東返回的戰鬥人員事件增多。歐洲主要城市發生襲擊，印尼也發生過類似事件。

朝鮮半島幾個月前發生了朝鮮的核試驗，儘管目前關係有所緩和，但核風險依然存在。南海局勢有所緩和，但分歧尚無明確解決方案，希望各方能達成行為準則。

如今，安全威脅呈現新形式，包括自我激進化的恐怖主義和網路安全。這些威脅複雜且不可預測，發生在戰爭門檻以下，我們可能需要足夠投資應對這些新興威脅。在這些威脅存在的同時，美國可能減少在本地區的角色，這使得我們必須繼續投資國防。

我們的先驅一代有遠見地投資國防，過去50年享受的“和平紅利”為新加坡的成長和繁榮奠定了基礎。如今，我們是世界上最富裕的國家之一。

上午10時15分

鑑於國土面積小且國防關係生死存亡，國防開支一直是預算的重要部分。面對日益增長的安全關切，地區國防開支也在上升，意味著我們的鄰國也在加強武裝力量。

正如預算辯論中預測，我們將進入人口老齡化和社會開支需求同時上升的時期。有人建議（當然不是在本院內）削減國防預算，我對此感到擔憂，因為安全和國防對我們至關重要。面對威脅，新加坡的安全計劃是什麼？我們的國防開支是否足夠且可持續？

[（程式文本）提案提出。（程式文本）]

維和行動

Teo Ser Luck先生（巴西立-榜鵝）：主席，作為國際社會負責任的一員，新加坡長期參與全球維和和人道援助任務。去年，新加坡武裝部隊（SAF）派遣CH-47直升機和人員協助美國哈維颶風救援，派遣額外醫療隊支援中東打擊伊斯蘭國（ISIS）聯盟，並向菲律賓和孟加拉國提供人道援助。SAF會繼續支援全球安全和國際維和行動嗎？

政府整體反恐努力

穆罕默德·法伊沙爾·易卜拉欣副教授（義順）：主席，恐怖主義持續對本地區和平與穩定構成重大威脅。地區恐怖威脅規模擴大。去年約900名與ISIS有關的武裝分子佔領菲律賓南部馬拉維市，導致40萬居民流離失所。菲律賓武裝部隊和警察經過五個月激烈戰鬥，包括空襲和炮擊，才奪回馬拉維。

恐怖組織如今協調性和複雜性增強，跨國界運作。馬拉維圍城的Maute武裝與地區親ISIS細胞和個人有關聯，利用走私路線通過無管轄區轉移資金、人員和武器。

馬拉維圍城顯示武裝分子能有效組織，對本土安全構成可信威脅，強調政府整體協同應對恐怖威脅的重要性。

那麼，SAF如何與其他政府機構協調，預防和應對地區恐怖主義威脅？

反恐努力

Fatimah Lateef副教授（海軍部隊）：國防部表示每年約有18,000名國民服役者接受反恐訓練。還有其他舉措幫助新加坡應對當前環境，包括特種作戰部隊、陸軍部署部隊以及島嶼防禦訓練學院的設立。

這些都是重大變革，伴隨戰略投資和承諾。我們計劃採購何種規模的硬體和技術？如何覆蓋陸地、海洋邊界及空域的攻擊和威脅？

我們必須隨時準備應對極端不穩定局勢，如何確保官兵心理準備充分，隨時保護新加坡？

國防部對東盟防長會議（ADMM）主席任期有廣泛目標。部長能否分享其中包括與東盟及其他有圍城經驗的武裝力量合作的內容？

網路攻擊

林偉傑博士（實龍崗）：主席，世界高度互聯，網際網路和數字化徹底改變生活，幾乎所有電子裝置都可遠端訪問和控制，如交通、金融和安全系統、電廠等。

這是一場完美的網路風暴。想象所有交通訊號燈失控，導致多起交通事故，道路癱瘓。頭頂飛機可能變成大規模殺傷性武器，如9·11事件。股市和金融系統可能完全癱瘓，電子金融交易混亂。通訊裝置被駭客攻擊，癱瘓全國，救援和恢復服務無法進行。這是好萊塢電影中的末日場景，這種現實會成真嗎？

全球頻繁報道網路攻擊、安全漏洞和網路間諜事件。針對新加坡的攻擊有多普遍？我們有多脆弱？我們如何保護新加坡免受網路攻擊？

近年來，網路攻擊成為重大安全問題。2015年，駭客成功入侵烏克蘭能源公司資訊系統，導致電網暫時癱瘓。2017年6月，烏克蘭再次遭勒索軟體攻擊，影響金融、能源和政府部門。

國內，政府教育機構也遭受網路攻擊。去年，多家企業和購物中心受“想哭”蠕蟲影響。幸運的是，新加坡受影響較輕。

這些例子表明，網路威脅嚴重影響新加坡人的生活方式。請問部長，這類攻擊有多普遍？我們有多脆弱？國防部如何保護新加坡免受網路攻擊？

漏洞賞金計劃

Zainal Sapari先生（巴西立-榜鵝）：主席，安全環境變化帶來更多多樣化且非傳統的威脅，尤其是網路領域。例如，暗網中日益增多的高階工具旨在破壞安全系統，促使我們測試和強化現有數字系統安全。同時，當前財政審慎環境也促使我們合理理財。

去年，國防部啟動漏洞賞金計劃，邀請具備技能和工具的白帽駭客攻擊其系統。我認為這是明智之舉，比僱傭商業網路安全評估團隊成本低，且可能發現其他方式難以發現的漏洞。此外，加強網路安全有助於防禦網絡空間邊界。

這些駭客被允許測試國防部八個面向網際網路的系統，查詢程式碼漏洞和安全隱患。請國防部長介紹漏洞賞金計劃的最新進展？這是一次性活動還是持續專案？國防部的努力如何融入國家網路安全生態系統？

審慎財政

Teo Ser Luck先生：財政部長在今年預算中宣佈預算增長上限降至GDP增長的0.3倍，此前各部委和國家機關預算上限已下調2%。這反映我們面對“新常態”低增長率的財政審慎態度。

同時，我們目睹非傳統安全威脅種類和危險性增加，尤其是網路領域和恐怖主義。

國防部和武裝部隊近年來投入資源建設這些領域能力。鑑於財政環境日益緊張和威脅範圍擴大，有人擔心國防資金可能分散過薄。為發展新興領域能力，國防部可能需更加審慎，甚至採取部分削減措施。

國防部能否詳細說明正在採取的審慎和削減措施？

武裝部隊未來

Teo Ho Pin博士（武吉班讓）：主席，武裝部隊主要任務是保衛新加坡。如今，新加坡面臨恐怖主義和網路攻擊等新威脅，除傳統威脅外。我們必須轉型，建設新能力，以威懾潛在侵略者，並以迅速有力的防禦擊敗他們。

技術和情報在強化國防和提升武裝部隊能力中發揮重要作用。2017年，國防部宣佈成立網路防禦組織，每年培訓18,000名士兵應對陸、海、空反恐行動。這些舉措很好，但未來我們是否有人力資源支援，尤其面對低生育率？

此外，隨著人口老齡化，許多預備役國民服役者10年後將超過60歲，國防力量年齡結構將顯著老化。許多年長預備役者可能不熟悉技術，難以適應武裝部隊採用的新技術。因此，升級這些預備役者以融入國防力量將面臨挑戰。

去年，國防部長談及“下一代武裝部隊”，面向未來，能應對21世紀威脅。對此，我想請教部長：一是武裝部隊如何利用技術提升裝備；二是武裝部隊應對未來威脅的作戰準備情況如何？

主席：Lee Yi Shyan先生不在。Jessica Tan女士。

東盟防長會議（ADMM）主席任期

Jessica Tan Soon Neo女士（東海岸）：主席，新加坡地理位置和規模帶來幾個不可否認的戰略現實，包括缺乏戰略縱深和分量、缺乏自然資源和人口少。我們高度依賴外貿自由流通，開放經濟使我們易受外部環境波動影響。

鑑於脆弱性，我們需依靠強大武裝部隊和精明外交保護利益。特別是參與地區安全架構對促進信任與合作至關重要，有助塑造良好安全環境，支援新加坡持續發展繁榮。

東盟防長會議（ADMM）是東盟最高防務協商合作機制，旨在通過對話與合作促進地區和平穩定，涵蓋東盟內部及與對話夥伴的防務安全合作。

面對極端分子威脅和地區地緣政治動盪，新加坡作為今年ADMM主席，有良好條件推動地區和新加坡安全利益。請問國防部作為ADMM主席採取了哪些舉措？

ADMM與ADMM-Plus

Pritam Singh先生（亞逸尼）：主席，ADMM和ADMM-Plus框架取得良好進展，增強成員國信心，降低但未消除地區，尤其是南海熱點地區爆發全面敵對的可能性。

即將舉行的東盟-中國海上演習是增強夥伴國信心的良好例子。特別是《海上意外相遇行為準則》（CUES）的採納，提升了實施希望，儘管所有ADMM-Plus夥伴達成協議可能比東盟國家更難。

上午10時30分

鑑於過去發生的致命事件，國防部長上月提及空中非計劃相遇行為準則框架，有無現實可能實現？

作為ADMM主席，據報道新加坡計劃加強東盟成員國及八個ADMM-Plus國家合作，提升反恐協作和應對化學、生物、放射性威脅能力。

此外，“我們的眼睛”倡議下，印尼、馬來西亞、菲律賓、新加坡、泰國和汶萊高階官員每兩週會面，交換激進分子資訊，建立暴力極端分子資料庫。部長能否說明此類合作是否有助於SAF實現規模經濟，為國防部節省開支？

最後，部長，鑑於ADMM-Plus框架重要性及多極化世界現實，有無可能將ADMM-Plus會議改為每年舉行，而非目前的兩年一次？ADMM及ADMM-Plus夥伴對此提議反應如何？

ADMM-Plus

Low Thia Khiang先生（亞逸尼）：主席，財政部長提到南海緊張局勢可能影響投資者信心，進而影響地區穩定和增長。因此，新加坡戰略上應盡力減少緊張局勢，防止事件升級為南海嚴重衝突。

新加坡今年擔任東盟主席，因此領導東盟國防部長會議（ADMM）及東盟國防部長會議加八國（ADMM-Plus），後者還包括中國和美國等另外八個大國。我們有一個及時的機會來建立框架，以最大限度地減少緊張局勢。這是及時的，因為新加坡在南海爭端的解決中是一個非聲索方利益相關者，並且與許多其他利益相關者，包括東盟國家、中國和美國，保持著強有力的雙邊關係。

這也是及時的，因為南海爭端似乎正在進入一個更理性的談判和力量平衡階段，擺脫了最初因爭奪領土而引發的情緒化階段。

2013年，中國和美國在夏威夷附近參加了聯合訓練演習。2014年，兩國連同其他南海利益相關方簽署了《海上軍事行為準則》（CUES）協議。CUES是一個極好的平臺，用以避免任何事件的升級，維護南海的和平與穩定。今年2月6日，國防部發布新聞稿，概述了2018年東盟國防部長會議的三個重點領域，其中之一是確認CUES在海上和空中的重要性。這是一個值得追求的目標，但遺憾的是，新聞稿對該領域的細節描述較少。部長能否詳細說明如何利用ADMM-Plus重申CUES的重要性？

新聞稿還宣佈，東盟將在年底與中國舉行首次海上聯合演習。這非常好，因為2013年美中海上演習促進了信任，進而促成了2014年的CUES協議。我想請教部長，東盟-中國海上演習是否會涉及在南海測試和演練CUES，以及是否可以在ADMM-Plus框架下舉辦類似演習。我之所以問後一個問題，是因為2018年是第三個ADMM-Plus三年週期的開始，上一個週期已經舉行了四次實兵演習，這些演習對深化地區安全合作非常有益。

主席：國防部長。

國防部長（黃永宏博士）：主席先生，感謝各位議員昨天通過政府財政政策，繼續支援新加坡建設強大國防。

這場辯論以及議會復會後關於總統致辭的辯論至關重要。正如預期，任何擬議的增稅都會引起關注。如果不引起關注，那我們就處於一個不同的、超現實的世界。但精明的議員們指出，財政預算不過是達到目標的手段。

事實上，除了對政府開支和收入的財政審查外，這些辯論還將為新加坡未來10年、20年及更長遠的戰略方向定調。這些核心問題正值關鍵時刻提出，因為我們正過渡到第四代（4G）領導層，必須贏得一代新加坡人的支援，這代人的視角和記憶與開國元勳甚至他們父母那代人有顯著不同，因為他們出生時新加坡已是第一世界國家，未經歷過第三世界新加坡。我們在審議這些關鍵問題時，必須決定哪些是絕不能放棄的，以免削弱我們的發展基礎，哪些必須改變以保持與時俱進。這兩場辯論的決定將影響每一個新加坡人，無論老少，無論對錯。

因此，每個部委，尤其是佔政府開支大頭的國防部，都必須處理這些核心問題。這就是核心辯論。維克拉姆·奈爾議員在問我部關於面對廣泛威脅和風險的安全計劃，以及我們的國防開支是否充足和可持續時，抓住了本質。他用了“生存性”這個詞兩次，他說得對。

我們是否應繼續將國防開支作為優先事項？畢竟，我們已經有50多年和平。我們與鄰國關係良好。正如議員們指出的，我們與大國建立了強有力的夥伴關係。我們應投入多少資金建設強大的武裝部隊，我們能負擔多少？

前幾代人對此問題的答案明確且堅定——國防是頭等大事，他們會毫不猶豫地大量投資建設強大國防和強大武裝部隊。

但我要澄清一點。過去的幾代人即使面臨許多競爭性需求，也如此決斷。我們談論需求增長，但過去作為第三世界國家的新加坡，需求極為迫切且無處不在——住房、學校、醫院、道路、公共設施、就業——都嚴重短缺。獨立時我們的軍事能力幾乎為零，當時政府必須做出艱難決定——每一元用於軍事建設的錢都是從其他需求中擠出來的。然而，他們付出了代價，建設了強大的武裝部隊。

為什麼？李光耀先生和開國元勳們經歷了新加坡作為英國殖民地、日本佔領及馬來西亞一部分的歲月，他們深信通過強大國防實現自決。

在國慶閱兵式上（各位議員都參加過），我們會重播李光耀先生的一段影片。這是一段非常嚴厲的告誡，在即將到來的國慶閱兵中，我邀請大家再次聆聽。1967年國民服役制度推出時，他說：“如果你們這些正在成長的人不明白必須保衛這片土地，那麼最終我們會失敗。別人會來，打倒你們，接管這裡。”我無法像李光耀先生那樣嚴厲地說，因為那一代人經歷了艱難歲月。對我們來說這很不自然，但當他說這話時，當開國元勳們說這話時，極其真誠。嚴厲的話語對應嚴峻的時代，但非常必要。不僅對那一代人，對每一代人都是如此。今年請再次聆聽那段影片。

懷著這種深刻信念和犧牲精神，我們今天擁有一支現代化、專業的武裝部隊。從兩支步兵營——如果你讀李光耀的回憶錄，會發現即使分離後它們仍受馬來西亞指揮——發展到現在擁有陸軍、合成兵種師，人員齊備，能隨時機動。

今年早些時候，你們可能注意到，也可能沒注意到，我們啟動了一次大規模動員演習（MOBEX）。沒有大張旗鼓，甚至可能未被察覺。但幾小時內，我們迅速集結並裝備了8,000名官兵，調運彈藥，採用了新方式。許多議員是國民服役者，經歷過動員演習。當他們到自動化櫃檯時，攝像頭拍照識別，發放通知單，告知所屬連排、角色及需領取的武器。但實際上不必親自領取武器，因為啟動時，我們同時激活了彈藥儲備設施，武器和裝備被推送到官兵處。幾小時內集結8,000人，這在任何地方都不簡單。這應當給本院議員和新加坡民眾極大信心。

新加坡空軍（RSAF）今年慶祝金禧紀念。但起初，我們只有兩架塞斯納飛機，實際上是從新加坡飛行俱樂部租賃的。如今，我們擁有全面的戰鬥機、運輸機、偵察機和地面防空系統，全天候保護我們的空域。說到這裡，意味著我們有飛行員隨時待命。9·11事件後，我們非常重視這一威脅。如果有飛機未經計劃接近，我們的戰鬥機會被動員。動員需要時間，所以飛行員隨時待命。偶爾我們會溫和引導迷航或失控的飛行員降落。但你永遠不知道何時會有真正的襲擊，就像9·11一樣。

我們的海軍起步時只有兩艘木質船隻，若遭攻擊可能沉沒。現在擁有現代化的近海任務艦（LMV）、護衛艦和潛艇，保護我們的水域和海洋樞紐。

前幾代人建設強大武裝部隊的承諾不僅僅是口頭或願望，而是需要政府和人民提供大量財政資源。但這並非他們唯一、甚至不是最寶貴的資源。他們奉獻了自己，正如本院所有完成國民服役的男性議員一樣，通過國民服役，獲得家庭和僱主的全力支援。

這種明確承諾的成果顯而易見——對新加坡人、鄰國乃至全球——今天的武裝部隊能夠保衛新加坡，更在全球安全中發揮作用。正如維克拉姆·奈爾議員所說，我們如何展示自己是值得信賴的夥伴？

正如張世樂議員指出，武裝部隊和資產曾協助德克薩斯州的哈維颶風救援，以及此前的卡特里娜颶風；或作為東帝汶維和部隊，或在阿富汗和伊拉克反恐；在亞丁灣打擊海盜；以及在亞齊和尼泊爾的人道主義救援。50多年前武裝部隊剛成立時，誰會想到這些？

上午10時45分

是的，我們將繼續這樣做，因為國際合作夥伴關係對應對影響我們自身安全的跨國威脅至關重要。坦率地說，我們並非“好人”，而是提升了我們的利益和價值，使其他國家願意幫助我們應對跨國安全威脅。

正是持續穩定的國防投資使武裝部隊在本地和國際上取得這些成就。這是供應委員會辯論，因此我認為適當介紹一些實際財政細節。主席先生，獲准後，我們發放了圖表，也在螢幕上展示。

第一張圖顯示過去30年的國防開支。藍色部分是國防部佔政府開支的比例。最高時，我們幾乎花費了政府每一元的三分之一。但隨著武裝部隊現代化，利用人力和技術做更多事，國防開支佔比大幅下降，約十年前開始，目前約佔政府開支的19%。

說完新加坡的開支，國防必須放在大環境中看。你花多少錢永遠不如別人花多少錢重要。看下一張幻燈片——周邊國家的國防開支。我只聚焦東盟，但亞洲（除東盟和新加坡）情況可能類似甚至更甚。

第二張圖顯示，我們的國防開支與東盟保持同步直到2006年左右。過去十年，東盟鄰國開支增加。這是名義絕對開支。隨著經濟增長，鄰國加大國防現代化投入。新加坡與東盟其他國家的開支差距擴大，但新加坡無需大幅增加國防開支以追趕。別擔心，我們不必這麼做。

正如我此前在本院所說，我們可以通過每年約3%-4%的通脹率增長，維持武裝部隊能力。未來十年，國防部預計國防開支不會出現激增。當然，若發生緊急情況或意外，如恐怖襲擊或安全環境惡化，我們的機構將不得不增加開支保護新加坡人。

十年後，我認為屆時的政府和本院應重新評估安全威脅、軍事開支及其他國家能力，提前規劃。如果各位議員十年後仍在本院，請記住這溫和的告誡，必要時發出警示。

我們從自身經驗及其他國家負面例子中學到兩條重要教訓：第一，準備應對危機的最佳時機是在和平時期；第二，長期穩定投資軍事能力通過威懾維護和平，效果更佳。這是國防投資最有效的回報。換言之，即使在一定時期內花費相同金額，持續穩定投資比起波動投資更有效。我將用許多歐洲國家的苦澀教訓舉例說明。

我最近談到立陶宛冷戰後廢除國民服役，但克里米亞被吞併後不得不重新引入。想想看——一位國防部長決定“國民服役不再必要”，幾年後另一位決定“重新引入”，這可能嗎？顯然來不及應對迫在眉睫的危機。

丹麥去年10月宣佈未來五年國防開支將增加20%。財政部長不得不說：“我必須將商品及服務稅（GST）提高2%來支付國防開支。”這對民眾來說是痛苦的。

法國問題更大。上月公佈法案，計劃到2025年將軍費增加40%，因為歐洲面臨威脅。法國和德國作為兩大國被要求承擔更多責任。馬克龍總統支援此舉，但軍費需增加40%。法國目前軍費約340億歐元，需增至500億歐元，七年內增加160億歐元。僅靠2%的GST漲幅遠遠不夠，可能需要3%、4%甚至5%的GST漲幅來支付。

德國儘管歷史複雜，歐盟國家要求其承擔更多軍事責任。這個爭論已經結束。我過去十多年參加慕尼黑安全會議，國防部長們也參加過。過去有種矛盾心理：“我們希望德國做更多，但鑑於其歷史，或許不應如此。”如今爭論結束，德國必須做更多。但經過25年削減國防預算，德國聯邦國防軍資金不足，許多武器系統因缺備件或維護不善而無法使用。根據德國政府評估，不到一半的潛艇和飛機處於可操作狀態。裝備在，但只有一半能啟用。

亞齊海嘯時，我們啟動了四艘登陸艦中的三艘。那是節禮日，無法提前預警。啟動後，75%的該類資產投入行動。第四艘當時在海灣，正如副總理張志賢提醒的。四艘全部出動。若需再派一艘，只能借用。

德國聯邦國防軍需要多年時間來現代化裝備，彌補失去的時間。

分享這些教訓，是希望大家吸取他人付出代價學到的寶貴經驗，這是任何國家最廉價的代價。

儘管周邊國家開支增加，安全威脅廣泛，我們仍計劃保持國防開支穩定。但必須優先排序、聚焦和最佳化資源。

有議員問及反恐問題——穆哈德·費沙爾副教授、法蒂瑪·拉蒂夫副教授。武裝部隊非常重視恐怖主義，必須重新組織、訓練和裝備。議員們指出，包括張豪斌博士，我們現在有能力訓練18,000名國民服役者執行國土安全任務。

我們從馬拉維事件中吸取了寶貴教訓，這是別人付出的慘痛代價。我們前往那裡，吸收經驗。我和副總理張志賢最近都曾訪問，發現並承認他們低估了問題，包括戰鬥人員數量和裝備水平。

那裡的恐怖分子裝備精良。狙擊手擁有良好的武器、重機槍，甚至還有反坦克武器。恐怖分子對菲律賓當局計程車兵和警察進行了城市戰，而這些士兵和警察並未接受過這類戰鬥的訓練。這就是為什麼菲律賓武裝部隊和國土安全部門花了五個月時間才將激進分子從那座城市驅逐出去。而且是在付出了許多生命代價和城市遭到破壞之後。我認為他們最近估算的賬單大約是20億美元。這只是一個小城市。那裡的經驗證實，新加坡武裝部隊（SAF）在建設我們的反恐能力方面走在正確的道路上。在一年時間裡，我們已經訓練了大約18,000名國防服役人員用於國土安全，並且啟動了一個新的機構，稱為島嶼防禦訓練學院。我去年談過新加坡武裝部隊訓練學院（SAFTI）城。完工後，它將使我們計程車兵能夠更現實地進行國土安全和反恐訓練，因為它將是一個不同於你我所熟悉的巴西拉巴。建築物，我不知道能建多高，但至少比我們現在的高，以教他們如何在那種場景下作戰。

議員們正確指出，我們必須與其他政府機構合作，以應對這些恐怖威脅。我們正在與警方的前線警務訓練中心合作。我們將進行聯合訓練，並裝備國防服役人員以具備執行這些國土安全行動的技能。在海上，各個機構協調合作，無論是海軍、警察海岸警衛隊、海事及港務局（MPA）還是移民與關卡局（ICA），以確保我們的水域安全。

但無論我們在國內做多少準備，新加坡都需要成為國際努力的一部分，從源頭上應對恐怖主義。這是一個明智的策略，因為如果不這樣做，你只是太晚處理問題，且讓問題不斷擴大。

我們從2007年開始在阿富汗對抗基地組織，之後威脅暫時減弱。自2014年以來，我們的武裝部隊已部署在伊拉克對抗ISIS，並取得了相當大的進展。由美國領導的聯盟努力已將伊拉克從ISIS控制中奪回。美國國防部長詹姆斯·馬蒂斯最近寫信給我，要求新加坡為我們來之不易的勝利後的下一階段鞏固工作投入更多資源。內閣已批准新加坡繼續在全球反恐方面保持承諾，以維護我們的利益。我今天宣佈，武裝部隊將在今年晚些時候進一步派遣部隊前往伊拉克。我們將派遣武裝部隊士兵幫助訓練伊拉克安全部隊，針對簡易爆炸裝置，以及戰術武器和戰鬥戰術。

正如副教授法蒂瑪·拉蒂夫所建議的，我們需要與東盟合作開展反恐工作，其他人也指出了這一點，包括普里坦·辛格先生和劉謙祥先生，特別是因為來自伊拉克和敘利亞的外國戰鬥人員風險增加。因此，矛盾的是，隨著那裡的問題減少，他們逃離；然後他們回來，無論是馬來西亞、印度尼西亞、菲律賓甚至新加坡。

菲律賓特種作戰司令部去年12月來新加坡進行為期兩週的專業交流，我們向菲律賓武裝部隊提供使用我們的無人機（UAV）進行監視的提議仍然開放。副總理張志賢最近訪問菲律賓領導人時也重申了這一提議。武裝部隊準備在受邀時加入蘇祿海巡邏。作為國防部長會議（ADMM）主席，我們最近提出了一個反恐框架——雖然已有許多專案，但我們認為需要一個全面的框架，因此設計了3R原則——相當於讀、寫、算。實際上是“韌性（Resilience）、響應（Response）、恢復（Recovery）”，以協調我們預防、應對和從攻擊中恢復的措施。

林偉傑博士詢問了日益增長的網路威脅，確實，這是一種跨國威脅，其影響可能與物理攻擊一樣毀滅性，無論是電網、金融網路、醫院等等。

在整個政府層面，副總理張志賢主持我們的跨部委協調委員會，即安全政策委員會。但在各部委層面，我們負責各自部委以及該部委所管理的生態系統。

議員們詢問攻擊來自誰、多頻繁以及針對誰。我想議員們可以猜到答案。攻擊由自由職業者以及有組織的國家和非國家行為者發起。國防部和武裝部隊高階領導人以及處理敏感資訊的部門曾被有針對性地攻擊，例如通過“魚叉式網路釣魚”。從事資訊科技（IT）的人會知道這是什麼。

上午11點

換句話說，你會收到看似無害的電子郵件，但其中包含惡意軟體。如果你點選附件，或者有時甚至點選郵件本身——我認為他們還沒達到你只看郵件惡意軟體就會入侵的階段。他們尚未成功，但會不斷嘗試。

正如我們在物理領域所做的，國防部採取多層次的網路防禦方法，包括最終將敏感系統與網際網路物理隔離的措施。內部有一套系統——我們不想與你通訊，請勿進入。感測器全天候監控內部網路。我們有“紅隊”測試漏洞。

贊納爾·薩帕裡先生詢問我們的漏洞賞金計劃。感謝你肯定這一計劃。我認為這是個好主意。它吸引了260名白帽駭客，全部是可信的，並以相對低廉的成本改進了我們的系統。我們已與其他機構分享經驗，如政府科技局（GovTech）和網路安全域性（CSA），效果令人鼓舞。我認為這不是一次性的。它可能不是完全的模板，但我們會考慮這些眾包方式。對於網際網路，我們可以這樣做；我們可以眾包並利用這種連線性。

正如議員們指出的，我們將建立一支由更多武裝部隊現役人員和全職員工組成的網路部隊。我們也將使用國防服役人員。今年，我們將招收首批網路國防服役生（NSF）試點班。對於有興趣且合適的朋友、子女或朋友的子女，請告訴他們這項計劃。對於有興趣且合適者，我們將提供不同期限的正規合同。如果他們接受，我們也將加大培訓投入。我們還將建立網路防禦訓練和演習基礎設施來培訓他們。因此，這是一個長期計劃，需要長期規劃，我們已經開始了。

張世樂先生詢問如何在開支上保持謹慎，他說得很對。我們知道資源有限。我們必須謹慎，但不會妥協。武裝部隊不會妥協我們的防禦能力，但我們已找到最佳化資源的方法。我們希望每一分錢都用得其所。

我們利用創新和更好的工作流程。武裝部隊去年節省了2億新元，是過去四年中的最高水平。我認為我們還能做得更多。例如，我們的新型輕型多用途艦艇（LMV）在整個艦隊的維護成本上將節省約6500萬新元。它們取代了巡邏艦。LMV比巡邏艦更具能力，但成本更低。為什麼？因為它們的船員更少，維護更高效。

共和國空軍（RSAF）的氣球監視系統——我們的大型氣球——昨天有些關於漂浮氣球的討論——讓我說，當武裝部隊放飛氣球時，它是長期存在的，目的是持續升空。我們的氣球實現了持續的空中監視，就像裝有雷達的飛機，但每年節省約2900萬新元。這是個非常好的主意。

武裝部隊在可能的情況下升級現有裝備，以避免購買新平臺。我們的第一反應不是購買，而是升級。這就是我們對整支豹式坦克和CH-47直升機機隊所做的。

正如張浩斌博士指出的，我們必須利用新技術。因為即使你選擇給我們更多資金換取人力，我們也做不到。我們根本沒有足夠的人力。我們認識到這是一個固有的限制，並且可能在一二十年前就開始應對，比如重新設計我們的系統，維護我們的系統。讓我給議員們舉些例子。

張浩斌博士提到年長的預備役軍官（ORNS），那些60多歲的人，可能不那麼熟練。我們並不打算將他們納入武裝部隊，因為他們的服役責任在40至50歲結束。謝謝你的建議，張博士。我們會考慮。

在我們的作戰序列（ORBAT）中，有一些例子。陸軍將建造無人觀察塔來監視裕廊島及周邊水域，而不是由士兵從觀察塔進行監視。這些塔將全天候24小時監視，減少所需士兵總數三分之一——這是一個顯著數字。

共和國空軍正朝著智慧空軍基地方向發展。什麼是智慧空軍基地？例如，它將使用無人機執行跑道損傷評估。議員們會注意到，比如最近的航空展，觀看很美，人們歡呼，但戰鬥機起降後，我們必須進行目視檢查，確保民航飛機也能安全降落。每次起飛都要進行目視檢查，因為即使是小碎片也會造成影響。

我們可以用無人機執行跑道損傷評估，並應對其他入侵無人機。我們希望通過自動化實現飛機維護的效率提升，並使用感測器進行飛行前後檢查。我認為這是可實現的，我們正在進行試驗以實現這種智慧空軍基地。

海軍正在整合所有機構的資料。海上環境與空中不同，有許多動態因素和不同機構。我們希望收集所有來源的資料，構建更好的演算法來檢測異常，然後預防可能來自海上的恐怖威脅。

在監視方面，我們希望使用帶智慧感測器的攝像頭實現自動監控。我們不需要每個環節都有人監控，來判斷“這艘船的行為與其他船不同”。只需提醒你，當人工決策者做出判斷時，你就能響應。某些場景下我們不需要有人駕駛的船隻。無人船將很快用於巡邏和水下調查。所有這些讓我們看到希望，我們正朝著一支同樣甚至更有效但用人更少的武裝部隊邁進。

我們完全同意這裡議員們指出的，我們不能單獨完成這項工作。我們必須與其他夥伴或國家合作。陳潔儀女士、劉謙祥先生、普里坦·辛格先生，感謝你們肯定我們作為今年國防部長會議主席所決定的事項。我們說將有三個領域：第一，反恐；第二，信心建設措施及海空非計劃遭遇行為準則（CUES）；第三，化學、生物和放射性威脅。這主要是因為朝鮮半島的不穩定，大多數國家尚未準備好應對這些威脅。

正如議員們正確指出，海上非計劃遭遇行為準則（CUES）已被接受。空中CUES被接受的可能性很難，我同意。但如果我們能在18個國家間實現，我認為這將發出強烈訊號。因此，我們會嘗試。我們至少會啟動程序，看看是否能獲得10個東盟國家和加8國的共識。我認為我們可以實現。在其中一些國家中，他們會更願意。如果我們能與他們溝通，說“這對你們有用”，我認為我們將做出重大貢獻。

有人問及演習，劉謙祥先生和普里坦·辛格先生也問，我們是否在練習CUES。確實如此。我們甚至不必等到中國-東盟海上聯合演習。我們將與所有18個國防部長會議加八國成員國一起練習CUES，因為他們已集體同意採用CUES，並將在2019年的演習中實踐。今年，我懷疑與中國的演習可能在無爭議水域進行，因此沒有機會練習。議員問國防部長會議加八國是否每年召開。確實如此，從今年開始。他們已同意，新加坡將首次主辦這些年度會議。

與美國方面，我們取得了新里程碑。新加坡共和國海軍（RSN）和共和國空軍去年首次在關島與美國太平洋空軍（PACAF）進行雙邊演習，涵蓋反潛、反水面和防空作戰的全方位演練。

與中國方面，我們將基於今年初中國國防部長常萬全訪問所帶來的積極勢頭，深化與中國人民解放軍的關係。與印度方面，我們簽署了海軍雙邊協議，將加強兩國間的海上安全合作，特別是在安達曼海周邊。與澳大利亞方面，我們將在昆士蘭建設武裝部隊訓練設施，預計2019年開始。

我們將建立強有力的夥伴關係，但我們都知道，最終，新加坡人必須對自己的防務負責。當我們依賴他人時，我們就失敗了。我們的國防服役人員將通過SAFTI城和澳大利亞的新設施接受更好訓練。隨著持續穩定的投資，獲得本院議員的批准，武裝部隊將繼續轉型。

下一代武裝部隊將採用顛覆性技術和新的作戰理念。在地面，他們將操作無人自主系統，以倍增兵力。我們的天空將通過先進武器系統得到更好保護。我們最近增加了Aérospatiale Terminale（ASTER）-30導彈系統。我們的領海和海上交通線將通過有人和無人艦艇得到更好保障。這就是我們的願景。這就是我們正在投資的方向，我們將裝備應對不斷演變的網路威脅。

主席先生，請允許我總結。昨日本院議員通過2018年預算案，向我們人民和世界發出了強烈訊號。這樣做，我們兌現了前輩賦予我們的信任——建設一支強大的武裝部隊，確保我們的獨立並保護新加坡人。但強大的武裝部隊不是偶然或僅憑良好意願建立或維持的。每一代人都需要有意識、有意圖的決定。需要犧牲，投入資源和自身。

前輩們做出了艱難決定。正如李光耀先生在2012年一次淡馬錫學會晚宴上對武裝部隊軍官所說：“從我們開始的那一天起，我就知道我們需要一支強大的武裝部隊，我相信這今天依然如此。沒有強大的武裝部隊，就沒有經濟未來，也沒有安全。”

昨日投票通過預算案的本院議員與開國元勳的信念和決心團結一致。如果每一代人都重申並更新承諾，那麼強大的武裝部隊將繼續保障新加坡的安全和主權，為下一代創造安全的未來。[掌聲]

國防服役的角色

副教授穆罕默德·法伊沙爾·易卜拉欣：主席先生，自1967年引入以來，國防服役一直是武裝部隊的支柱，在過去50年中對威懾潛在敵人和建立新加坡和平基石發揮了重要作用。潛在敵人知道，攻擊新加坡就是與我們所有人作戰。

該地區的政治氛圍多年來時起時伏。如今我們與所有東盟夥伴保持溫暖友好的關係，社會某些群體質疑國防服役在這種背景下是否仍然相關。畢竟，傳統衝突的可能性被認為很低。

鑑於國防服役基於國家防禦的需要，國防部能否詳細說明國防服役在當今新加坡的作用及其重要性，考慮到當前的地緣政治狀況？

武裝部隊人力

贊納爾·薩帕裡先生：先生，多年來，武裝部隊在建設一支強大軍事力量以保護新加坡的過程中，依賴了新加坡的人力資源。然而，近年來出現了幾種趨勢威脅到武裝部隊的徵兵池，首要的是出生率下降和人口老齡化趨勢。

上午11點15分

正如本院議員所記得，國防部長去年指出，到2030年，武裝部隊的人力供應將減少三分之一。鑑於這些即將到來的人力限制，武裝部隊面臨哪些人力挑戰？採取了哪些措施以確保這些人力挑戰不會影響我們的整體軍事能力？

國防服役凝聚力

張世樂先生：像我許多男同事一樣，我們對國防服役有美好回憶，國防服役是所有新加坡男性的成年禮，無論背景如何，只有在國防服役中，我們才能與不同背景、不同身份的同齡人交往，共同工作。因此，除了為我們的年輕人、年輕男性準備作戰外，它在增強社會凝聚力方面也發揮著重要作用。從這個意義上說，國防服役是我們社會不可或缺的一部分。武裝部隊正在做些什麼，以在服役期間為來自不同背景的國防服役生創造更多共同經歷並提升凝聚力？

國防服役效能

王廷坤先生（馬西嶺-裕廊西）：主席先生，儘管我們盡了最大努力，但迄今為止提高出生率的嘗試效果有限。這對我們的經濟和安全都有嚴重影響。展望未來，人力資源的挑戰意味著每一個服兵役的個人都將變得越來越珍貴，無論是在服役期間還是服役之後。在服役期間，由於服役人數因出生佇列縮小而減少，每個人將承擔更大的角色。

服役之後，我們需要確保所有新加坡人都具備在新工作世界中茁壯成長的能力。如果我們的所有男性在獲得未來職場生存所需技能方面都落後於同齡人兩年，我們作為一個國家將面臨困難。我想請教部長，國防部如何利用新技術最大化每位國民服役者在服役期間和服役之後的潛力？

職業興趣

裴潤慶先生（淡濱尼）：職業興趣計劃允許在確定新兵適合部署的國民服役職業時考慮其興趣。此舉旨在為我們的服役人員提供更積極、充實和有意義的國民服役體驗。同時，它鼓勵我們的國民服役者更積極地承擔其角色、責任和為確保新加坡安全所作貢獻的責任。

我查看了中央人力基地（CMPB）網站，發現有關新加坡武裝部隊（SAF）、新加坡警察部隊（SPF）和新加坡民防部隊（SCDF）33個國民服役職業的影片和手冊非常有用。這將為我們的年輕預備役者提供更深入的見解，幫助他們做出更明智的選擇。我注意到最終的分配結果會考慮體能、執行任務的適合性和作戰需求，除了新兵的興趣之外。這是合理的。

我想請國防部詳細說明該計劃的理由，以及新加坡武裝部隊在部署國民服役者方面是否有其他變化。

自去年11月該計劃啟動以來，我相信已有兩三個批次的新兵入伍，其中一批已完成基礎軍事訓練（BMT）。國防部能否分享該計劃的早期發現？興趣匹配情況如何？新兵的反應如何？

網路國民服役者計劃

劉燕玲女士（蔡厝港）：主席先生，據總參謀長稱，過去一年新加坡發生了一系列網路攻擊。調查顯示，一些攻擊者採用複雜的反檢測和感染技術，通過網路後門訪問資訊。這些高階持續性威脅（APT）中的一些惡意軟體簽名甚至未被反惡意軟體資料庫識別。

我們剛才聽國防部長黃永宏談到惡意郵件帶來的威脅。這些發展表明，新加坡面臨的網路威脅日益複雜，檢測和取證調查更加困難。值得注意的是，一些複雜的網路攻擊似乎針對公共機構，試圖獲取關鍵資訊和資料。不出所料，國防部去年初其面向網際網路的系統遭到有意的駭客攻擊。

鑑於我們人口和地理面積較小，新加坡武裝部隊高度依賴數字化和網路化能力，以在潛在對手面前保持軍事優勢。然而，這些軍事網路和系統及其敏感資訊使其成為網路攻擊的有吸引力目標。作為加強網路防禦能力的持續努力的一部分，國防部最近宣佈啟動網路國民服役者計劃，利用具備相應天賦和技能的國民服役者人才。國防部能否提供該計劃的最新情況？鑑於人口規模減少、國民服役者數量減少，該計劃的可持續性如何？

國民服役體驗

王廷坤先生：主席先生，技術正以加速的速度發展，有潛力以幾年前難以想象的方式改善我們的生活。我們現在可以輕鬆地嘗試測量我們的身體活動量、去過的地方和互動物件。我們收集的資料幾乎可以挖掘出關於人類生活各方面的洞見。

這些技術可以用來提高國民服役訓練的效果和安全，同時幫助個人服役者發展有用技能。例如，虛擬現實及相關領域的進步使我們能夠創造新型訓練。個別部隊可以在安全環境中練習關鍵技能，指揮官可以嘗試不同策略，看看哪種效果最好。將技術應用於國民服役的潛力僅受限於我們的想象力和領導意願。我們可以在提高訓練成果的同時降低服役人員的風險。

我想請教部長，新加坡武裝部隊如何利用技術提升國民服役體驗？

全民防衛中的社群關鍵作用

喬安·佩雷拉女士（丹戎巴葛）：主席先生，自1967年引入以來，國民服役一直是新加坡防衛的基石，提供了保障我們共同繁榮的安全與穩定。迄今已有超過一百萬人服役，國民服役已深深紮根為國家制度。

未來，確保這一制度繼續獲得每個新加坡人、每個家庭和社群的強力支援至關重要。過去四年，國防社群關係諮詢委員會（ACCORD）內的家庭與社群理事會制定了加強社群對全民防衛和國民服役支援的舉措。其中包括（a）與新公民和永久居民接觸，增進他們對防衛需求的理解並支援國民服役制度；（b）與新加坡武裝部隊預備役協會（SAFRA）和人民協會（PA）合作，鼓勵零售商為國民服役者提供折扣，以表彰他們對國家的貢獻。我們可以做得更多。

軍事服役艱苦，國民服役者為保衛國家而離開事業和親人所作的犧牲是真實的。國防部和ACCORD還能做些什麼來教育公眾瞭解國民服役者的犧牲，並激發社群對這些服役者的支援？

國防社群關係諮詢委員會（ACCORD）

傅誌慶先生（先鋒）：主席先生，我關注的是國防部認可國民服役者貢獻的努力，以及ACCORD為提高公眾對國民服役認識所採取的舉措。

新加坡武裝部隊保障新加坡主權，使所有新加坡人能夠安居樂業，確信國家受到良好保護。國民服役是所有新加坡男性和第二代永久居民的義務，是新加坡防衛和安全的基石。對許多新加坡男性來說，國民服役是18歲左右的成年禮，他們離開舒適的家，承擔保衛國家、家人和朋友的責任。完成兩年全職國民服役後，國民服役者轉為預備役，服役期約十年。在此期間，他們需兼顧事業、家庭和國防義務。因此，認可國民服役者的貢獻是正確且必要的。

去年我們慶祝了國民服役50週年，全國上下共同感謝歷代國民服役者為國家防衛所作貢獻。來自各行各業的新加坡人藉此機會重新承諾為保護我們的獨立、價值觀和生活方式盡一份力。我相信許多現役和退役國民服役者都受益於國民服役50週年的各種優惠和促銷活動，私營部門也慷慨支援，體現了他們對國家防衛重要性的理解。

然而，這種在公共和私營領域的廣泛支援不應僅限於一次性或里程碑年份。我們的國民服役者必須持續感受到他們的犧牲受到認可，而非被視為理所當然。因此，我想請教部長，國防部如何持續努力認可國民服役者的貢獻？

ACCORD由國防部於1984年成立，作為社群對新加坡防衛相關問題提供反饋的渠道。2014年，ACCORD重組，設立主理事會及涵蓋僱主與商業理事會、家庭與社群理事會和教育機構理事會的三個分理事會。我想請部長介紹ACCORD已實施的舉措最新情況。

國民服役者技能未來計劃

張皓斌博士：先生，國民服役者在服役期間接受各種軍事和技能培訓。許多知識和技能，如領導力、規劃、指揮與控制或安全措施，在國民服役者加入職場後同樣適用。

先生，我能否請教部長，國防部正在採取哪些措施，使國民服役者在服役期間獲得的技能和知識能在服役之外得到認可？

國民服役者生產力表現

陳瑞福副教授（提名議員）：先生，隨著時間推移，防衛對新加坡的重要性非但沒有減弱，反而更加關鍵。防衛開支必須跟上新加坡的夥伴關係發展，並滿足我們先進經濟體日益複雜的需求。像政府所有領域一樣，未來幾年防衛開支將面臨壓力。為此，防衛開支必須與經濟狀況保持同步，其中包括人力使用和生產力方面。

先生，在我們的防衛中，全民防衛的五大支柱之一要求擁有強大且有韌性的經濟。經濟的強韌性部分基於擁抱高效生產工作習慣的勞動力。促進和理解個人對勞動力表現貢獻的自然起點是全職國民服役。

全職國民服役是年輕人生活中的重要里程碑，通常是他們首次接觸有規章的工作環境。即使那些因學業或其他原因推遲進入勞動力市場的人，早期全職國民服役的集中浸潤也會深刻影響年輕人的態度。體驗的強度和廣泛性為培養國民服役者的生產力驅動工作倫理提供了寶貴機會。

除了確保國民服役中獲得的技能符合經濟需求外，還能採取哪些措施利用機會評估和提升國民服役者的個人生產力表現？這將有助於確保年輕人在全職國民服役中付出的時間和努力對其職業生涯持續相關。

上午11時30分

我有三個問題請教部長：全職國民服役在塑造年輕新加坡人工作倫理中扮演什麼角色？國民服役如何促進對個人和組織層面生產力表現及效率重要性的認識？最後，軍隊的紀律性與生產力和效率協調的可能性有哪些？

全民防衛

劉燕玲女士：主席先生，全民防衛於1984年啟動，旨在激勵每位新加坡人發揮作用，建設一個強大、安全、團結的國家，抵禦任何危機。新加坡人熟悉五大支柱，每年2月15日紀念全民防衛日。

如今，我們面臨新興威脅，如資訊戰，這些威脅更隱蔽，因為它們長期針對人民的心智，且更難察覺。此類威脅旨在利用社會裂痕破壞社會團結，削弱對政府的信任，降低對國家未來的信心。

同時，新加坡社會也在演變。多年來，我們見證了更多跨族群和跨國婚姻。這種日益多元化可能帶來新的潛在裂痕，使維護社會和諧更具挑戰。

更復雜的是，我們的人口越來越依賴社交媒體獲取新聞和時事資訊，使其更易受網路虛假資訊影響。在此背景下，新加坡的全民防衛策略已被證明是卓越的存在，併為抵禦此類隱蔽威脅提供了堅實防線。

國防部能否介紹2018年全民防衛運動的最新進展，以及我們未來如何應對這些威脅？

社會與心理防衛

王廷坤先生：主席先生，從大多數客觀指標看，我們正生活在歷史上最好的時代。貧困和飢餓減少，因疾病和戰爭死亡率下降，但各國也面臨對經濟和生活方式的日益威脅。這些威脅形式多樣。最明顯和高調的是恐怖襲擊，如9·11或倫敦爆炸案。但對國家長期健康同樣危險的是更微妙的威脅形式，如通過宣傳和假新聞加劇社會緊張。

我們看到即使成熟的西方民主國家也未能免疫於此類網路心理恐怖主義，外國活動家利用社交媒體挑起社會分裂議題，如種族主義、不平等或槍支權利。這些威脅難以定義、檢測，更難以應對。

我想請教部長，國防部如何與相關機構合作，確保我們持續增強社會凝聚力和心理韌性？

社會防衛

阿明林先生（森巴旺）：我們為新加坡多種族、多宗教的全球社會感到自豪。我們可能崇拜不同的神靈，遵循不同的文化和傳統，但我們在這個小紅點上和平共處。

我們的全球樞紐地位促進了經濟增長，增強了國家活力。但我們也清楚，這些都不能視為理所當然。

放眼海外，我們看到種族、宗教和移民問題如何影響社會和政治，甚至導致恐怖主義和暴力。在東南亞，ISIS外籍戰士回國帶來了持續的激進化威脅。這些恐怖分子利用種族和宗教作為“社會武器”分裂人民。

在新加坡，我們也不能免疫於恐怖主義威脅，近年來有人自我激進化。在歐洲和美國，我們見證了全球化反彈在美國政治、英國脫歐和歐洲反移民政黨的表現。

鑑於這些威脅利用我們日益多元社會的裂痕分化人民，作為新加坡人，我們如何作為全民防衛的一部分，加強社會凝聚力，肯定多元文化主義，以鞏固我們對抗恐怖主義和其他外部壓力的防線？

假新聞

維克拉姆·奈爾先生：主席先生，今天的世界日益互聯。《商業時報》報道，70%的新加坡人是活躍的移動社交媒體使用者，超過全球平均水平兩倍多。這意味著新加坡人更容易接觸到網路上的虛假新聞和壓力，這可能撕裂我們的社會結構。

假新聞的威脅無處不在且隱蔽。在社交媒體上，文章和故事通常因聳人聽聞或符合個人信念而廣泛傳播。然而，驗證流傳故事的真實性並非總是可能，這為假新聞傳播提供了肥沃土壤。

更糟的是，假新聞通常帶來利潤。網路收入通常與瀏覽量和傳播量相關，而非故事的真實性或質量。只需分享聳人聽聞的故事，無需支付記者調查和報道真相。因此，在低成本廣泛傳播能獲利的環境下，進行真實調查和報道的傳統媒體公司受損，讀者數量下降。

這形成雙重打擊：假新聞廣泛傳播，而真實新聞需要付費訂閱，難以對抗假新聞。

更令人擔憂的是，有指控稱國家行為者也參與利用假新聞影響他國政治。我們的外交部長曾確認新加坡也存在此類情況，但他可能出於外交考慮未點名具體國家行為者。

最近最令人震驚的指控發生在美國，有部分人士聲稱俄羅斯干預了美國選舉。普遍共識是，上一屆美國大選中大量假新聞流傳，雙方候選人均成為假新聞受害者。

國防部是否關注假新聞對我們國防構成的威脅，特別是來自國家行為體的假新聞？如果關注，國防部打算採取哪些措施來應對假新聞帶來的威脅？

新加坡武裝部隊志願軍團

張浩斌博士：主席先生，新加坡武裝部隊志願軍團（SAFVC）允許不符合國民服役資格的不同背景的新加坡人也為新加坡的國防做出貢獻。其主要使命是在指定崗位上與武裝部隊國民服役兵、預備役軍人和現役軍人並肩作戰，以增強新加坡的安全。SAFVC也是不同背景公民相聚、訓練和建立紐帶的絕佳機會，這有助於建設一個更具韌性的國家。

主席先生，國防部能否提供SAFVC招募的最新情況，並分享志願軍團成員所承擔的志願工作型別？

青年參與

馬炎慶先生：主席先生，現今世界的特徵是網際網路和全球化的興起。我們的青年將在一個能夠讓他們接觸到豐富多樣觀點和經歷的環境中成長和成熟。

雖然這為教育和對多樣性的更深理解打開了許多機會，但也可能以新的方式重塑他們的身份認同。特別是，他們對“新加坡人”身份的理解將不再僅僅基於對新加坡歷史、文化和脆弱性的認識。

然而，新加坡人對保衛國家的承諾取決於我們是否對自身的脆弱性有良好的理解，並且內心深植對所保衛事物重要性的堅定信念。雖然從小培養青年對這些的理解很重要，但全球互聯互通的增長及隨之可能導致的“新加坡身份”稀釋，將持續對我們的努力構成強大挑戰。

我注意到國防部採用了許多創新且有趣的方式，向不同年齡群體的公眾推廣全面防衛，例如N.E.mation!影片競賽、《城市守護者》策略卡牌遊戲、全面防衛徽章計劃、全面防衛拼圖、塗色活動以及紀錄片劇集《這裡永遠不會發生》。

國防部這些年來的經驗如何？國防部如何更好地接觸當代青年，加深他們對全面防衛的理解，並鼓勵他們發揮作用？

未來武裝部隊

法蒂瑪·拉蒂夫副教授：主席先生，我們的武裝部隊已經走過了漫長的歷程。它已從單純的防衛需求，發展成為新加坡國家認同的一部分文化機構。

展望未來，出生率下降將帶來重大挑戰。到2030年，我們的國民服役入伍人數將減少30%。這可能是決定更多利用技術、無人系統等的時機。

未來戰爭可能發生在網路領域。技術變革不會放過國防領域。資料分析將變得極為關鍵。我們是否擁有在這些領域受過高度訓練的人員？他們能否培訓他人？我們如何為年輕新兵做準備？心理準備和韌性培養又如何？這些同樣重要。

最後，部長能否介紹一下士兵表現卓越中心（CESP）——它的職能以及課程如何調整以滿足我們的需求？

家庭參與與韌性

喬安·佩雷拉女士：主席先生，除了廣大社群，家庭在支援我們的預備役軍人方面也扮演著非常重要的角色。在個人層面，家庭是預備役軍人道德、情感和社會支援的主要來源。強大的家庭能夠察覺預備役軍人情緒或心理壓力的跡象，並在壓力升級前尋求幫助。

在國家層面，家庭維繫國民服役作為國家制度的持續存在，鼓勵一代又一代的新加坡兒子完成國民服役這一成年禮。因此，家庭是我們可以接觸的重要群體，以確保預備役軍人及國民服役制度的福祉。

迄今為止，ACCORD已與新加坡婦女組織理事會（SCWO）、人民協會婦女融合網路及青年女性領導力聯絡合作，通過資訊分享會與預備役軍人的母親、妻子和女友接觸。ACCORD還與“家庭為生活”理事會合作，參與預備役軍人及其家庭的活動，如2017年8月在新加坡探索中心舉辦的“家庭為生活國民服役50週年野餐”。

展望未來，國防部如何加強與家庭的互動，使他們更好地支援預備役軍人的國民服役旅程？

主席：翁業康部長。

國防部第二部長（翁業康先生）：主席先生，感謝各位議員提出的問題。馬立基·奧斯曼博士和我將盡力回答所有問題。

去年，我們紀念了新加坡國民服役50週年。穆罕默德·法伊沙爾·易卜拉欣副教授詢問了國民服役持續的重要性。它依然是我們今天擁有的強大且可信賴武裝部隊的基石。

自1967年以來，超過一百萬新加坡人投入時間和汗水，忠實履行國民服役職責。他們及其家庭的犧牲保障了國家的安全，新加坡人因此能夠決定自己的未來。

我們最大的國防資產之一是新加坡人對國民服役的堅定支援。傅志誠先生對此提出疑問，強調這不能是一次性的情感，而應是長期持續的支援。

事實上，一些國家難以維持公眾對徵兵制度的支援。黃永宏部長提到立陶宛；另一個例子是瑞典，十年前廢除國民服役，後來因安全環境重新評估而不得不恢復。

我們今天面臨的主要挑戰有兩個。第一個是人口結構問題，導致入伍人數減少，兵源縮小。法蒂瑪·拉蒂夫副教授也提到這一點。第二個是不斷演變的新型非常規安全威脅，如恐怖主義、網路攻擊以及虛假資訊或假新聞的傳播。阿姆林·阿敏先生對此提出了問題。

上午11時45分

因此，我們必須以更少的人力做更多的事，培養更有能力的軍人。未來武裝部隊的能力和效能將不再基於人數，而是基於質量和能力。我們將通過提升三方面實現這一目標：一是提升個人能力；二是加強系統效率；三是利用技術。請允許我詳細說明。

首先，提升個人能力。作戰準備的基礎首先是身體素質。體能也是非常個人化的，影響個人健康遠超其服役期間。

我們將利用技術為每位軍人提供針對性和有效的訓練。新成立計程車兵表現卓越中心（CESP）——法蒂瑪·拉蒂夫副教授提問過——採用科學、資料驅動的方法最佳化每位士兵的表現。中心通過可穿戴裝置和資料更好地瞭解每位士兵的生理狀況，進而制定更有效、漸進的訓練計劃，同時最大限度減少急性傷害風險。訓練甚至可以根據士兵的職責和任務定製，做到細緻入微。

我們還將為軍人提供更好的健身工具，增加健身訓練的選擇和可及性。我們正與體育理事會（SportSG）和健康促進局（HPB）合作，推出快速高強度間歇訓練（Quick HIIT）計劃。預備役軍人可在社群空間和體育設施參加該計劃。

從本週開始，我們還在武裝部隊健身訓練中心和SAFRA健身房試點使用可穿戴技術。預備役軍人不必嚴格遵循武裝部隊個人體能測試（IPPT）預備訓練（IPT）制度，而是可以選擇喜歡或需要的鍛鍊方式，如騎行、跑步、舉重或間歇訓練，並通過可穿戴裝置記錄健身進度。只要達到所需的卡路里消耗和強度——我們只測量輸出，不測輸入——即視為有效的IPT訓練。這是一個重大轉變，賦予預備役軍人選擇權、便利性和自主權，畢竟體能是個人責任，而非武裝部隊的責任。

個人只有在單位凝聚力強、軍人通過共同經歷建立深厚戰友情誼時才能發揮效能，張世樂先生對此提出過問題。基礎軍事訓練（BMT）是這種共同國民服役經歷的重要組成部分。自1987年基礎軍事訓練中心（BMTC）成立以來，正如張世樂先生所說，許多新加坡男性完成基礎訓練“海外”——即在德光島——已成為成年禮。

然而，許多國民服役兵未經過BMTC，而是直接入伍至作戰單位，通常稱為單一批次單位。從今年起，我們將全面實施“一體化基礎軍事訓練”計劃，幾乎所有適合作戰的國民服役兵都將經歷德光島的訓練體驗。

因此，單一批次單位計程車兵將被派往德光島BMTC進行統一的九周基礎軍事訓練，並從國民服役旅程開始即作為一個單位共同生活。他們將受益於BMTC專門的訓練經驗、基礎設施和技術應用。最重要的是，他們將在單位內及更大的武裝部隊集體中共享共同經歷。

第二個重點是加強系統效率。這意味著改進系統以將合適的軍人部署到合適崗位，最大化其貢獻和潛力。該方向最重要的舉措是職業需求審查。翁庭坤先生詢問了利用技術最大化軍人潛力的問題。確實，正是因為技術，我們現在能夠審視職業需求。

有了技術，已無法嚴格區分適合作戰與不適合作戰。例如，操作無人系統的人員雖不進行體力勞動，但仍處於作戰狀態。因此，許多軍人現在可以執行過去只有滿足最嚴格體能要求的軍人才能完成的任務。例如，隨著技術應用，戰鬥工程師和安全部隊的體能要求大幅降低。

這為我們根據軍人的體能和能力更有意義地部署他們創造了機會。自去年以來，武裝部隊已將600多名軍人部署到他們之前不符合資格的職業崗位，且這一數字還將增加。

馬炎慶先生提到職業興趣計劃，預入伍者將表達對武裝部隊、民防部隊和警察部隊33個國民服役職業的興趣。雖然不能保證軍人一定獲得所選職業，因首要考慮仍是國防作戰需求，但我們會在部署過程中考慮他們的興趣，盡力匹配。

馬炎慶先生提到一批人已通過基礎軍事訓練，詢問最新情況。實際上他們尚未通過，只是已入伍並表達了興趣，下週將舉行基礎訓練結業典禮。

軍人們普遍認為該計劃有幫助。超過80%的受訪者表示該計劃鼓勵他們更主動承擔國民服役的角色和責任。許多人選擇了步兵和衛戍部隊等艱苦職業。首批約4000名錶達職業興趣的國民服役兵將於本月晚些時候部署到相應崗位。我們將持續完善該系統。

我們還通過網路國民服役兵計劃，利用國民服役兵在網路安全等專業領域的才能，羅燕玲女士對此詢問了最新情況。該計劃兩週前宣佈，自宣佈以來反響熱烈，許多預入伍者表達了興趣。我們將對申請者進行嚴格的技能和能力測試，不太看重學業成績。該計劃作為試點，針對今年下半年入伍者。

最後，武裝部隊將部署技術以減少人力需求，同時保持或提升作戰效能。近年來，我們取得了多項進展。黃永宏部長舉了幾個例子。另一個例子是我們的智慧海軍基地，採用下一代篩查系統，利用生物識別、面部識別和自動威脅分析系統等技術。這些改進將使海軍基地所需安保人員減少70%，同時保持甚至提升安全水平。

翁庭坤先生詢問如何利用技術提升國民服役體驗。確實，除了節省人力，這些技術還能改善基層體驗，提高士氣。

去年，我們在徵兵體檢中心引入了電子試衣系統。預入伍者無需再手工測量所有身體尺寸，改由紅外身體和足部掃描器快速準確地為其配製服裝和運動鞋。電子試衣系統成功將基礎軍事訓練中心的裝備更換率從20%降至6%。

我們正在試點利用面部識別和即時排隊管理技術，最佳化徵兵體檢中心的訪客流量，縮短等待時間。

另一個創新是名為“國服小助手”的人工智慧聊天機器人。我當兵時沒有這個。軍人可以隨時向小助手提問，例如“什麼是BTP？”小助手會解釋這是基礎射擊訓練包，並給出事實和建議，比如“瞄準準確，別當傻瓜射手，安全第一！”我們將在下一階段試驗中擴充套件小助手的內容庫，增加更多武裝部隊術語。

主席先生，為了讓國民服役繼續成為新加坡國防的基石，我們需要新加坡人的支援。喬安·佩雷拉女士和傅志誠先生提到社群對國民服役的支援和對軍人的認可。許多人一定為國民服役50週年期間公眾的高度參與感到欣慰。公眾、零售商、僱主、政府機構、藝術界等紛紛貢獻力量。

我最近接任ACCORD主席，深受其成員的熱情和激情感染。ACCORD是政府委員會中少有的成員服務多年後仍請求繼續服務、不願卸任的組織之一。

我們將繼續借助國民服役50週年的勢頭，動員社群支援國民服役，認可我們的軍人。我們已啟動“我們支援你服役”計劃。Switzer Alliance是參與商戶之一。業主們認為國民服役經歷對他們幫助很大，願意回饋社會——在武裝部隊日為軍人提供特別折扣，並舉辦免費講座，內容貼近軍人興趣。

我們將繼續鼓勵類似僱主支援國民服役，並推動僱主制定國民服役友好的人力資源政策。自2016年國民服役標誌認證計劃啟動以來，已有約2000家公司和組織承諾支援國民服役，其中超過35%獲得了金標認證。

張浩斌博士和蘭道夫·陳副教授詢問如何為國民服役兵退役後生活做準備。此前我談及提升個人體能和作戰技能，這些已是非常基礎且實用的生活技能。

此外，在培養這些技能的過程中，國民服役兵還學會了寶貴的能力，如領導力、紀律、韌性和團隊合作。這些品質有助於他們退役後在職業生涯中表現出色。事實上，我常建議男學生，市場上所有領導力專案中，最好的就是武裝部隊在國民服役期間提供的。

今年一月，我們提升了服役證書，認可這些品質和技能，並通過工作技能資格（WSQ）認證的成績單予以體現。

目前，約96%的國民服役兵將接受WSQ認證的國民服役訓練，特別是在通訊、供應、物流、維護甚至指揮官培訓等領域。

[議長主持]

ACCORD將繼續推動此項工作，繼續與行業合作伙伴合作，擴大國民服役技能認證，幫助僱主認可國民服役的價值。

但話雖如此，我們仍應牢記，歸根結底，國民服役（NS）是為了確保新加坡武裝部隊（SAF）的作戰效能，是對國家的服務，不能變成一種交易行為。

中午12點

主席先生，最後，我要說，我們必須珍惜當前對國民服役的支援水平，並盡一切努力維持甚至提升這一支援。這是心理防禦的最佳體現，全體國民齊心協力支援國家事業。當我們的敵人看到我們的決心和團結時，他們會三思而後行。

主席：高階國務部長莫哈末·馬利基。

國防高階國務部長（莫哈末·馬利基·奧斯曼博士）：主席先生，正如黃永宏部長所解釋，新加坡面臨不斷變化的地緣政治和威脅環境。隨之而來的是武裝部隊的角色也在擴大，以應對這些威脅。但這些發展對普通新加坡人意味著什麼？他們如何理解自己在新加坡防衛中的角色？

在當今這個邊界開放、物聯網普及的世界中，侵略者可以通過多種方式向目標國家施壓，他們越來越多地將壓力指向普通公民，誤導他們對不同背景的同胞產生怨恨，或動搖他們對政府的信心。實質上，這導致信任危機，社會走向解體。隨著此類策略變得更加普遍，我們的人民必須願意並準備好抵抗和應對，建立個人和社會的韌性，以克服這些威脅。

新加坡的全面防衛戰略體現了每個人為保障新加坡安全所扮演的角色。該戰略於1984年推出，當時背景是可能影響社會多個方面的武裝軍事衝突威脅。除了軍事防衛，我們的領導人認識到，面對和克服任何潛在衝突的能力也取決於人民及其決心。事實上，隨著針對人民心靈的威脅日益突出，個人作為第一道防線的作用愈發關鍵。

鑑於此，國防部多年來不斷擴大和豐富我們的宣傳工作。過去，我們的努力主要集中在每年的全面防衛日紀念活動。如今，除了這項活動外，我們還開展了全年多樣化的活動，旨在幫助新加坡人瞭解我們的威脅和挑戰，以及他們可以採取的應對措施。這一切都離不開來自公共、私營和民間部門不斷壯大的合作伙伴隊伍，他們與我們攜手合作。

舉一個近期例子，國防部與內政部合作，與新傳媒共同製作了國家安全紀錄劇《這裡永遠不會發生》，該劇於一月份在第五頻道播出。一位觀眾，58歲的家庭主婦維瑪拉·古魯納坦女士，被其中關於網路攻擊的集數深深觸動。她分享道，我引用她的話：“我很驚訝網路空間的攻擊竟然能在我們的社會和日常生活中造成混亂……我喜歡節目還教我們如何通過上網更謹慎，不盲目相信所讀內容來克服這些問題。”

我感到欣慰的是，如今全面防衛理念在新加坡人中產生共鳴，許多人積極參與貢獻。國防部2017年進行的一項公眾調查顯示，大多數受訪者認可全面防衛在應對傳統和非傳統威脅中的價值。

我們還看到，國防部各種參與專案的部分參與者進一步鼓勵他人參與全面防衛。其中一位是26歲的鐘宇倫。宇倫參加了國防部舉辦的短片比賽“ciNE65”的每一屆，創作了多部獲獎且更重要的是鼓舞人心的作品。這些作品涵蓋鼓勵國民服役者保衛家園的主題，也展現了新加坡人的韌性。

宇倫後來創辦了自己的影片製作公司和YouTube頻道“Butterworks”，製作了《從德康出來的第一本書》和《以驕傲引領》等影片，累計觀看次數超過70萬次。最近被問及製作這些影片的動力時，他說：“我非常有動力製作新加坡人會自豪稱之為自己的影片……我們挑戰自己創作融合了我們內心那份小小愛國情懷的勵志故事。”

劉燕玲女士詢問了2018年全面防衛運動的最新情況及其如何應對新威脅。隨著我們前進，就像建設下一代武裝部隊一樣，我們將使全面防衛適應新的安全環境，更加重視社會和心理防禦。

王鼎坤先生強調了在恐怖主義面前這樣做的必要性。假新聞和網路攻擊等其他威脅加劇了這一需求。雖然軍事和民事領域最直觀地與防衛相關，但如今我們必須拓寬對保障新加坡含義的定義。

首先，如果新加坡人允許自己被分裂性的虛假資訊左右，或在暴力襲擊後對特定社會群體貼上標籤，我們的社會凝聚力可能會受到破壞。如今，恐怖組織如ISIS濫用宗教，極端觀點的傳教士也曲解宗教。宗教也開始進入政治領域，如本地區所見，導致社群關係緊張。

作為社會，我們會繼續接受考驗。主席先生，允許我在螢幕上展示一張圖片嗎？

主席：可以。[向各位議員展示了一張圖片。]

莫哈末·馬利基·奧斯曼博士：就在去年，出現了兩段涉及一名在敘利亞的本地ISIS戰士的宣傳影片——第一段影片是他號召他人加入他，另一段則更為血腥，顯示他近距離射殺三人。

聽到這些訊息並觀看這些片段時，新加坡人會或應該如何反應？最初的反應可能包括擔憂、不信、恐懼、憤怒，甚至可能是不信任。然而，這些反應可以被緩解，取決於我們作為個體的心理強度和作為社群的社會凝聚力。

擁有強大的社會凝聚力和心理韌性的穆斯林會拒絕被引導接受極端思想，譴責那些影像，並向非穆斯林朋友和鄰居保證，他們所看到的影像既不代表伊斯蘭，也不代表新加坡的穆斯林。

同樣，擁有強大社會凝聚力和心理韌性的非穆斯林會對他們的穆斯林朋友表達支援，並保證他們所見既不代表伊斯蘭，也不代表新加坡的穆斯林。

同時，那些可能受影像影響的人會感到足夠舒適，願意與穆斯林朋友澄清疑慮和顧慮。隨著信任加深，所有新加坡人將團結一致，維護我們珍視的和諧。這就是我們社會和心理防禦的本質。主席先生，請允許我用馬來語說幾句話。

（馬來語）：[請參閱方言發言。]正如我們推進建設下一代武裝部隊，我們將使全面防衛適應新的安全環境，更加重視社會和心理防禦。雖然軍事和民事領域最直觀地與防衛相關，但如今我們必須拓寬對保障新加坡含義的定義。

如果新加坡人允許自己被分裂性的虛假資訊左右，或在暴力襲擊後對特定社會群體貼上標籤，我們的社會凝聚力可能會受到破壞。

如今，恐怖組織如ISIS濫用宗教，極端觀點的傳教士也曲解宗教。宗教也開始進入政治領域，如本地區所見，導致社群關係緊張。

我們只需回顧自己的歷史，就會明白社群間的信任和善意不是理所當然的，必須不斷努力維繫。作為社會，我們會繼續接受考驗。就在去年，出現了兩段涉及一名在敘利亞的本地ISIS戰士的宣傳影片——第一段影片是他號召他人加入他，另一段則更為血腥，顯示他近距離射殺三人。

聽到這些訊息並觀看這些片段時，新加坡人會或應該如何反應？最初的反應可能包括擔憂、不信、恐懼、憤怒，甚至可能是懷疑和不信任。這是一個嚴重的問題。

然而，這些反應可以被緩解，取決於我們作為個體的心理強度和作為社群的社會凝聚力。擁有強大的社會凝聚力和心理韌性的穆斯林會拒絕被引導接受極端思想，譴責那些影像，並向非穆斯林朋友和鄰居保證，他們所看到的影像既不代表伊斯蘭，也不代表新加坡的穆斯林。如果我們擁有強大的社會凝聚力和心理韌性，我們也會看到那些對穆斯林朋友充滿信心的非穆斯林表達支援，並保證他們所見既不代表伊斯蘭，也不代表新加坡的穆斯林。

同時，那些可能受影像影響的人會感到足夠舒適，願意與穆斯林朋友澄清疑慮和顧慮。隨著信任加深，所有新加坡人將團結一致，維護我們珍視的和諧。正如馬來諺語所說——“團結則存，分裂則亡”。這就是我們社會和心理防禦的本質。

（英語）：正如阿姆林·阿敏先生指出，除了種族和宗教之外，我們的社會結構中還存在新的潛在裂痕，如果不加以注意，可能被用來對付我們。隨著全球化和新加坡人流動性的增加，我們不能假設所有新加坡孩子在成長過程中都會繼續體驗本地學校和社群的文化。

還有一些人來自跨國家庭。這些本身並非問題，但表明我們人民的經歷和視角比以往更加多樣。如果我們不繼續建立共同理解，我們的差異可能被放大以分裂我們，使我們難以在危機中團結一致。

我們需要強大的社會防禦。這意味著通過與不同背景的人互動來擴大我們的共同空間，反對挑撥離間的行為，幫助有需要的人。其中一個重要方面是加強不同宗教背景人群之間的信任和理解，以防範可能分裂我們的激進思想。

就在上個月，五個社群發展理事會（CDC）在全國範圍內啟動了“共同空間的共同感知”跨信仰對話專案。該專案為社群成員提供了一個安全空間，提出問題並瞭解新加坡不同信仰，從而加深理解和欣賞。

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令人欣慰的是，我們的青年理解社會防禦的重要性，併發起了自下而上的專案來擴大我們的共同空間。例如，跨信仰青年圈由一群青年發起，旨在彌合對新加坡不同宗教的理解差距，尤其是在全球恐怖襲擊後出現的負面情緒和網路討論中。他們組織活動，如經文推理會，聚集人們一起閱讀和反思不同信仰的經文。這些努力促進了更深的信任和更強的意志，抵制試圖讓我們互相對立的企圖。

維克拉姆·奈爾先生詢問假新聞對安全的影響，以及國防部如何應對這一威脅。在互聯互通的世界中，新加坡人更容易受到可能動搖他們維護國家利益意願的壓力，包括種族和宗教和諧。這些影響可能以故意在網上傳播的虛假資訊形式出現。

例如，2007年，一張帶有清真標籤的豬肉照片在全國職工總會（NTUC）公平價格超市流傳，照片被用作惡作劇。NTUC公平價格當時已澄清該照片為假。但該照片在2014年再次出現。七年間，社交媒體變得更加普及，照片在Facebook上廣泛傳播，帖子易於分享給更廣泛的受眾。雖然事件已解決，但類似案例可能破壞我們的跨信仰團結。

同樣，虛假資訊可能被用來削弱我們對公共機構的信任和對共同未來的信心，或煽動恐懼。一些議員可能還記得去年初在社交媒體上流傳的一段影片，聲稱顯示大士發生爆炸。雖然確實發生火災，但該影片是假的。該影片自2015年以來多次上傳至YouTube，並在不同場合被標註為中國、印度和法國的爆炸——同一段影片。如果未被揭穿，該影片可能引發新加坡人的恐慌和焦慮。假新聞有可能從內部破壞我們，是國防部更加關注心理防禦的關鍵挑戰。

此外，越來越多的新加坡人出國工作和學習，可能不得不更直接地面對異議觀點。外國商業夥伴、同學或朋友有時會對新加坡的決策、政策或行動表達根本分歧，甚至可能說服你採納他們的觀點，而犧牲支援我們的國家利益。每個人的心理韌性在抵禦這種壓力中起決定性作用。

我今年早些時候讀過一篇關於全面防衛的評論文章，頻道新聞亞洲編輯賈米·何正確指出，今天的防衛意味著新加坡人“為自己思考”和“為自己站立”。這就是心理防禦——認識我們的脆弱和挑戰，推進我們的價值觀和利益；能夠識別謬誤；為新加坡挺身而出。

正如我們的威脅超越軍事領域，我們的威懾也必須如此。除了可信的軍事力量，我們還需要心理韌性強的人民，能夠承受危機或病毒式攻擊，不被動搖。如果有人對新加坡發表負面評論，而我們的第一反應不是核實事實，而是譴責新加坡，甚至傳播謬誤，我們就在防禦上自掘墳墓，敵人會毫不猶豫地利用這一點，擴大分裂。我很高興看到新加坡人，例如運營“Confirm?”網站的人，他們通過有關新加坡問題的測驗，主動幫助周圍人更好地理解我們的原則、立場和政策，防止他們成為假新聞和謬誤的受害者。

我詳細闡述了社會和心理防禦，因為這些領域的威脅非常真實，但往往不易察覺。它們對我們保衛新加坡的能力有潛移默化但重大影響。在全面防衛的其他支柱中，新加坡人同樣是第一道防線。以軍事防衛為例，加入武裝部隊志願部隊（SAFVC）是許多女性、新公民和第一代永久居民參與服務的一種方式。回應張浩斌博士的提問，自2014年SAFVC成立以來，我們已培訓超過600名志願者，並部署他們擔任各種角色。2018年，志願者將能在武裝部隊的15個新增崗位服務。

許多人也為民防貢獻力量。例如，為防止恐怖襲擊，直落布蘭雅社群緊急與參與委員會（C2E）主席查恩吉特·辛格與其他志願者合作，定期在地鐵列車上巡邏。在國防部和武裝部隊，我們也在裝備人員以個人身份應對危機。大多數接受基礎軍事訓練（BMT）的官兵都會學習急救和心肺復甦（CPR）及自動體外除顫器（AED）技能，武裝部隊志願部隊成員亦是如此。

拉傑德蘭·馬坦·普拉薩斯是一個值得稱讚的例子，他不僅加入SAFVC為軍事防衛貢獻力量，還利用訓練中獲得的技能在非值勤時為民防做出貢獻。去年四月，他對一名心臟驟停的老婦人進行了心肺復甦。在恐怖主義面前，我們開發了社群響應模組，以補充像拉傑德蘭這樣人員的技能。該模組已納入基礎軍事訓練課程，未來兩年內，所有國防部和武裝部隊人員都將接受該模組培訓。它配合“新加坡安全”計劃，更好地準備我們的官兵成為積極的社群響應者。

國防部將繼續與合作伙伴一道，鼓勵不同群體的新加坡人以具體方式為全面防衛貢獻力量。

我們不斷探索創新方式與青年互動。馬業慶先生問我們如何做到這一點。2017年推出的“城市守護者”（GOTC）卡牌遊戲是幫助青年瞭解新加坡面臨的恐怖威脅及其應對方式的一種途徑。今年，我們已向所有中二學生髮放了超過38,000副遊戲套裝，學校也組織了GOTC團隊體驗。中學教師穆罕默德·沙米爾·安瓦爾先生主持了遊戲併為學生開展反思課程，他分享說學生們既喜歡遊戲，也學到了關於全面防衛的重要課程。引用他的話：“這個遊戲與眾不同，令人興奮……學生們想嘗試它，因為它具有互動性……由於遊戲內容與他們息息相關，這是一個教授他們全面防衛的好平臺。”

其他讓全面防衛生動呈現給青年的互動工具還包括一款全面防衛拼圖遊戲，該遊戲由政府多個機構與新加坡報業控股（SPH）THINK的創意團隊合作開發，已分發至學校、新加坡武裝部隊營區和社群中心（CC）。各類組織，尤其是學校，發現這款拼圖是有用的學習資源。

國防部還為年輕新兵設有更具體的專案。我完全同意副教授法蒂瑪·拉蒂夫的觀點，除了體能訓練外，在不斷變化的安全環境中，心理準備同樣重要。

除了作為對學生的外展活動吸引未來新兵外，還有一套全面計劃在他們入伍時加強其身體和心理韌性。這貫穿於全職國民服役的各個方面。其中一部分是國家教育活動和里程碑事件，幫助他們瞭解我們的安全挑戰、我們所捍衛的內容及原因，以及我們必須做什麼以持續保障新加坡的安全。

這些活動包括體驗式參觀國防相關的遺址、武器展示儀式以及從樟宜到濱海灣的24公里行軍。當他們經過新加坡標誌性地標時，會被提醒他們訓練的目標是保護這些地方。行軍路線象徵性地逆轉了二戰期間新加坡淪陷後戰俘從市區到樟宜的失敗路線。士兵們今天在濱海灣參加畢業閱兵，象徵他們決心永不讓新加坡再次淪陷。

除了這些活動和事件外，整體的全職國民服役體驗——與戰友和指揮官建立牢固的紐帶，體驗指揮官以身作則的價值觀——增強了新兵的心理素質。理解和信念帶來的是即使面對新威脅和挑戰，也能保護家園的韌性。

家庭是國民服役人員的重要支柱。喬安·佩雷拉女士曾問國防部如何與家庭互動。武裝部隊通過里程碑閱兵、單位家庭日和開放日等活動與國民服役人員家庭互動，並向他們提供國民服役相關資訊。通過ACCORD，我們還與“家庭為生活”和“父親中心”等組織合作，向家庭宣傳國民服役和全面防衛。

主席先生，能否允許我繼續講一會兒？

主席：鑑於國防部的時間尚有餘裕，請您在接下來的幾分鐘內結束髮言。

莫哈末·馬利基博士：謝謝。我們舉辦的活動包括去年“慶祝國民服役50週年”野餐和“父親為生活”營。ACCORD還與女性開展焦點小組討論，收集如何更好支援服役人員及其家庭的反饋。通過這些方式，家庭不僅能支援國民服役人員的服役旅程，也能理解他們在全面防衛中扮演的角色。

總結來說，主席先生，閣下，如果我們每個人都理解新加坡的立場並致力於保護我們的生活方式，我們就能威懾並克服破壞我們團結和信心的陰險企圖。除了我今天提到的個人外，還有許多人在日常生活中踐行全面防衛，通過國民服役訓練盡力而為，保護個人裝置，學習急救，獻血，掌握新技能。國防部將持續努力加強全社會的這一努力。擁有強大的全面防衛，我們有充分理由對新加坡的未來充滿希望和信心。

主席：普里塔姆·辛格先生。

普里塔姆·辛格先生：我的問題針對國防部長。閣下，我瞭解到已宣佈派遣武裝部隊部隊赴伊拉克。我有四個相關問題。

首先，國防部如何評估我們部隊在那裡的威脅？其次，鑑於伊拉克固有的不穩定性，尤其是遜尼派與什葉派之間的教派衝突，以及ISIS及其各種變種的存在，國防部如何準備我們的服役人員及其家庭應對這次部署？第三，國防部預計部署將持續多久？武裝部隊在此次部署中的任務和目標是什麼？國防部是否擔心任務範圍擴大？

第四，也是最後一個問題，新加坡曾於2007年至2013年派遣約470名服役人員赴阿富汗，協助阿富汗國民軍炮兵訓練、簡易爆炸裝置（IED）偵測、建設和影像分析。部長能否分享更多關於我們在伊拉克部署的規模和性質、部隊將承擔的任務，以及他們可呼叫哪些資源保障安全？

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黃永宏博士：主席先生，這些問題很好且非常相關。我們派遣武裝部隊赴任務時如何評估威脅？我們絕不會在認為沒有風險時派遣人員，因為風險總是存在。只有當風險是保護新加坡人和新加坡所必需時，我們才派遣部隊。無論是阿富汗、伊拉克、亞丁灣，甚至是東帝汶的維和行動，我們都有傷亡。

我們這樣做的核心是保護新加坡的利益。以阿富汗為例，我們明白如果不在基地處理恐怖主義，即基地組織影響最大的地方，我們只能不斷應對被激進化、訓練並從基地出口的恐怖分子浪潮。事實證明，我們在阿富汗駐紮了10年，辛格先生記憶準確。無論是影像分析師還是武器定位雷達，我們都做出了貢獻。我們甚至為聯軍識別了熱點地區，恐怖威脅暫時消失。我說“暫時”，因為我們持續監控基地組織細胞，極有可能出現復甦。

針對ISIS，我們取得了顯著進展。兩三年前，ISIS控制的地理區域覆蓋伊拉克和敘利亞大部分地區，但現在已大幅縮小，剩餘據點很少，人數也大幅減少。我們取得了進展。

我們如何為服役人員準備這些威脅？赴伊拉克的武裝部隊人員認識到這些威脅，但我們系統性地識別威脅。每次任務都有需求與威脅評估團隊前往實地，與指揮官溝通，繪製地形和風險圖，形成評估報告。除了完成任務所需的要素——我會談及成員關心的內容——保護措施也是必要的。你可以將風險降到最低，但永遠無法完全消除。

部署將持續多久？阿富汗部署持續了10年。針對ISIS的部署相對較短，自2014年以來。但當伊拉克取得重大收復成果時，我們不會停止貢獻，這不符合我們的性格和任務要求。不存在任務範圍擴大。核心任務是消除恐怖分子出口的基地，就像我們在阿富汗所做的那樣。試想如果我們說“其他國家去處理，我們不管阿富汗”，問題一旦加劇，我們將受害。

對於伊拉克和ISIS，我們有更直接的利益，因為有來自馬來西亞、印度尼西亞和新加坡的外國戰鬥人員在那裡。因此不存在任務範圍擴大，目標明確，就是協助當前階段。第一階段是最艱難的——收復領土，剝奪ISIS資源及其擴充套件恐怖主義的能力。我們的影像分析團隊——成員問他們的任務——識別ISIS使用的金融據點，協助聯軍摧毀這些“金融倉庫”。

我們現在與澳大利亞及其他部隊共同部署，實行聯合防護，可呼叫他們的支援。營區安全有保障。我去年探訪部隊，滿意他們有周邊防護措施。若發生事件，有應對措施。探訪時正巧遇到模擬攻擊演練，美軍、澳軍和我們的部隊都參與，動員醫院並守衛周邊。以上是我對所有問題的回答，簡要總結一下。

我們理解這項任務的意義。必須遏制恐怖主義，這是一場持久戰。9·11事件、巴厘島爆炸後，我們加入阿富汗行動。針對ISIS，我們現在在伊拉克。何時結束？何時撤回？我不知道。有人說“共產主義若無神助，需50年”。

主席：副教授法蒂瑪·拉蒂夫。

副教授法蒂瑪·拉蒂夫：我想問部長關於軍民合作的問題，這不是指社群參與或受訓應對危機的普通民眾（如C2E計劃），而是指組成國際人道主義團隊或響應全球人道主義行動的本地新加坡人，無論是戰爭相關還是自然災害相關。這些人具備災難、醫療及戰術訓練，能為危機響應增值。國防部如何與他們合作？

黃永宏博士：這正是樟宜區域人道主義中心理唸的核心。我們認識到，像納爾吉斯颱風、尼泊爾地震等事件發生後頭兩三天，儘管資源充足，協調響應卻最為困難。例如菲律賓颱風時，我們派遣C-130運輸機，但因缺乏空中指揮控制設施，飛機未能充分利用，只有美軍因擁有航母能控制空域。

我們設立該中心協調軍事響應。但正如法蒂瑪副教授指出，人道主義機構涵蓋民間團體和聯合國組織。我們已擴大合作，聯通聯合國及其他人道組織，並開展一兩次桌面演練，明確發生事件時的聯絡物件。我們也邀請這些民間志願團體若有可能，常駐樟宜。這是持續努力，我們將不斷擴大聯絡、提升效率，下一次危機發生時，新加坡能發揮更明確作用，貢獻更多。

主席：維克拉姆·奈爾先生。

維克拉姆·奈爾先生：我想澄清關於非常規威脅的問題。高階國務部長莫哈末·馬利基生動描述了這些威脅。我關心的是我們是否應做得更多。首先，關於恐怖主義影片，99%的人會厭惡，但極少數，可能是0.001%，甚至孤狼，可能受其啟發實施暴力。

儘管我們的心理防禦很強，但只需一人受影響即可發動恐怖襲擊。相對風險是其他人可能泛化認為“這就是穆斯林所為”，我認為在新加坡這不是大問題，但若心理防禦不強，可能成為問題。我們有充分理由識別並採取措施清除此類影片，首先查明來源，其次對上傳和傳播者採取法律行動。

其次，關於假新聞，清真豬肉的例子非常有說服力。2007年出現，顯然具有分裂性，暗示NTUC向穆斯林出售豬肉，屬虛假資訊，NTUC已澄清。但六七年後又出現，顯示假新聞的傳播力。假新聞聳人聽聞，易傳播，真相乏味，不易傳播。真相幾乎總被假新聞壓倒。我們能否採取更多措施識別假新聞製造者並採取行動？

心理防禦是抵抗，但若能消除病毒更好。

莫哈末·馬利基博士：感謝奈爾先生的發言。我們完全同意需要全面應對所有非常規威脅，無論是影像還是其他形式。我想強調一個例子。一張圖片可能引發不同群體不同反應，我們必須意識到不同新加坡群體的反應，從而加強我們的決心。

相關利益相關者包括：一、個人層面，我們需保持一致，意識到自身反應，採取措施深入瞭解相關問題，建立信任和社群關係，以免輕易被動搖。我們應提問、尋求事實，而非負面反應。

二、需要政府和全社會共同努力。通過立法和議會討論，許多工作正在進行。網路防禦機構的發展是應對網路領域部分問題的努力。我們還需關注新加坡人如何應對社交媒體上的假新聞。這是最大挑戰之一——個人應對社交媒體的技能。當你在Facebook或WhatsApp群組看到資訊時，你會怎麼做？是否核實事實？在哪裡核實？我們需幫助新加坡人理解複雜且不斷演變的生態環境。

因此，教育所有年齡段新加坡人至關重要，不僅是成年人，還有兒童，因為他們熟悉社交媒體，接收資訊。如果不及早教育他們，賦予辨別真假的技能，瞭解傳播未經證實資訊的影響及其對自身和他人關係的影響，後果將難以預料。

我們還需關注社群支援系統，幫助那些難以應對非常規威脅的人群。當前的基本認識是這些威脅不斷演變，我們需尋找創新應對方式。政府各部門正從不同領域著手，我們將繼續合作。

主席：議員是否願意撤回修正案？

維克拉姆·奈爾先生：感謝黃永宏部長分享對國防的深刻見解及其可持續性，感謝王乙康部長分享國民服役的重要演變，感謝高階國務部長莫哈末·馬利基分享心理防禦觀點，當然也感謝國防部、武裝部隊及所有服役人員。謝謝。我請求撤回修正案。

[(程式文本) 修正案經許可，撤回。 (程式文本)]

[(程式文本) J項下的14238100500美元被批准作為主要預算的一部分。 (程式文本)]

[(程式文本) J項下的761000000美元被批准作為發展預算的一部分。 (程式文本)]

英文原文

SPRS Hansard · Fetched: 2026-05-02

The Chairman: Head J, Ministry of Defence. Mr Vikram Nair.

Defence Spending and Rising Tensions

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

Singapore's need to develop its own defence capabilities came almost as suddenly as our Independence. Shortly after our Independence, the British forces who had been stationed here announced they would be pulling out ahead of schedule and Singapore would be responsible for its own defence thereafter.

This precipitated the start of National Service in 1967 and the focused development of Singapore’s armed forces. As a small country, security is always a challenge. If it comes to a war, it is generally assumed that a big, well-resourced country will prevail over a small one.

Unlike our neighbours who had larger populations, larger land mass and natural resources, when Singapore gained Independence, we were poor, had many pressing needs and competing challenges. But the Government of the day knew that from the day we started, we needed a strong defence force and that there would be no economic future, no security without one. Thus, they invested in defence even though it was difficult.

The building of a strong defence force was also coupled with the building of strong defence ties and the Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA) with Malaysia, Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom (UK) in 1971 was one of the earliest defence arrangements we entered into. This has been built on later with further important defence and training arrangements, including with other regional countries and big powers.

These alliances have been built in the mutual best interest of all involved and Singapore needs to be a strong and valued partner in order for other countries to want to form alliances with us.

Although our defence force remains strong and credible and our defence alliances strong, the security environment remains fraught with risks and uncertainties. As we had discussed in the earlier debate on foreign affairs, these threats are wide ranging and serious.

The threat of terrorism continues to spread with growing incidents of radicalised individuals and fighters returning from the Middle East to the region. Attacks have taken place in major European cities but, closer to home, in Indonesia as well.

The Korean Peninsula saw aggressive nuclear testing by North Korea barely a few months ago, and while ties remain warmer now, the nuclear risk remains. Matters in the South China Sea have also calmed down a little, but there is no clear resolution in sight for the differences here, though, hopefully, parties can agree upon a code of conduct.

And today, security threats are increasingly taking on new forms, including self-radicalised terrorism and cybersecurity. These are complex and unpredictable, and take place below the threshold of war, and we may have to invest adequately to deal with such emergent threats. While these threats linger, they take place against a backdrop of a risk that the US may reduce its role in the region. So, it is clear that we must continue to invest in defence.

Our Pioneer Generation had the foresight to invest in defence, and the "peace dividend" we have enjoyed over the last 50 years is the backdrop which has allowed Singapore to grow and thrive. Today, we are one of the wealthiest countries in the world.

10.15 am

Given our small size and the existential need for defence, defence spending has been a significant part of our Budget. Defence expenditure has also been rising in the region in the face of growing security concerns, meaning all our regional neighbours are also building up their armed forces.

As forecasted in the Budget Debate earlier, we will be moving into a period when our population will be ageing and our needs for social spending will be rising at the same time. Some have suggested, happily, not inside this House, cutting the defence Budget, a move that I would find worrying, given that security and defence are existential for us. What are Singapore's security plans in the face of the threats we face, and is our defence spending going to be adequate and sustainable in the face of these threats?

[(proc text) Question proposed. (proc text)]

Peacekeeping

Mr Teo Ser Luck (Pasir Ris-Punggol) : Mr Chairman, as a responsible member of the international community, Singapore has long contributed to the international peacekeeping and humanitarian assistance missions around the world. And just last year, the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) deployed Chinooks and personnel to aid in the Hurricane Harvey relief operations in the US, sent an additional medical team to the defeat-the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) coalition in the Middle East, and sent humanitarian aid to the Philippines and Bangladesh. Will SAF continue to support such global security and international peacekeeping efforts?

WOG Counter-terrorism Efforts

Assoc Prof Dr Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim (Nee Soon) : Mr Chairman, terrorism has continued to pose a major threat to the peace and stability of our region. The scale of terror threats in our region has grown. Last year, about 900 ISIS-linked militants took over the southern Philippine city of Marawi and displaced over 400,000 Marawi residents. It took a concerted effort between the Philippine Armed Forces and the Philippine National Police to recapture Marawi following five months of fierce fighting involving airstrikes and artillery fire.

Terror groups today have also operated with increasing coordination and sophistication, with operational linkages spanning across national borders. The Maute group militants behind the Marawi siege had links with pro-ISIS cells and individuals in the region, and leveraged existing smuggling routes to move funds, people and arms through ungoverned spaces in the region.

The Marawi siege in the Philippines showed us how militants can effectively organise themselves and pose a credible threat to homeland security forces. This underscores the importance of improving synergies across the whole-of-Government to ensure that there is a coordinated response to terrorist threats.

As such, how is the SAF coordinating with other Government agencies to prevent and respond to the threat of regional terrorism today?

Counter-terrorism Efforts

Assoc Prof Fatimah Lateef (Marine Parade) : The Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) has stated that some 18,000 National Servicemen (NSmen) will be put through counterterrorism training annually. There will also be other initiatives to help Singapore negotiate the current climate that we live in, which includes the Special Ops taskforce; the Army Deployment Force and, of course, the setup of the Island Defence Training Institute.

They are, indeed, major changes and they come with strategic investments and commitment as well. What kind of scale of hardware and technological acquisition are we looking at? How are our plans able to cover our land and sea borders as well as our air space in terms of attacks and threats?

We need to be ever ready to handle these extremely volatile situations, and how do we ensure that our men are all psychologically ready, knowing that they can be called upon anytime to protect Singapore?

MINDEF also has broad goals for the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) chairmanship. Can the Minister also share with us some of these, which include collaboration with ASEAN counterparts, including SAF and other Armed Forces that have got experience in dealing with a siege like the one in Marawi?

Cyberattacks

Dr Lim Wee Kiak (Sembawang) : Sir, with the world so interconnected and our lives completely changed with the Internet and digitalisation, almost all electronic items can be remotely accessed and controlled, such as our transport, financial and security systems, our power plants and many more.

It is a perfect cyber storm brewing. Imagine all our traffic light controls go haywire, with multiple accidents on the roads, our roads will become a logjam. Airplanes above our heads can become weapons of mass destruction, like the 9-11 scenario. Our stock market and financial systems can be brought to a complete halt and all electronic financial transactions going astray. Our communication devices could be hacked and paralysing the entire country, making any rescue and recovery services impossible. This is a doomsday scenario that we frequently see in a Hollywood movie. Can this reality be real one day?

We read about many incidents of cyberattacks and breaches of security and cyber espionage around the world. How prevalent are such attacks against Singapore, and how vulnerable are we? What are we doing to protect Singapore from cyberattacks?

In recent years, cyberattacks have grown to be a major security concern. In 2015, it was reported that the hackers had successfully compromised the information system of energy companies, leading to the temporary crippling of Ukraine's power grid. Ukraine was again targeted in June 2017 with ransomware disrupting Ukraine's financial, energy and government sectors.

At home, our Government education institutions are known to be hit by cyberattacks. Last year, our businesses, including several shopping malls, were affected by the "WannaCry" worm. Fortunately, Singapore was less affected by the "WannaCry" worm, compared to some other countries.

From these examples, it is clear that cyber-related threats can severely affect and disrupt Singaporeans' way of life. My question to the Minister is how prevalent are such attacks, how vulnerable are we and what is MINDEF doing to protect Singapore from cyberattacks?

Bug Bounty Programme

Mr Zainal Sapari (Pasir Ris-Punggol) : Sir, the changing security environment has birthed a more diverse range of dangerous and non-conventional threats to Singapore, especially within the cyber domain. For example, the growing availability of sophisticated tools on the Dark Web, designed to thwart secure systems, has greatly heightened the impetus to test and strengthen the security of our existing digital systems. At the same time, in our current fiscal climate of prudence, there is also a strong motivation to exercise good fiscal judgement.

Last year, MINDEF started its Bug Bounty Programme where they invited a select group of white-hat hackers with the required skills and tools to attack their systems. This, I agree, is a sensible move to test its systems as it will be far cheaper than hiring a dedicated commercial cybersecurity vulnerability assessment team and potentially reveal weaknesses that may not be surfaced, given the very individual nature of white-hat hacking. Furthermore, efforts into strengthening our cybersecurity are always welcome if it means a greater defence of our borders within the space of cyber technology.

These hackers were allowed to test eight MINDEF Internet-facing systems to identify any code bugs and vulnerabilities. Could the Minister of Defence provide an update on the Bug Bounty Programme? Is the Bug Bounty Programme a one-off exercise or an ongoing engagement? How does MINDEF's efforts fit into our national cybersecurity ecosystem?

Prudence

Mr Teo Ser Luck : The Finance Minister has announced the Budget growth cap cut to 0.3 times GDP growth in this year's Budget, following on from the 2% downward adjustment to the budget caps of Ministries and Organs of State. This highlights the current fiscal climate prudence as we face the "new normal" of slower growth rates.

At the same time, we have witnessed an increase in the variety and danger of non-conventional threats to Singapore's security, in particular, in the cyber domain and by terrorists.

MINDEF and SAF have invested resources to build our capabilities in these fields in the last few years. Given the increasingly tight fiscal climate and the widening spectrum of threats that MINDEF and SAF now has to defend against, some worry that we may spread our defence dollars too thin. To fund the development of capabilities in emerging fields, MINDEF would likely have to exercise more prudence and possibly undertake some cost-cutting measures.

Could MINDEF elaborate on the specific prudence and cost-cutting measures that it is undertaking?

Future of SAF

Dr Teo Ho Pin (Bukit Panjang) : Sir, the main mission of SAF is to defend Singapore. Today, Singapore faces new threats, such as terrorism and cyberattacks, in addition to the conventional threats. Therefore, it is crucial that we transform and build new capabilities in our defence force to deter any potential aggressors and overcome any aggressors with a swift and potent defence force.

Sir, technology and intelligence play an important part in strengthening our defence and enhancing our SAF's capabilities. In 2017, MINDEF announced that it will set up a Cyber Defence Organisation and train 18,000 soldiers per year in land, sea and air operations to counter terrorism. These are good initiatives but do we have the manpower to do so in the future, especially when we are faced with a low birth rate?

Sir, furthermore, with an ageing population, many of our Operationally Ready NSmen (ORNS) will be over 60 years old in 10 years' time. This will significantly grey the profile of our defence force. Many of these older ORNS may not be so tech savvy and will face difficulty in catching up with new technologies adopted by SAF. Thus, upgrading of these older ORNS to integrate into the defence force will be challenging.

Sir, last year, the Minister for Defence spoke about the "Next Generation (Gen) SAF" that will be positioned for the future, and able to deal with threats in the 21st Century. In this regard, I wish to seek clarifications from the Minister on the following: first, how SAF has leveraged technology to better equip our defence force; and second, update on the operational readiness of SAF for future threats.

The Chairman : Mr Lee Yi Shyan. Not here. Ms Jessica Tan.

ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting (ADMM) Chairmanship

Ms Jessica Tan Soon Neo (East Coast) : Mr Chairman, with Singapore's geographic location and size, we face several undisputable strategic realities, including our lack of strategic depth and weight, lack of natural resources and small population. We are critically dependent on the free flow of external trade, even as the open nature of our economy leaves us vulnerable to shifts and turbulence in the external environment.

Given our vulnerabilities, we need to rely on both a strong SAF, as well as astute diplomacy, to protect our interests. In particular, our involvement in regional security architecture is critical to fostering trust and cooperation and is essential to shaping a benign security environment within the region where Singapore can continue to grow and prosper.

The ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting (ADMM) is the highest defence consultative and cooperative mechanism in ASEAN aimed at promoting regional peace and stability through dialogue and cooperation in defence and security within ASEAN and between ASEAN and dialogue partners.

Amidst the growing threats from extremists and the volatile geopolitical environment in the region, Singapore, as Chair of ADMM this year, is well-placed to advance the security interests of the region and Singapore. In this regard, what are some of the initiatives that MINDEF is undertaking as ADMM Chair to achieve this?

ADMM and ADMM-Plus

Mr Pritam Singh (Aljunied) : Chairman, Sir, good progress is being made through the ADMM and ADMM-Plus frameworks to increase confidence among member countries and which lower but not eliminate the possibility and prospect of outright hostilities in the region, particularly over flashpoints, such as the South China Sea.

The upcoming ASEAN-China maritime exercise is a good example of the work that goes on to build confidence amongst each of the partner nations. In particular, the adoption of the Code for Unplanned Encounters at Sea (CUES) has raised hopes of its implementation even if an agreement amongst all the ADMM-Plus partners may prove to be harder to secure than the agreement of the ASEAN nations.

10.30 am

Is there any realistic prospect for a CUES framework for unplanned encounters in the air, as intimated by the Defence Minister last month, in view of fatal incidents in the past?

As ADMM Chair, it was reported that Singapore plans to strengthen cooperation and build resilience among the ASEAN member states and eight ADMM-Plus countries. These include plans to increase counterterrorism collaboration and raising capabilities to combat chemical, biological and radiological threats.

Separately, under the "Our Eyes" initiative, senior officials from Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Brunei will meet every two weeks to swap information on militant groups and develop a common database of violent extremists. Can the Minister clarify if there is any scope for such cooperation to create economies of scale for SAF and achieve some savings for MINDEF?

Finally, Minister, in view of the importance of the ADMM-Plus frameworks and the reality of a more multipolar world, is there any prospect for making the ADMM-Plus a yearly meeting instead of once every two years, as it is currently? What has been the reception to this proposal by the ADMM and ADMM-Plus partners?

ADMM-Plus

Mr Low Thia Khiang (Aljunied) : Chairman, Sir, the Minister for Finance mentioned that tensions in the South China Sea could affect investor confidence and, therefore, stability and growth in the region. It is, therefore, strategic for Singapore to minimise the tensions and prevent incidents and accidents from escalating into a serious event in the South China Sea.

Singapore is the ASEAN Chair this year and thus leading ADMM and ADMM-Plus, which involves another eight other powers, including China and the United States (US). We have a timely opportunity here to establish the framework to minimise the tensions. It is timely because Singapore is a non-claimant stakeholder in the settlement of the South China Sea disputes and has strong bilateral ties with many of the other stakeholders, including ASEAN countries, China and the US.

It is also timely because the South China Sea disputes seem to be entering into a more rational phase of negotiation and balance of power, after the initial emotive phase occasioned by the jostling for territory.

In 2013, China and the US took part in a joint training exercise off Hawaii. In 2014, both countries, along with other South China Sea stakeholders, signed the agreement on CUES. CUES is an excellent platform to work with to avoid the escalation of any incident and to maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea. On 6 February this year, MINDEF issued a press release outlining the ADMM's three areas of focus for 2018 after the ADMM retreat in Singapore. One area is to affirm the importance of CUES on the sea and in the air. This is a worthy goal but, unfortunately, the press release was short on details about this area. Would the Minister elaborate on how the ADMM-Plus would be used to reaffirm the importance of CUES?

It was also announced that ASEAN will be conducting an inaugural maritime exercise with China at the end of the year. This is excellent, as the US-China maritime exercise in 2013 fostered trust that led to the CUES agreement in 2014. I would like to ask the Minister whether the ASEAN-China maritime exercise will involve the testing and practice of CUES in the South China Sea and whether a similar exercise can be conducted under the aegis of ADMM-Plus. I am asking the latter question because 2018 is the beginning of the third ADMM-Plus three-year cycle and there were already four live exercises held in the last cycle which were useful for deepening regional security cooperation.

The Chairman : Minister for Defence.

The Minister for Defence (Dr Ng Eng Hen) : Mr Chairman, let me thank the Members for their continued support to build up a strong defence for Singapore by voting for the financial policy of the Government yesterday.

This debate and the next on the Presidential Address after Parliament reopens are crucial. For this debate, as expected, any proposed tax increase will attract attention. If it did not, we would be in a different world, a surreal one. But astute Members of Parliament (MPs) have pointed out that the financial Budget is but a means to an end.

Indeed, apart from the financial scrutiny of Government spending and revenue, the debates will set strategic directions for Singapore over the next 10, 20 years and beyond. And these core issues are addressed at a crucial juncture, as we transit to a 4th Generation (4G) leadership that must forge support from a generation of Singaporeans with perspectives and memories significantly different from the Pioneer Generation, and even that of their parents, because they were born when Singapore was First-World and they did not experience the Third-World Singapore. As we deliberate on these key issues, we have to decide what we must never let go, lest we weaken the foundations of our growth, and what we must change to keep relevant with the times. Those decisions from these two debates will affect every Singaporean, young or old, right or wrong.

Every Ministry, therefore, including and, especially defence, which takes up a large share of Government spending, must deal with these core issues. That is the core debate. Mr Vikram Nair captured the essence when he asked of my Ministry what are our security plans in the face of wide-ranging threats and risks, and if our defence spending is adequate and sustainable. He used the word “existential” twice. And he is correct.

Should we continue to put defence spending as a priority? Because, after all, we have had peace for 50 years and more now. Our relations with our neighbours are good on all sides. We have formed strong partnerships, as Members have pointed out, with major powers. How much should we invest in building a strong SAF and how much can we afford?

The answer to these questions by previous generations was plain, as it was unwavering – defence was a top priority and they would invest heavily into building a strong defence, a strong SAF, no ifs or buts.

But let me make one fact clear. Past generations did so even when there were many competing needs. We talked about our rising needs but, past generations, as a Third-World country, in Singapore, our needs then were dire and everywhere – houses, schools, hospitals, roads, public facilities, jobs – all in short supply. Because our military capabilities at Independence were next to nothing, the Government of the day had to make hard decisions – every dollar spent on building up the military was a dollar taken from other needs. And yet, they paid the price to build up a strong SAF.

Why? Mr Lee Kuan Yew and the Pioneer Generation, who lived through Singapore as a British colony, under Japanese occupation and as part of Malaysia, held a deep conviction on self-determination through a strong defence.

At the National Day Parade (NDP) which Members here attend, we replay a particular clip of Mr Lee Kuan Yew. It is a very stern admonition and, in this coming NDP, I invite you to listen to it again. It was uttered in 1967 when NS was introduced, "If you, who are growing up, do not understand that you have got to defend this, then I say, in the end, we will lose. Other people will come, smack you down, take it over." I cannot say it as harshly as Mr Lee because that generation lived through difficult times. It is just unnatural for us, but when he says it, and when the Pioneer Generation says it, it is so authentic. Harsh words for harsh times, but ever so necessary. Not only for that generation, but I think for every generation. So, listen to that clip again this year.

With that deep conviction and sacrificial commitment, we, today, have a modern and professional SAF. From two infantry battalions – which, if you read Mr Lee's memoirs, were still under Malaysian command even after we separated – we now have an Army, combined arms divisions, fully manned and able to move at short notice.

Earlier this year, you may or may not have noticed, we activated a mass mobilisation exercise (MOBEX). There was not much fanfare. In fact, it may have gone unnoticed. But in a few hours, we were able to rapidly assemble and equip 8,000 men, moved munitions to them, we used new ways of doing it. Many Members here are NSmen and had gone through MOBEX. As they went to the counters, these were automated counters, where a camera takes a picture of you, recognises you, issues you a slip to say which company and platoon you go to, and what your role is, and what weapons you need to draw. But you actually do not have to draw the weapons because, at the same time, when it is activated, we did not cheat, we activated both sides, from our ammunition storage facilities, they are activated. And they pushed weapons, platforms, to meet up with the men. Within a few hours, 8,000 men. No mean feat anywhere. That should give a lot of confidence to Members in this House and Singaporeans outside.

The Republic of Singapore (RSAF) commemorates its Golden Jubilee this year. But when it started, we had two Cessnas. We did not really own them. We leased them from the Singapore Flying Club. Today, we have a comprehensive fleet of fighter, transport, surveillance aircraft and ground-based air defence systems that protect our skies 24/7. And when I say that, it means that we have pilots on standby. Because after 9-11, we took that threat seriously. If there are planes that come to us unplanned, our fighter planes are mobilised. It takes a while to get mobilised, so our chaps are there. From time to time, we gently guide errant, sometimes, lost pilots, down to the field. But you never know when there might be a real attack, just like 9-11.

Our Navy started with two wooden hull boats, probably sinkable if attacked. We now have a modern Navy of Littoral Mission Vessels (LMVs), frigates and submarines that protect our waters and maritime hub.

The commitment of previous generations to build up a strong SAF was not merely through words or aspirations. It required substantial financial resources from the Government and the people. But that was not the only and, in fact, not the most precious resource they had to give. They gave of themselves, as every Singaporean male, as every male MP in this House who has done NS, has done so, through NS, with the full support from family and employers.

The results of that unequivocal commitment are plain for everyone to see – to Singaporeans, to our neighbours and, indeed, globally – an SAF today that is able to defend Singapore, but beyond that, an SAF that has contributed to global security. As Mr Vikram Nair said, how do we show that we are a valued partner?

It went beyond our wildest imagination that SAF troops and assets, as Mr Teo Ser Luck pointed out, were helping in Hurricane Harvey in Texas and, before that, Hurricane Katrina; or could be deployed as peacekeepers in Timor-Leste or against terrorism in Afghanistan and Iraq; against pirates in the Gulf of Aden; and in humanitarian efforts in Aceh and Nepal. Who would have thought of it when SAF was started more than 50 years ago?

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Yes, we will continue to do this because the partnerships forged from playing our role internationally are important in dealing with transnational threats that affect our own security. We are not playing "good guy", to be honest. It raises our stakes, our value to others who want then to help us as we deal with transnational security threats.

It has been the steady investments in defence spending that enabled these achievements by a strong SAF, both locally and internationally. This is a Committee of Supply (COS) debate. So, I think some details of actual financing are appropriate. We have handed out, with your permission, Mr Chairman, charts and these are also shown on the screens.

The first figure shows our defence spending for the last 30 years. First off, in blue, is the percentage of Government expenditure – how much MINDEF spends as a part of Government expenditure. At our height, you will notice that we spent almost a third of every dollar the Government spends. But with the SAF modernised and doing more with people and technology, defence spending, as a proportion, dropped substantially, starting around a decade ago. It is now about 19% of Government spending.

So much for Singapore's spending, but defence must always be seen in perspective. What you spend is never as important as what everyone else spends. So, let us see the next slide – what is the defence spending by countries around us? I have chosen just to focus on ASEAN but I think probably the same can be said of Asia, ex ASEAN and Singapore, and even more.

Figure 2 shows that we had kept pace with ASEAN spending until about 2006. In the last decade, our ASEAN neighbours have been spending more. These are nominal absolute spending. In the last decade, our ASEAN neighbours have been spending more to modernise their defence capabilities even as their economies grew. The gap between Singapore's spending compared to the rest of ASEAN has increased, but Singapore need not increase its defence spending radically now to play catch-up. Do not worry. We do not have to do it.

As I have said in this House previously, we can maintain the SAF's capabilities with a defence spending that roughly keeps pace with inflation of around 3%-4% increase each year. And even for the next decade, MINDEF does not foresee any spike in defence spending. Obviously, this will not apply if there are exigencies or unexpected scenarios. For instance, if there is a terrorist attack or if the security environment deteriorates, our agencies will have to spend more to protect Singaporeans.

And after the next decade, I think it would be prudent for the Government of that day and this House to reassess the security threats and the military spending, and the capabilities of other countries and plan ahead. So, if Members can remember and are still in this House 10 years hence in 2028 and beyond, please remember this gentle admonition, sound out warnings if you think necessary, for those of you privileged to be in this House.

Two crucial lessons learnt from our experiences as well as that from negative examples from other countries who went the other way, and they are: first, the best time to prepare for trouble is during peace; second, in the long run, steady investments into military capabilities maintain peace through deterrence and result in more effective outcomes. It is actually the most efficient yield for defence investments. In other words, even if you spent the same dollar amount over a defined period and one was gentle and smooth, and the other went up and down, the most effective yield is continuous steady investments, and I will tell Members why, by examples, which many European countries have learnt in bitter ways.

I recently spoke of how Lithuania did away with NS after the Cold War, but has now to reintroduce it following the annexation of Crimea. But it may not be possible. Just think – one Defence Minister decides, "alright, National Service is no longer necessary". The same one, or a few years later, another one decides, "let us reintroduce it". Is it possible? Certainly not in time to deal with an imminent crisis.

Denmark announced in October last year that it would now increase defence spending by 20% over the next five years. You can quickly appreciate the pain it will cause their population that the Finance Minister of Denmark would say, "I have to raise Goods and Services Tax (GST) by 2% just to pay for my defence." Painful.

France, even a bigger problem. It unveiled a bill last month that would increase its spending on its armed forces by more than 40% by 2025 because Europe has now got threats. People are asking France and Germany, who are the two largest powers, to do more. They are going to up it. President Macron, to his credit, believes it should be done, but they have to up their defence spending by 40%. I have not calculated how much it affects their defence spending. I think France now spends €34 billion. It would have to go up to €50 billion, an increase of €16 billion in seven years. Not only a 2% increase in GST would help; probably a 3%, 4% or 5% hike in GST just to pay for the increase in defence spending.

Germany, even with its troubled past, is now asked by the European Union (EU) states to do more militarily. That debate is over. I have attended the Munich Security Dialogue, as Defence Ministers in Singapore have, for the past decade or more. And, at that time, there was almost a schizophrenia. "We think we want Germany to do more but with your troubled past, maybe you should not do more." That debate is done. Germany, you must do more. But after 25 years of cuts to the German defence budget, the German military – the Bundeswehr – is underfunded, with entire weapons systems unusable, because they either lack spare parts or have been poorly maintained. By the German government's own assessment, less than half of Germany's submarines and planes are operationally ready. The platforms are there but only half can be activated.

When the Aceh tsunami occurred, we activated three of our four Landing Ship Tanks (LSTs). It happened on Boxing Day – no way you could have had prior warning. On activation, all moved – 75% of the assets of that particular platform. The fourth was in the Gulf, as Deputy Prime Minister Teo has reminded me. So, all four were out. If we had to send another one, we would have to borrow it.

The Bundeswehr will need many years to modernise its platforms and make up for lost time.

When I share these lessons, I say these are salutary lessons that we must voraciously imbibe, because someone else has paid to learn them. That is the cheapest cost to any country.

We intend to keep our defence spending steady despite countries around us spending more and against wide-ranging security threats. But we have to prioritise and focus and optimise our resources.

Some Members have asked about counterterrorism – Assoc Prof Dr Muhd Faishal, Assoc Prof Fatimah Lateef. SAF takes terrorism very seriously, so much so that we have to reorganise, train and equip differently. Members have pointed out, including Dr Teo Ho Pin, how we now train. We have the capacity to train 18,000 SAF NSmen for homeland security.

We learned very valuable lessons from Marawi, another painful lesson that someone else learnt. So, we went there. We absorbed the lessons. I made a trip, Deputy Prime Minister Teo made a trip recently, where they found out and they admitted that they underestimated the problem, both the number of fighters and how well they were equipped.

The terrorist fighters there were equipped. Snipers had good weapons, heavy machine guns, and they even had anti-tank weapons. The terrorists conducted urban warfare against soldiers and policemen of the Philippine authorities who were not trained for that kind of fight. That is why it took five months for the Philippine armed forces and homeland security to dislodge the militants from that city. And this, after many lives lost and the city devastated. I think the bill they have recently estimated will cost about US$2 billion. This is just one small city. The experiences there confirm that SAF is on the right track in building up our counterterrorism capabilities. In the span of a year, we have trained some 18,000 servicemen for homeland security and we started the new institute called the Island Defence Training Institute. I have talked about Singapore Armed Forces Training Institute (SAFTI) City last year. When completed, it will allow our soldiers to train more realistically for homeland security and counterterrorism because it will be a different Pasir Laba that you and I were used to. Buildings, I do not know how high you can build it, but at least higher than what we have now, and to teach them how to fight in that kind of scenario.

Members rightly pointed out that we have to do more with other Government agencies to respond to these terror threats. We are working together with the Police's Frontline Policing Training Centre. We will conduct joint training and equip NSmen with the skills to perform these homeland security operations. At sea, various agencies are coordinated, whether it is the Navy, Police Coast Guard, Maritime and Port Authority (MPA) or Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA), so that we keep our waters safe.

But as much as we prepare at home, Singapore needs to be part of the international effort to deal with terrorism at its source. That is a sound strategy because, if you do not do that, you are just dealing with the problem too late and you allow the problem to mushroom.

We did that against Al-Qaeda, from 2007, in Afghanistan, after which the threat has dissipated for now. Our SAF troops have been deployed in Iraq since 2014 against ISIS and with considerable progress. The coalition effort, led by the US, has taken Iraq back from ISIS control. US Secretary of Defense James Mattis wrote to me recently to ask Singapore to commit more resources for the next phase of consolidation after our hard-won victories. Cabinet has approved for Singapore to maintain our commitment to counterterrorism globally, for our own interests. I am announcing today that the SAF will further deploy troops to Iraq later this year. We will send SAF troops to help train Iraqi Security Forces to counter improvised explosive devices, as well as in tactical weapons and combat tactics.

As Assoc Prof Fatimah Lateef suggested, we need to work with ASEAN on counterterrorism, and some others have pointed that out too, including Mr Pritam Singh and Mr Low Thia Khiang, especially because the risk of foreign fighters leaving Iraq and Syria has gone up. So, paradoxically, as the problem there diminishes, they run away; and they come back, whether it is Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines or even Singapore.

The Philippine Special Operations Command came to Singapore last December for a two-week professional exchange and our offer to the Philippines Armed Force to use our unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for surveillance remains open. Deputy Prime Minister Teo, when he visited Philippine leaders, reiterated that offer, too, recently. SAF stands ready to join the Sulu Seas patrol when invited. As ADMM Chair, we recently proposed a counterterrorism framework – there were many programmes but we felt we needed a comprehensive framework and we devised the 3Rs – the equivalent to reading, writing, arithmetic. Rather, it is "Resilience, Response, Recovery", to coordinate our responses to prevent, deal with and recover from attacks.

Dr Lim Wee Kiak asked about the growing cyber threat, indeed, a transnational threat with effects that could be devastating as physical attacks, whether it is power grids, whether it is financial grids, whether it is hospitals, and so on and so forth.

At the whole-of-Government level, Deputy Prime Minister Teo chairs our Coordinating Inter-Ministerial Committee, the Security Policy Committee. But at the Ministry level, we are responsible for our own Ministries as well as the ecosystem in which that Ministry is in charge of.

Members have asked who the attacks come from, how often and whom they are targeted at. I think Members can guess at the answer. The attacks are conducted by freelancers, as well as organised state and non-state actors. Senior MINDEF and SAF leaders, as well as departments handling sensitive information have been deliberately targeted, for example, by "spear-phishing". Those of you in information technology (IT) will know what this is.

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In other words, you get innocent-looking emails addressed to you, but it contains malicious software. If you click on the attachment, or sometimes even when you click on the email – I do not think they have reached a stage where you look at it and the malicious software might come. They have not succeeded, but they will keep trying.

As we do in the physical arena, MINDEF adopts a multi-layered approach to cyber defence, including the ultimate step of physically separating sensitive systems from the Internet. Internally, there is a system – we do not want to talk to you, please do not come in. Sensors monitor internal networks 24/7. We have "red teams” which are testing for vulnerabilities.

Mr Zainal Sapari asked about our Bug Bounty programme. Thank you for affirming it. I thought it was a good idea. It attracted 260 white-hat hackers, all bona fide, and improved our systems at relatively low cost. We have shared lessons with other agencies, like the Government Technology Agency (GovTech) and the Cyber Security Agency (CSA), and the results are encouraging. I do not think it is a one-off. It may not be an exact mould, but we will think of these ways to crowdsource. For the Internet, we can do it; we can crowdsource and actually leverage off that connectivity.

As Members have pointed out, we will build up a cyber force with more SAF regulars and full-time staff. We will also use NSmen. This year, we will take in the pilot batch of full-time National Servicemen (NSFs) under the Cyber NSF Scheme. For those of you who have friends, children or children of friends who are interested and suitable, tell them about this. For those interested and suitable, we will offer them regular contracts of varying durations. If they accept, we will also invest more on training them. We will also set up a cyber defence training and exercise infrastructure to train them. So, this is long term, needs a long-term plan, and we have begun.

Mr Teo Ser Luck asked how we can be prudent in spending, and he is spot on. We know our resources are limited. We have to be prudent, but we will not compromise. SAF will not compromise our defence capabilities but we have found ways to optimise resources. We want to stretch every dollar, where we can.

We have used innovation and better work processes. SAF saved $200 million last year, the highest in the last four years. I think we can do more. For instance, our new LMVs will cost around $65 million less for the whole fleet to maintain across their lifetime. They replaced the Patrol Vessels. LMVs are much more capable than the Petrol Vessels but will cost less. Why? Because they have less crew, they are more efficient to maintain.

The RSAF’s aerostat, our big balloon – yesterday, there were some discussions about floating balloons – let me just say that when SAF floats balloons, it is there to stay, and it is meant to be up. Our aerostat achieves continuous aerial surveillance, just like a plane with radar, but saves about $29 million a year. It is a jolly good idea.

SAF upgrades existing equipment, where possible, to avoid buying new platforms. Our first instinct is not to buy, but to upgrade. And that is what we did for our whole fleet of Leopard Tanks and Chinooks.

We must harness new technologies, as Dr Teo Ho Pin pointed out. Because even if you chose to give us more money in exchange for manpower, we cannot do it. We just do not have the manpower. We recognise that as an inherent constraint, and we started to deal with it, I think, probably one or even two decades ago, in terms of redesigning our systems, in terms of maintaining our systems. Let me give Members some examples.

Dr Teo Ho Pin mentioned that the older ORNS, those in their 60s, would not be so adept. We are not planning to induct them into our Armed Forces, because their liability ends at 40 to 50. Thank you for the idea, Dr Teo. We will consider it.

Of those who are in our Order of Battle (ORBAT), there are some examples. Instead of soldiers conducting surveillance from observation towers, the Army will build unmanned towers to watch over Jurong Island and the surrounding waters. Those towers will watch 24/7 in all-weather conditions, and it will reduce the total number of soldiers required by a third – a significant number.

RSAF is moving towards a Smart Airbase. What is a Smart Airbase? For example, it will use drones to perform runway damage assessment. Members will notice, for instance, at the recent Air Show, it is beautiful to watch, and people clap in glee, but after the fighter planes take off or land, we have to do visual checks to make sure that the commercial planes can come in, too. Same thing for each take-off; you have to do visual checks because even small debris make a difference.

We can use drones to perform runway damage assessment and respond to other intruding drones. We want to make it more efficient by leveraging automation for aircraft maintenance and using sensors for pre- and post-flight aircraft checks. I think it is achievable and we are doing trials to achieve that kind of Smart Airbase.

The Navy is integrating data from all agencies. The maritime environment is a different environment from the air. There are lots of moving parts and different agencies. We want to gather data from all sources, construct better algorithms to detect anomalies and then pre-empt, say, possible terrorist threats from the sea.

For surveillance, we want to use cameras with smart sensors with automated surveillance. We do not need a man in the loop, or a man in every loop, to say, “this vessel is behaving in a different way from other vessels”. So, just alert you, so that when the man in the loop makes a decision, you respond. We do not need manned vessels for some scenarios. Unmanned vessels will soon be used for patrols and underwater surveys. All these give us hope that we are moving towards an SAF that is just as, or even more effective, but can use less manpower.

We agree wholeheartedly with Members here who pointed out that we cannot do this alone. We have to join other partners or other countries. Mr Jessica Tan, Mr Low Thia Khiang, Mr Pritam Singh, thank you for affirming that what we decided as ADMM Chair this year is important. We said that there will be three areas: first, counterterrorism; second, confidence-building measures and code for unplanned encounters at sea and in the air; and third, chemical, biological and radiological threats. That was really precipitated because of the Korean Peninsula instability, and most countries are not prepared for those kinds of threats.

As Members pointed out rightly, CUES has been accepted. What is the possibility of a CUES for air being accepted, is a tough one, I agree. But if we can do it across 18 nations, I think that will send a very strong signal. So, we will try. We will at least start the ball rolling and see whether we can get consensus from the 10 ASEAN countries and the Plus-eight. I think we can achieve that. I think among some of them, they will be more willing. And if we can talk to them and say, "This works for you", I think we would have done a significant contribution.

Some asked about the exercise, Mr Low and Mr Pritam Singh as well, whether we are practising CUES. Indeed, we are. We do not even have to wait for the China-ASEAN Maritime Exercise. We are going to do it with all 18 ADMM-Plus countries – practise CUES, because they have agreed collectively to adopt CUES and practise it in our exercise in 2019. And in 2018, I suspect, this year, with China, it may be in undisputed waters, so there would not be a chance to practise it. The Member asked whether the meetings of the ADMM-Plus will be yearly. Indeed, it will, from this year onwards. They have agreed and Singapore will be the first to host these annual meetings.

With the US, we have achieved new milestones. Both the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) and RSAF conducted bilateral exercises in Guam for the first time last year, flying with US Pacific Air Forces (PACAF) and exercising across the full spectrum of anti-submarine, anti-surface and anti-air warfare with the US Navy.

With China, we will build on the positive momentum from the visit of Chinese Defence Minister Chang Wanquan early this year and we have deepened ties with the People's Liberation Army (PLA). With India, we concluded a Navy Bilateral Agreement and we will increase maritime security cooperation between our countries, especially around the Andaman Seas. For Australia, we will construct SAF training facilities in Queensland, due to begin in 2019.

We will build strong partnerships, but all of us here know that, ultimately, we, Singaporeans, must be accountable for our own defence. When we are dependent on others, we have failed. Our NSmen will be better trained through new facilities in the SAFTI City and in Australia. With continued investments steady, year after year, which Members of this House approve, SAF will continue its transformation onwards.

The next-Gen SAF will use game-changing technologies and new fighting concepts. On the ground, they will operate unmanned, autonomous systems, to multiply their forces. Our skies will be better protected with advanced weapons systems. We recently added our Aérospatiale Terminale (ASTER)-30, which are here. Our territorial waters and sea lines of communications will be better secured with manned and unmanned vessels alike. That is the vision. That is what we are investing in, and we will be equipped to deal with ever-evolving cyber threats.

Mr Chairman, let me conclude. That Members of this House voted for Budget 2018 yesterday, sends a strong signal to our own people and to the world. In doing so, we have kept faith with what we were entrusted with by previous generations – a strong SAF able to ensure our independence and protect Singaporeans. But that a strong SAF was not built or maintained by happenstance or even good intentions. For each generation, it will require a conscious, deliberate decision. It will require sacrifices to commit resources and of themselves.

Previous generations took that hard decision. As Mr Lee Kuan Yew said to SAF officers at a Temasek Society dinner in 2012, “From the day we started, I knew that we needed a strong SAF and I believe that still remains today. Without a strong SAF, there is no economic future, there is no security.”

The Members of this House who voted for the Budget yesterday united themselves with this belief and the resolve of the Pioneer Generation. If each generation reaffirms and renews its commitment, then a strong SAF will continue to keep Singapore safe and sovereign with a secure future for another generation. [ Applause. ]

Role of NS

Assoc Prof Dr Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim : Mr Chairman, since its introduction in 1967, NS had served as the backbone of the SAF and has been instrumental in deterring potential adversaries and establishing the bedrock of peace for Singapore over the last 50 years. Potential adversaries know that when they want to attack Singapore, it is a fight against all of us.

The political atmospherics in the region have waxed and waned over the years. As we now enjoy warm and friendly relations with all our ASEAN partners, some segments of our society have questioned if NS remains relevant in this context. After all, the probability of conventional conflict is perceived to be remote.

Recognising that NS is premised on the need for national defence, can MINDEF elaborate on the role that NS plays in Singapore today and its importance, given prevailing geopolitical conditions?

SAF Manpower

Mr Zainal Sapari : Sir, across the years, SAF has drawn heavily on Singapore’s human capital in its pursuit of a strong military force capable of protecting Singapore. However, several trends in recent years have threatened the size of the SAF's enlistment pool, chief among them, the trend of our falling birth rate and the ageing population.

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As Members of this House will recall, the Minister for Defence noted last year that SAF will see a one-third reduction in manpower supply by 2030. In view of these impending manpower constraints, what are the manpower challenges faced by SAF? What measures are being taken to ensure that these manpower challenges will not compromise our overall military capability?

NS Cohesion

Mr Teo Ser Luck : Like many of my male colleagues in this House, we have fond memories of NS, and NS is the rite of passage for all Singaporean males, regardless of background, and only in NS we get to mix around with peers of different backgrounds, different status and come together and work together. So, besides preparing our young people, our young men, for operations, it also has an important role in enhancing social cohesion. NS, in that sense, is an integral part of our society. And what is SAF doing to build more common experiences and improve cohesion between NSFs from different walks of life during their service?

NS Effectiveness

Mr Ong Teng Koon (Marsiling-Yew Tee) : Mr Chairman, despite our best efforts, our attempts to increase the birth rate have a limited impact so far. This has serious implications for our economy and also our security. As we look to the future, manpower challenges will mean that each individual that serves NS becomes increasingly precious, both during service and after. During service, each individual will now have a bigger role to play as the total number of servicemen and women decline due to smaller cohorts.

After service, we need to ensure that all Singaporeans are equipped to thrive in the new world of work. We will struggle as a nation if all our males are two years behind their counterparts in the acquisition of skills they need in order to survive in the workplace of the future. I would like to ask the Minister how is MINDEF embracing new technologies to maximise the potential of each NSman, both during and after service.

Vocational Interest

Mr Baey Yam Keng (Tampines) : The Vocational Interest Initiative allows enlistees’ interests to be taken into consideration when determining the NS vocation that they are suitable to be deployed to. This aims to offer a more positive, fulfilling and meaningful NS experience for our servicemen. At the same time, it encourages our NSmen to take greater ownership of their roles, responsibilities and contributions in ensuring Singapore's safety and security.

I checked out the Central Manpower Base (CMPB) website and found that the videos and handbook on the 33 NS vocations in SAF, the Singapore Police Force (SPF) and the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) very useful. This will provide greater insights for our young pre-enlistees to make more informed choices. I note that the final posting results will look at factors, such as physical fitness, suitability to perform tasks and operational requirements, besides the interests of the new enlistees. This is rightfully so.

I would like to ask MINDEF to elaborate on the rationale for this initiative, and if there are other changes to how SAF deploys its NSmen.

Since the launch of the initiative last November, I believe there have been two or three cohorts being enlisted, and one having completed their Basic Military Training (BMT). Can MINDEF share any early findings of this initiative? How have the interests been matched, and the response of the enlistees?

Cyber NSF Scheme

Ms Low Yen Ling (Chua Chu Kang) : Mr Chairman, according to CSA, there had been a spate of cyberattacks in Singapore over the past year. Investigations revealed that some attackers employed sophisticated anti-detection and infection techniques to access information through cyber backdoors. Some of these advanced persistent threats (APTs) had malware signatures that are unknown, even to the anti-malware databases.

We have all heard from Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen just earlier. He spoke about the threats that are posed by malware emails. So, these developments demonstrate that cyber threats to Singapore are becoming more sophisticated, making detection and forensic investigation more difficult. Notably, some of these sophisticated cyberattacks appeared to be targeted at public organisations in an effort to gain access to critical information and data. Not surprisingly, MINDEF was targeted by deliberate hacking attempts on its Internet-facing system early last year.

Given our small population and geographical size, SAF relies heavily on digitisation and networking in our capabilities to achieve a military edge against our potential adversaries. However, these military networks and systems and the sensitive information they contain make them an attractive target of cyberattacks. As part of the ongoing efforts to strengthen its cyber defence capabilities, MINDEF recently announced the launch of a Cyber NSF Scheme to tap on cyber talent with the requisite aptitude and skills of the NSF pool. Can MINDEF provide and update on the recently announced Cyber NSF Scheme? How sustainable will the scheme be, given the much talked about reduction in the population size, thus a smaller number of NSFs available?

NS Experience

Mr Ong Teng Koon : Mr Chairman, technology is evolving at an accelerating pace and has the potential to make our lives better in ways that would have been unimaginable just a few years ago. We can now effortlessly try how much physical activities we do, where we go and whom we interact with. The data that we capture can be mined to provide insights into almost every aspect of human life.

This technology can be used to improve the effectiveness and safety of NS training or, at the same time, helping individual serviceman to develop useful skills. For example, advances in virtual reality and related fields enable us to create new types of training. Individual troops can practise critical skills in a safe environment and commanders can try out different strategies to see which one will work best. The potential to apply technology to NS is limited only by our imagination and our willingness to take the lead. We can improve training outcomes whilst reducing risks to our servicemen.

I would like to ask the Minister how SAF is leveraging technology to enhance the NS experience.

Community is Key in Total Defence

Ms Joan Pereira (Tanjong Pagar) : Mr Chairman, since its introduction in 1967, NS has remained the cornerstone of Singapore's defence, providing the security and stability which underpin our shared prosperity. To date, more than a million have served NS and NS has become deeply entrenched as a national institution.

Going forward, it is important that this institution continues to enjoy the strong support of every Singaporean in every household and in every community. Over the past four years, the family and community council within the Advisory Council on Community Relations in Defence (ACCORD) had developed initiatives to strengthen community support for total defence and NS. Some of these initiatives include (a) the engagement of new citizens and Permanent Residents (PRs) to understand the need for defence and support the NS institution; and (b) the partnership with the Singapore Armed Forces Reservists Association (SAFRA) and the People's Association (PA) to encourage retailers to offer discounts to NSmen in recognition of their service to the nation. We can do more.

Military service is tough and the sacrifices are real for our NSmen who spent time away from their careers and loved ones in defence of our nation. What else can MINDEF and ACCORD do to educate the public on the sacrifices of our NSmen and galvanise community support for these men serving our country?

Advisory Council on Community Relations in Defence (ACCORD)

Mr Cedric Foo Chee Keng (Pioneer) : Mr Chairman, my cut is on MINDEF’s efforts to recognise the contributions of our NSmen and the initiatives undertaken by ACCORD to increase the public’s awareness of NS.

SAF underwrites Singapore’s sovereignty upon which all Singaporeans can live in peace, and secure in the knowledge that Singapore is well-protected. NS is a duty for all male Singaporeans and second-generation PRs. It is the cornerstone of Singapore’s defence and security. For many Singaporean males, NS is a rite of passage at about 18 years of age, where he leaves the comforts of home and takes on the commitment of defending his country, his family and friends. After the initial two years of full-time commitment in NS, the NSF transitions to ORNS duties as NSmen, and this is about 10 years in length. During this time, our NSmen will have to juggle career and family commitments as well as their national defence duties. Therefore, it would be right and necessary for us to recognise the contributions of our NSmen.

Just last year, we celebrated NS50, where the whole nation came together to thank successive generations of NSmen for their contributions to our nation’s defence over the years. Singaporeans from all walks of life took the opportunity to recommit themselves to play their part to protect our Independence, values and way of life. I am sure that many of our NSmen, past and present, benefited from the various NS50 promotions and offers, generously supported by the private sector as well, who understood the importance of national defence.

Yet, this widespread show of support across the public and private spheres should not be a one-off or should not be limited to milestone years alone. Our NSmen must continue to know that their sacrifices to serve NS are appreciated and not taken for granted. Hence, I would like to ask the Minister how has MINDEF continued in its efforts to recognise the contributions of our NSmen.

ACCORD was established by MINDEF in 1984 as a channel for the community to provide feedback on issues concerning Singapore’s defence. In 2014, it was restructured to comprise the ACCORD main council and three sub-councils covering Employer and Business Council, Family and Community, and Educational Institutions. I would like to ask the Minister to provide an update on the initiatives implemented by ACCORD.

SkillsFuture for NS men

Dr Teo Ho Pin : Sir, NSFs undergo various types of military and skills training while serving their NS. Many of these knowledge and skills, such as leadership, planning, command and control or safety measures, are applicable when the NSmen join the workforce.

Sir, can I ask the Minister to provide an update as to what is MINDEF doing to enable skills and knowledge acquired by our NSmen during NS to be recognised beyond NS?

Productivity Performance of NSFs

Assoc Prof Randolph Tan (Nominated Member) : Sir, the importance of defence in Singapore has become more critical rather than less over the years. Defence spending must keep up with Singapore's partnerships and match the growing sophisticated needs of our advanced economy. Like all areas of Government, defence spending will be put under pressure in years to come. In anticipation of this, defence spending must keep up with the state of the economy. This includes the area of manpower use and productivity.

Sir, in our defence, one of the five pillars of total defence calls for having a strong and resilient economy. Strength and resilience of an economy are based on, among other things, a workforce which embraces productive and efficient work practices and habits. The natural starting point for promoting and understanding how individual contribution to workforce performance is part of economic defence, is full-time NS.

Full-time NS is a major milestone in our young people's lives, often the most significant initial encounter with a regulated work environment. Even for those who deferred entry into the labour force after NS because of studies or other pursuits, the concentrated immersion in full-time NS work cultures so early in their adulthood exerts a major influence over the attitudes of young people. Intensity and pervasiveness of the experience present a valuable opportunity for inculcating a productivity-driven work ethic in NSFs.

In addition to ensuring that the skills picked up in NS are relevant to the needs of the economy, what can be done to take advantage of opportunities to assess and improve the individual productivity performance of NSFs? It will help to ensure the sacrifice of time and effort made by young people in full-time NS have a continuing relevance to their working lives.

11.30 am

I have three questions for the Minister: what is the role of full-time NS in shaping the work ethic of young Singaporeans? What does NS contribute to promoting an awareness of the importance of productivity performance and efficiency at both the individual and organisational levels? And, finally, what are the possibilities for coordinating regimentation in the Armed Forces with productivity and efficiency?

Total Defence

Ms Low Yen Ling : Chairman, Total Defence was launched in 1984 to galvanise every Singaporean to play our part in building a strong, secure and cohesive nation that is resilient against any crises. Singaporeans are familiar with the five pillars as we commemorate Total Defence Day on 15 February every year.

Today, we are confronted with emerging threats, such as disinformation campaigns, that can be more insidious because they target the hearts and minds of our people over the long run and are harder to detect. These are aimed at breaking societies from within by exploiting our social fault lines to weaken national unity, erode trust in Government and diminish confidence in the nation's future.

At the same time, Singapore society is also evolving. Over the years, we have seen more inter-ethnic and transnational marriages. This growing diversity may give rise to new potential fault lines and make it more difficult for us to maintain social harmony.

Compounding the challenge, our population is also increasingly reliant on social media to get news and information on current affairs, making them more susceptible to misinformation online. Against this backdrop, Singapore's approach of Total Defence has proven to be a remarkable presence and also provided a bulwark against such insidious threats.

Can MINDEF provide an update on its 2018 Total Defence campaign and how we intend to address these threats, going forward?

Social and Psychological Defence

Mr Ong Teng Koon : Chairman, on most objective measures, we are living in the best of times in history. With declining poverty and hunger and falling rates of death due to disease and war, yet countries are also faced with growing threats to their economies and their ways of life. These threats can take many forms. The most obvious and high profile are, of course, terrorist attacks, such as 9-11 or the London bombings. But just as dangerous to the long-term health of the nation are most subtle forms of threats, such as the ramping up of social and societal tensions through propaganda and fake news.

We have seen that even mature western democracies are not immune to this form of cyber-psycho terrorism with foreign activists leveraging social media to provoke both sides on issues that divide society, such as racism, inequality or gun rights. These threats are not easy to define or detect and even more difficult to fight.

I would like to ask the Minister: how is MINDEF working with all the relevant agencies to ensure that we continue to enhance our social cohesion and psychological resilience?

Social Defence

Mr Amrin Amin (Sembawang) : We are proud of our multiracial, multi-religious global society here in Singapore. We may worship different gods and practise different cultures and traditions, but we live in peace and harmony in this compact Little Red Dot.

Our status as a global hub has helped grow our economy and added to the vibrancy of our nation. However, we are also aware that we cannot take all these for granted.

If we look overseas, we can see how race, religion and immigration issues can affect not only society and politics but also result in terrorism and violence. In Southeast Asia, the return of ISIS foreign fighters to their homeland has resulted in the persistent threat of radicalisation in our region. These terrorists will use race and religion as a “socio-weapon” to tear people apart.

In Singapore, we are not immune to the threat of terrorism, and we know that there are people in recent years that have been self-radicalised. In Europe and the US, we have witnessed the manifestations of globalisation backlash in US politics, Brexit and the rise of anti-immigration parties in Europe.

As these threats exploit the fault lines in our increasingly diverse society to divide our people, what can we, as Singaporeans, do as part of Total Defence to strengthen social cohesiveness and affirm multiculturalism to fortify our defences against the scourge of terrorism and in the face of other external pressures?

Fake News

Mr Vikram Nair : Chairman, the world today is increasingly interconnected. The Business Times reported that 70% of Singaporeans are active social media users on the go, more than double the global average. This means that Singaporeans are also more easily exposed to false news and pressures found online, which could tear our social fabric.

The threat of fake news is pervasive and insidious. On social media, articles and stories usually go viral and get circulated because they are sensational or they corroborate one's own beliefs and views. However, it is not always possible to verify the truth of stories being circulated. This makes it fertile grounds for the spreading of fake news.

To make matters worse, fake news is also usually profitable. Revenues generated online are usually correlated to eyeballs and circulation, not the truth or quality of the stories involved. One just needs to share sensational stories without having to pay journalists to actually investigate and report the truth. Thus, in an environment where purveyors can make profits by keeping costs low and getting wide circulation, traditional media companies that do real investigation and report real news, which is usually less sensational, are suffering, with readerships dropping for traditional news providers.

This is a double whammy because it means that fake news ends up circulating, while real news requires paid subscriptions, is suffering and struggles to counteract the fake news.

An even more worrying development is the allegation that state actors may also be involved in using fake news to influence the politics of other countries. Our Foreign Minister had very kindly confirmed that this was the case in Singapore as well, but he was probably too diplomatic to name the state actors involved.

The most shocking of the recent allegations, in fact, occurred in the greatest power, the US, where allegations are being made in some quarters in the US that there was Russian interference in their elections. It is already common ground that there was a great deal of fake news being circulated in the last US elections, with candidates on both sides being victims of fake news stories.

Is MINDEF concerned about this threat of fake news for our defence, particularly where it comes from state actors? If so, what steps does MINDEF intend to take to combat threats from fake news?

SAF Volunteer Corps

Dr Teo Ho Pin : Sir, the SAF Volunteer Corps (SAFVC) allows Singaporeans from diverse backgrounds who are not eligible for NS to also make contributions to Singapore's defence. Its main mission is to serve in assigned roles alongside SAF NSFs, NSmen and regulars to enhance the security of Singapore. SAFVC is also a great opportunity for citizens from diverse backgrounds to meet, train and bond together. This contributes to a more resilient Singapore.

Sir, can MINDEF provide an update on the SAFVC recruitment status and also share with us the types of voluntary work assigned to SAFVC members?

Youth Engagement

Mr Baey Yam Keng : Mr Chairman, the world today is characterised by the rise of the Internet and globalisation. Our youths will grow up and mature in an environment that will grant them access to an immense variety of views and experiences.

While this opens up many opportunities for education and a deeper appreciation for diversity, it will also likely reshape their sense of identity in new ways. In particular, their understanding of what it means to be “Singaporean” will no longer be strongly defined only by an understanding of Singapore’s history, culture and our vulnerabilities.

However, Singaporeans’ commitment towards defending our country rests on whether we possess a good understanding of our vulnerabilities and an ingrained conviction of the importance of what we are defending. While it is important to instill this understanding in our youths from a young age, growing global interconnectivity and the ensuing potential dilution of the “Singapore Identity” will continue to pose a strong challenge to our efforts.

I note that MINDEF has used many innovative and interesting ways to engage the public of different age groups on Total Defence, for example, N.E.mation! video competition, "Guardians of the City" strategy card game, Total Defence (TD) Badge Programme, TD Puzzle, colouring activity and documentary-drama series "It Will Never Happen Here".

How has MINDEF’s experience been these years and how could MINDEF reach out better to youths today to deepen their understanding of Total Defence and encourage them to play their part?

The Future SAF

Assoc Prof Fatimah Lateef : Sir, our SAF has come a long way. It has moved on from just being a defence imperative to being a cultural institution, which is a part of Singapore's national identity.

Moving ahead, our falling birth rate will pose a significant challenge. Our NS enrolment will decrease by 30% by 2030. This may mark a timing for decision to utilise more technology, unmanned systems and so on.

The future of warfare may be in the cyber domain. The technological disruption will not spare the area of defence. Data analytics will become extremely crucial. Do we have personnel who are highly trained in these areas and can they train others? How are we preparing our young recruits for this? What about psychological preparedness and resilience development? These are also important.

Finally, can the Minister also share with us on the Centre of Excellence for Soldier Performance (CESP) – what it does and how the curriculum is adapted to meet our needs?

Family Engagement and Resilience

Ms Joan Pereira : Chairman, besides the community at large, families also play a very important role in supporting our NSmen. At the individual level, families are the primary source of moral, emotional and social support for our NSmen. Strong families will be able to pick up signs of emotional or psychological stress in our NSmen and seek assistance before such pressure escalates.

At the national level, families sustain NS as a national institution as they continue to encourage successive generations of Singaporean sons to undergo the rite of passage that is NS. Thus, families are an important group of people that we can engage to ensure the well-being of our NSmen and NS as an institution.

Thus far, ACCORD has partnered the Singapore Council of Women's Organisations (SCWO), the Women's Integration Network of the People's Association and the Young Women's Leadership connection to engage the mothers, wives and girlfriends of our NSmen through information sharing sessions. ACCORD has also collaborated with the Families for Life Council to engage NSmen and their families, and Families for Life events, such as the Families for Life NS 50 Picnic, held at the Singapore Discovery Centre in August 2017.

Looking ahead, how can the Ministry step up its engagement of families so that they are better able to support our NSmen in their NS journey?

The Chairman : Minister Ong Ye Kung.

The Second Minister for Defence (Mr Ong Ye Kung) : Mr Chairman, Sir, I thank the members for all their questions. Dr Maliki Osman and I will try to answer all of them.

Last year, we commemorated 50 years of NS in Singapore. Assoc Prof Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim asked about the continued importance of NS. It remains the bedrock of the strong and credible SAF that we have today.

Since 1967, more than one million Singaporeans have invested their time and their blood, sweat and tears in faithfully performing their NS duties. Their and their families’ sacrifices keep our country safe and secure and, as Singaporeans, we can decide our future.

One of our greatest defence assets is that Singaporeans are strongly behind NS. Mr Cedric Foo asked about this, and that this cannot be one-off, just a one-time good feeling during NS50, but sustained support for NS for the long term.

Some countries, in fact, struggle to maintain public support for their conscription systems. Minister Ng Eng Hen mentioned Lithuania; another example is Sweden, which got rid of NS a decade ago, only to have to reinstate it as they re-evaluate their security environment.

Our key challenge today is twofold. The first challenge, which is a question by Mr Zainal Sapari, is demographic, leading to falling cohort sizes and a shrinking enlistment pool. I think Assoc Prof Fatimah Lateef asked about that, too. The second challenge is the evolving new unconventional security threats, such as terrorism, cyberattacks and also disinformation campaigns or fake news. I think Mr Amrin Amin asked about this.

11.45 am

So, the imperative is to do more with less, to work with fewer but more capable servicemen. The future capability and effectiveness of SAF will not be based on the number and quantity of people we have. Instead, it will be based on their quality and ability. We will achieve this by enhancing three things. One, individual ability; two, strengthening system efficiency; and three, leveraging technology. Let me explain.

First, enhancing individual ability. The foundation for operational readiness is, first and foremost, physical fitness. Fitness is also very personal, unique to the individual, with its impact on the individual’s health extending well beyond their time with SAF.

We will leverage technology to deliver targeted and effective training for every serviceman. The new CESP ‒ Assoc Prof Fatimah Lateef asked about it ‒ is adopting a scientific, data-driven approach to optimise the performance of every soldier. That is the key purpose of the Centre. It uses wearables and data to better understand each individual soldier’s physiological condition, and then prescribe more effective and progressive training, while minimising the risk of acute injury. The training can, in fact, be customised to what the soldier is supposed to do and what their vocation and task are. So, it is the granularity that we can now administer training to fit a soldier's physiological condition as well as his responsibility.

We will also provide servicemen with better tools to keep fit and increase the choices and accessibility of fitness training. We are partnering SportSG and the Health Promotion Board (HPB) to introduce the Quick High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) Programme. NSmen will be able to attend the Quick HIIT programme at community spaces and sports facilities.

Starting this week, we are also piloting the use of wearable technology at SAF Fitness Conditioning Centres and SAFRA gyms. So, rather than adhering strictly to the SAF-conducted Individual Physical Proficiency Test (IPPT) Preparatory Training (IPT) regime, NSmen will now be able to choose the type of exercise they prefer or need. They can cycle, run, do weights or interval training and then clock in their fitness progress via wearable devices. And as long as they achieve the required calories and intensity ‒ we measure only the output but we do not measure the input ‒ we will consider it a valid IPT session. This is a significant shift, giving NSmen choice, convenience and empowerment in improving their fitness. After all, fitness is an individual, not an SAF, responsibility.

Individuals can only be effective if units are cohesive and servicemen have a strong sense of camaraderie forged through common experiences, which Mr Teo Ser Luck asked about. BMT is a large part of this shared NS experience. Since the establishment of the Basic Military Training Centre (BMTC) in 1987, it has become ‒ as Mr Teo Ser Luck put it ‒ a rite of passage for many male Singaporeans to complete basic training "overseas" – on Pulau Tekong.

However, many NSFs do not go through BMTC. They are enlisted directly into combat units, in what is commonly known as mono-intake units. From this year, we will fully implement the One BMT programme, where practically all combat-fit NSFs will undergo the Pulau Tekong experience.

Hence, mono-intake units will now be enlisted to BMTC on Pulau Tekong for a common nine-week BMT and stay together as a unit from the start of their NS journey. These NSFs will benefit from BMTC’s dedicated training experience, infrastructure and use of technology. Most importantly, they will share a common experience, within the unit, as well as within the larger SAF tribe.

A second major thrust is to strengthen system efficiency. This means improving the way the system deploys the right serviceman to the right job, to maximise his contribution and potential. The most important initiative under this thrust is the review of vocation requirements. Mr Ong Teng Koon asked about using technology to maximise the potential of servicemen. Indeed, it is because of technology that we are now in a position to review vocation requirements.

With technology, you can no longer draw a firm line between combat-fit and non-combat fit. Take, for example, the personnel operating autonomous systems in the control room. They are in combat, even though they are not physically exerting. So, many more servicemen can now perform what could have only been done by servicemen who used to have to meet the most stringent physical requirements. For example, physical requirements and demands for vocations, such as combat engineers and security troopers, are now much less as we leverage technology.

This has opened up opportunities for us to more meaningfully deploy NSmen according to their fitness and abilities. Since last year, SAF has deployed more than 600 servicemen to vocations that they were previously ineligible for. And the number will rise.

Mr Baey Yam Keng asked about the Vocation Interest initiative, where pre-enlistees will indicate their interest in 33 NS vocations across the SAF, SCDF and SPF. There is no guarantee that servicemen will get the vocations they indicated interest in, because the primary consideration is still our defence operational requirements. But we will take their interests into consideration during the deployment process and try our best to match them.

Mr Baey Yam Keng mentioned that one group has passed their BMT and asked for an update. Actually they have not. They have been enlisted. They have indicated their interest. Next week, they will have their Passing Out Parade, out of BMT.

Servicemen have found the initiative helpful. More than 80% of those surveyed felt that the initiative encouraged them to take greater ownership of their NS roles and responsibilities. Many asked for tough vocations, like Infantry and Guards. The inaugural intake of about 4,000 NSFs who indicated their vocation interest will be deployed to their respective vocations later this month. We will continue to refine and improve the system as we go along.

We are also leveraging NSFs' talent in niche areas, such as cybersecurity, through the Cyber NSF Scheme, which Ms Low Yen Ling asked for an update. This was announced two weeks ago. There has been an overwhelmingly positive response since I announced the scheme, with numerous pre-enlistees writing in to express interest. So, we will be putting the applicants through a rigorous selection test on their skills and aptitudes. We will not look at their academic grades so much. The scheme has been launched as a pilot trial for those enlisting in the latter half of this year.

Finally, throughout SAF, we will deploy technologies that can reduce the demand on manpower and yet maintain or enhance operational effectiveness. In recent years, we have taken many leaps forward. Minister Ng Eng Hen has given a few examples. Another example will be our Smart naval bases. It uses a next generation screening system, using technologies, such as biometric authentication, facial recognition and automated threat analysis systems. These improvements will reduce the number of security personnel required in the naval bases by 70%, while maintaining the same or an even better level of security.

Mr Ong Teng Koon asked about leveraging technology to enhance the NS experience. Indeed, besides enabling manpower savings, such technologies can also create wonders on the ground, make NS a better experience, and raise morale.

Last year, we introduced an e-fitting system at CMPB. Pre-enlistees no longer have to go through the tedious process of measuring all their body dimensions manually. This will now be done by infrared body and foot scanners to quickly and accurately fit pre-enlistees to their uniforms and sports shoes. The e-fitting system has also successfully reduced kit exchanges at BMTC from 20% to 6%.

We are embarking on a trial to further enhance the experience at CMPB during pre-enlistment screening. By using facial recognition and real-time queue management technology, we will optimise visitor flow and shorten waiting times.

Another innovation, which is quite cute, is an AI-enabled chatbot called "NS Buddy". I never had this when I was an NSman. At any time of the day, the serviceman could pose a question to the NS Buddy. For example, he can ask "What is BTP?" The Buddy will then explain that it stands for Basic Train-fire Package. Then it will present the facts, and then also give advice to say “aim properly. Don’t be a bobo shooter. Safety First!” We will be enhancing the NS Buddy in the next phase of the trial, expanding its content base, and adding more SAF lexicons.

Mr Chairman, Sir, for NS to continue to be the cornerstone of Singapore's defence, we need Singaporeans' support. Ms Joan Pereira and Mr Cedric Foo asked about the community's support for NS and recognition for NSmen. Many of us must be heartened to witness the high level of public participation in NS50. Members of the public, retailers, employers, Government agencies, the arts community and more, poured forward to contribute to the NS50 commemorations.

I recently took over the chairmanship of ACCORD from Dr Mohamad Maliki and was so inspired by the enthusiasm and passion of its members. It is one of those Government committees where members, after serving many years, still say, "Can I please continue serving?", and they do not want to step down!

We will continue to ride on the NS50 momentum to rally the community to support NS and recognise our servicemen. We have launched the “We Support YOU in NS” initiative to do so. Switzer Alliance is one of the participating merchants of this initiative. The owners felt that they had greatly benefited from their NS experience and wanted to pay it forward – by offering special discounts to NSmen on SAF Day and organising free seminars on topics of interest to NSmen.

We will continue to encourage employers like them to do so and also encourage employers to have NS-friendly human resource (HR) policies. We have made good progress since the launch of the NS Mark Accreditation Scheme in 2016. About 2,000 companies and organisations came on board to pledge their support for NS. More than 35% of these companies have also attained NS Mark (Gold).

Dr Teo Ho Pin and Assoc Prof Randolph Tan asked about preparing our NSFs for life after NS. Earlier, I talked about improving individuals’ performance in terms of fitness and operational skills. These are already very basic, useful life skills.

But further, in the process of developing these skills, our NSFs also learn valuable competencies, such as leadership, discipline, resilience and teamwork. And these are useful qualities that will help our NSFs perform well in their careers after full-time NS. In fact, I always advise male students, of all the leadership programmes that are out there in the market, the best one is the one SAF conducts and that you acquire during NS.

In January this year, we enhanced the Certificate of Service to recognise these qualities, as well as skills, through a statement of attainment for our Workforce Skills Qualifications (WSQ) accreditation.

Today, about 96% of our NSFs will go through NS training that will be WSQ-accredited, especially those in areas, such as Signals, Supply, Logistics, Maintenance, and even Commanders' training as well.

[Mr Speaker in the Chair]

ACCORD will continue to drive this, will continue to work with the industry partners to expand accreditation of NS skills and help employers recognise the value of NS.

But having said that, we should be mindful not to lose sight of the fact that, ultimately, NS is about ensuring the operational effectiveness of SAF, it is a service to the nation, and it cannot become transactional.

12.00 pm

Mr Chairman, Sir, in conclusion, we must cherish our current level of support for NS and do whatever we can to maintain or raise it even further. This is psychological defence at its finest, where the entire population lines up behind a national cause. When our enemies see our resolve and unity, they will think twice.

The Chairman : Senior Minister of State Mohamad Maliki.

The Senior Minister of State for Defence (Dr Mohamad Maliki Bin Osman) : Mr Chairman, as Minister Ng Eng Hen has explained, Singapore is faced with changing geopolitical and threat environments. With it, the role of SAF is also expanding to respond to these threats. But what do these developments mean for the average Singaporean, for them to appreciate their role in Singapore’s defence?

In today’s open world of porous boundaries and the Internet of Things, aggressors can put pressure on a target nation in many ways, and they have increasingly sought to direct this pressure at ordinary citizens, misleading them into resenting their fellow citizens of a different background, or unsettling their confidence in the Government. Essentially, a crisis of trust ensues and a society works towards its own unravelling. As such tactics become more commonplace, our people must be willing and ready to resist and respond and build up personal and social resilience to overcome these threats.

Singapore’s Total Defence strategy encapsulates what everyone playing their part to safeguard Singapore looks like. It was introduced in 1984 against the backdrop of the prevailing threat of armed military conflict that can affect many different aspects of our society. Beyond Military Defence, our leaders recognised that our ability to face and overcome any eventual conflict also depends on our people and their resolve. Indeed, with emerging concerns that target our people’s hearts and minds, individuals play an increasingly critical role as our first defenders.

Recognising this, MINDEF has both expanded and enriched our outreach over the years. In the past, our efforts were centred on the annual commemoration of Total Defence Day. Today, we have, in addition to that, a wide array of activities year-round, aimed at helping Singaporeans appreciate our threats and challenges and what they can do in response. This would not have been possible without our growing pool of partners from the public, private and people sectors that have come on board to work with us.

To cite a recent example, MINDEF and the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) worked with Mediacorp to develop a national security documentary-drama, "It Will Never Happen Here", which aired on Channel 5 in January. One of the viewers, 58-year-old housewife Mrs Vemala Gurunathan was struck by the episode on cyberattacks. She shared, and I quote, "I was quite surprised that attacks on cyberspace can actually cause chaos in our society and everyday life… I like how the programme even showed us how we can overcome this by being more careful online and not blindly believing everything we read".

I am heartened that, today, Total Defence resonates with Singaporeans, and many are stepping up to contribute. A public survey conducted by MINDEF in 2017 showed that a majority of respondents appreciated the value of Total Defence in dealing with threats, both conventional and unconventional.

We have also seen how some participants of MINDEF's various engagement programmes have gone on to encourage others to play their part in Total Defence. One of them is 26-year-old Chong Yu Lun. Yu Lun has participated in every run of MINDEF’s short film competition "ciNE65", creating multiple winning, but more importantly, inspiring entries. These range from those that encourage NSmen to defend our home, to those that portray the resilience of Singaporeans.

Yu Lun went on to set up his own video production company and YouTube channel "Butterworks" – the people behind films like "The First Book Out from Tekong" and "With Pride, We Lead", that have a combined reach of over 700,000 views. When asked recently about what drives him to make these videos, he said, "I'm very motivated to create films that hopefully Singaporeans would be proud to call their own...we challenge ourselves to create inspiring stories that blend in a subtle element of that little patriotism in us".

Ms Low Yen Ling asked for an update on the 2018 Total Defence Campaign and how it will address new threats. As we move forward, just as we are building up the Next-Gen SAF, we will gear Total Defence towards the new security environment, according greater attention to social and psychological defence.

Mr Ong Teng Koon highlighted the need to do so in the face of terrorism. Other threats like fake news and cyberattacks compound this need. While the military and civil domains are most intuitively associated with defence, it is increasingly important today that we broaden our definition of what it means to safeguard Singapore.

For one, our social cohesion could be compromised if Singaporeans allow themselves to be swayed by divisive falsehoods or stigmatise particular social groups in the wake of a violent attack. Religion today has been misused by terror groups like ISIS and misrepresented by preachers who espouse extreme views. Religion has also begun to enter the realm of politics as seen in the region, resulting in built up tensions in community relations.

As a society, we can and will continue to be tested. With your permission, Mr Chairman, may I display a visual on the screen?

The Chairman : Yes. [ A visual was shown to hon Members. ]

Dr Mohamad Maliki Bin Osman : Just last year, two propaganda videos featuring a Singaporean ISIS fighter in Syria surfaced – the first video was of him rallying others to join him, while the other video was more graphic, showing him shooting three men at close range.

Upon hearing the news and watching such clips, how would or should Singaporeans react? The immediate reaction could include worry, disbelief, fear, anger and possibly distrust. However, these reactions could be mitigated, depending on how strong we are psychologically as individuals, and socially as a community.

With strong social cohesion and psychological resilience, the Muslims amongst us would reject attempts to sway them to adopt extremist ideas, denouncing those images and assuring their non-Muslim friends and neighbours that the images they saw neither reflect Islam nor Muslims in Singapore.

Again, with strong social cohesion and psychological resilience, we would also see our non-Muslims who have confidence in their Muslim friends expressing support and giving assurances that what they saw neither represent Islam nor Muslims in Singapore.

At the same time, those who might be affected by the images would feel comfortable enough to clarify their doubts and reservations with their Muslim friends. With deepened trust, all Singaporeans would stand united to safeguard the harmony we hold dear. This is the essence of our Social and Psychological Defence. Mr Chairman, may I say a few words in Malay, please.

( In Malay ) : [ Please refer to Vernacular Speech .] Just as we move forward to build up the Next-Gen SAF, we will gear Total Defence towards the new security environment, according greater attention to Social and Psychological Defence. While the military and civil domains are most intuitively associated with defence, it is increasingly important today that we broaden our definition of what it means to safeguard Singapore.

Our social cohesion could be compromised or affected if Singaporeans allow themselves to be swayed by divisive falsehoods, or stigmatise particular social groups in the wake of a violent attack.

Religion today has been misused by terror groups like ISIS and misrepresented by preachers who espouse extreme views. Religion has also begun to enter the realm of politics, as seen in the region, resulting in built-up tensions in community relations.

We need only turn to our own history to remind ourselves that trust and goodwill among communities are not a given and must be worked at unceasingly to sustain. As a society, we can and will continue to be tested. Just last year, two propaganda videos featuring an ISIS fighter from Singapore in Syria surfaced – the first was of him rallying others to join him, while the other was more graphic ‒ showing him shooting three men at close range.

Upon hearing such news and watching such clips, how would or should Singaporeans react? The immediate reaction could include worry, disbelief, fear, anger and, possibly, suspicion and distrust. This is a grave concern.

However, these reactions could be mitigated, depending on how strong we are psychologically as individuals and socially as a community. With strong social cohesion and psychological resilience, the Muslims amongst us would reject attempts to sway them to adopt extremist ideas, denouncing those images and assuring their non-Muslim friends and neighbours that the images they saw neither reflect Islam nor Muslims in Singapore. If we possess strong social cohesion and psychological resilience, we would also see our non-Muslims, who have a lot of confidence in their Muslim friends, expressing support and giving assurances that what they saw neither represent Islam nor Muslims in Singapore.

At the same time, those who might be affected by the images would feel comfortable enough to clarify their doubts and reservations with their Muslim friends. With deepened trust, all Singaporeans would stand united to safeguard the harmony we hold dear. As the Malay saying goes – "United we stand, divided we fall". This is the essence of our Social and Psychological Defence.

(In English): As Mr Amrin Amin noted, there are also new potential fault lines in our social fabric beyond race and religion which could be used against us if we are not careful. With globalisation and significant mobility amongst Singaporeans, we cannot assume that all Singaporean children will continue to experience the culture of our local schools and neighbourhoods as they grow up.

There are also others who come from transnational families. These are not concerns in and of themselves, but they do signal that the experiences and perspectives of our people are more varied than before. If we do not continue to forge common understanding, our differences could be played up to divide us, making it difficult for us to band together in a crisis.

We need strong Social Defence. This means growing our common space by interacting with people of different backgrounds, speaking up against attempts to sow discord and helping those in need. One important element of this is to fortify trust and understanding among people of different religious backgrounds to guard against radical ideas that may divide us.

Just last month, the five Community Development Councils (CDCs) launched the "Common Senses for Common Spaces" interfaith dialogue programme nationwide. This provides members of the community with a safe space to ask questions and learn more about the different faiths in Singapore, thus deepening their understanding and appreciation.

12.15 pm

It is also heartening to see that our youths understand the importance of Social Defence, and are initiating ground-up projects to expand our common space, too. The Interfaith Youth Circle, for example, was started by a group of youths who wanted to bridge gaps in understanding about the different religions in Singapore, especially given the negative sentiment and online chatter following terror attacks around the world. They organise activities, such as scriptural reasoning sessions, where people come together to read and reflect on scriptures from different faiths. Such efforts foster deeper trust and a stronger will to stand firm against attempts to turn us against one another.

Mr Vikram Nair asked about the impact of fake news on security, and how MINDEF is combating this threat. In an interconnected world, Singaporeans are more easily exposed to pressures that could unsettle their willingness to uphold our national interests, including racial and religious harmony. These influences could come in the form of falsehoods deliberately spread online.

In 2007, for example, an insensitive prank photo of pork sold at National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) Fairprice with a halal sticker on the packaging was circulated via e-mail. NTUC Fairprice had called it out as false back then. Still, it resurfaced again in 2014. Social media had become a lot more prevalent in the span of just seven years, and the photo made its rounds on Facebook, where posts are easily shared with a wider audience. While the incident was resolved, similar cases could tear at our interfaith unity.

Likewise, falsehoods could be spread to weaken our trust in public institutions and confidence in a shared future or incite fear. Some Members may recall a video that was shared on social media early last year, purportedly showing an explosion in Tuas. While a fire did break out, this said footage of the incident was fake. The video had, in fact, been uploaded on YouTube multiple times from 2015 onwards and have on separate occasions been labelled as blasts in China, India and France – that same footage. If it had not been debunked, the video could have sparked panic and anxiety amongst Singaporeans. Fake news has the potential to undermine us from within and is a key challenge that has led MINDEF to focus more on Psychological Defence.

Moreover, the growing number of Singaporeans who pursue work and educational opportunities abroad may have to wrestle with dissenting views more squarely. Foreign business partners, schoolmates or friends may at times express fundamental disagreements with Singapore's decisions, policies or actions. They could even persuade you to adopt their viewpoint at the expense of supporting our national interests. Psychological resilience on the part of each individual is being decisive in withstanding such pressures.

I read an opinion piece on Total Defence earlier this year, where Channel NewsAsia editor Jaime Ho rightly pointed out how defence today entails Singaporeans "thinking for ourselves" and "standing up for ourselves". This is Psychological Defence – appreciating our vulnerabilities and challenges, advancing our values and interests; being able to spot mistruths; and standing up for Singapore.

Just as our threats extend beyond the military realm, so must our deterrence. In addition to a credible military force, we need a psychologically resilient people, able to withstand crises or viral attacks, and not be rattled. If someone comments negatively about Singapore and our immediate response is not to verify the facts but to instead condemn Singapore and, worse, spread the untruths, we are creating for ourselves a hole in our defence that our adversaries would not hesitate to jump at and widen the divide. I am glad to see that Singaporeans, such as those behind the online site "Confirm?" which runs quizzes on issues relating to Singapore, have taken the initiative to try and help those around them understand our principles, positions and policies better, preventing them from falling prey to fake news and untruths.

I have elaborated on Social and Psychological Defence because threats in these domains are very real, but often unapparent. They have a creeping yet significant impact on our ability to defend Singapore. In the other pillars of our Total Defence, Singaporeans are our first defenders, too. Take Military Defence, for example. Enlisting in SAFVC is one way many women, new citizens and first-generation Permanent Residents have stepped up to serve. To address Dr Teo Ho Pin's query, since SAFVC was launched in 2014, we have trained over 600 volunteers and deployed them to various roles. In 2018, volunteers will be able to serve in 15 additional roles across SAF.

Many are also contributing to Civil Defence. To prevent a terror attack, for example, Mr Charnjit Singh, Chairman of the Community Emergency and Engagement Committee (C2E) in Telok Blangah, worked with other volunteers to conduct regular patrols on our trains. In MINDEF and SAF, we are equipping our personnel to respond to crises in their personal capacity, too. Most of our servicemen who undergo BMT learn some first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)-automated external defibrillator (AED) skills, as do our SAFVC.

Mr Rajendran Mathan Prasath is a commendable example of someone who has not only stepped up to do more for Military Defence by joining SAFVC, but used the skills acquired during his training to contribute to Civil Defence while off duty. In April last year, he performed CPR on an elderly lady suffering a cardiac arrest. In the face of terrorism, we have developed a Community Response Module to supplement the skills that our personnel like Mr Rajendran possess. It has been rolled out in the BMT curriculum, and in the next two years, all MINDEF and SAF personnel will be required to go through the module. It complements the SG Secure effort and better prepares our servicemen to be active community responders.

MINDEF, alongside our partners, will continue to encourage different groups of Singaporeans to contribute in concrete ways to Total Defence.

We are constantly exploring innovative ways to engage our youths. Mr Baey Yam Keng asked how we are doing so. The "Guardians of the City" (GOTC) card game launched in 2017 is one way through which we are helping our youths understand the terror threat facing Singapore, and how they can respond. This year, we have given out over 38,000 decks of the game to all Secondary 2 students, and schools have organised GOTC cohort experiences. Mr Mohamed Shahmir Anwar, a secondary school teacher who facilitated the game and conducted reflection sessions for his students, shared that the students both enjoyed it and learnt valuable lessons on Total Defence. To quote him, "This game is something different, something exciting...the students want to try it because it is interactive…Because the games are so relatable to them, it is a good platform to teach them about Total Defence".

Other interactive tools to bring Total Defence to life for our youths include a Total Defence puzzle that was developed in collaboration with agencies across the Government and creatives at Singapore Press Holdings (SPH) THINK. It has been distributed to schools, SAF camps and community centres (CCs). Various organisations, especially schools, have found the puzzle to be a useful learning resource.

MINDEF also has more specific programmes for our young recruits. I fully agree with Assoc Prof Fatimah Lateef that besides physical training, it is important to prepare our recruits psychologically in a changing security environment.

Beyond engaging future recruits as part of our outreach to students, there is a comprehensive plan to strengthen their physical and psychological resilience when they enlist. This is infused in various aspects of the full-time NS experience. One part of this is National Education activities and milestone events that help them understand what our security challenges are, what we are defending and why and what we must do to continue keeping Singapore safe and secure.

These include experiential visits to defence-related heritage sites, the weapon presentation ceremony and the 24-kilometre route march from Changi to Marina Bay. As they march past iconic landmarks in Singapore, they are reminded of what they are training to protect. The route march also symbolically reverses the Prisoners-of-War route of defeat from the city to Changi after Singapore fell to our invaders during World War Two. The soldiers march to their graduation parade at Marina Bay today. It represents their resolve to never again let Singapore fall.

Besides these events and activities, it is the overall full-time NS experience – building strong bonds with their mates and commanders and experiencing values in action demonstrated by their commanders – that strengthens our recruits psychologically. With understanding and conviction come the resilience to protect our home even in the face of new threats and challenges.

Families are key pillars of support for our NSmen. Ms Joan Pereira had asked what MINDEF is doing to engage families. SAF has been engaging families of NSmen through events, such as milestone parades, unit family days and open houses, and also provides them with information on NS. Through ACCORD, we also partner organisations, such as Families for Life and the Centre for Fathering, to engage families on NS and Total Defence.

Mr Chairman, may I have your indulgence to continue a little bit longer?

The Chairman : As we do still have some time before the guillotine time for MINDEF, please wrap up in the next few minutes.

Dr Mohamad Maliki Bin Osman : Thank you. Activities we have had include the "Celebrating NS50" picnic and Dads for Life Camp last year. ACCORD has also conducted focus group discussions with women to gather feedback on how we can better support our servicemen and their families. In this way, families can not only support NSmen in their NS journey but appreciate the role they themselves play in Total Defence, too.

In conclusion, Mr Chairman, Sir, if each one of us understands what Singapore stands for and is committed to protecting our way of life, we will be able to deter and overcome sinister attempts to shake our unity and confidence. Besides the individuals that I have highlighted today, there are many others who are putting Total Defence into action in their everyday lives, by giving their best during NS training, securing their personal devices, learning first aid, donating blood, and taking up new skills. MINDEF will continually work towards strengthening this whole-of-society effort. With a strong Total Defence, we have every reason to be hopeful and confident in Singapore's future.

The Chairman : Mr Pritam Singh.

Mr Pritam Singh : My question is directed to the Minister for Defence. I understand, Sir, there was an announcement made of the deployment of SAF troops to Iraq. I have four questions in that regard.

Firstly, what is MINDEF's assessment of the threat to our troops there? Secondly, in view of the inherent instability in Iraq and of particular concern being sectarian conflict between Sunnis and Shiites, in addition to the presence of ISIS and its other various incarnations, what is being done to prepare our servicemen and their families for the deployment? Thirdly, how long does the Ministry envisage the deployment to last and what is the SAF's mission and objectives with respect to this deployment, and is MINDEF concerned about the prospect of mission creep?

Fourthly, and this is the final question, Singapore deployed about 470 servicemen to Afghanistan from 2007 to 2013. They assisted the Afghan National Army Artillery training, improvised explosive device (IED) detection, construction and imagery analysis. Can the Minister share more details on the size and nature of our deployment to Iraq, what tasks our troops would undertake, and what and whose resources they can call upon to assure their security there?

12.30 pm

Dr Ng Eng Hen : Mr Chairman, those were good questions and very relevant ones. What is our threat assessment when we send SAF troops to missions? We must never prepare to send people if you think there are no risks, because there are always risks. We only send them when the risks are necessary to protect Singaporeans and Singapore. So, whether we send them to Afghanistan, whether we send them to Iraq, whether we send them to the Gulf of Aden, even when we send them to Timor-Leste − peacekeeping operations − we have casualties in peacekeeping operations.

We do this because, at the core, you are protecting Singapore's interests. So, for Afghanistan, we understood that if we did not deal with terrorism at its source where Al Qaeda influence was the greatest, you would basically just be responding to waves and waves of terrorists that are being radicalised – they are being trained, they are being exported from ground zero as it were. And it worked. We were in Afghanistan for 10 years, Mr Pritam Singh recollected accurately. Whether it is imagery analysts, or weapons locating radar, we made a contribution. We identified even hotspots for the coalition and the terrorist threat disappeared for now. I say "for now" because we are keeping a watch on Al Qaeda cells and there is every possibility that there can be a resurgence.

Against ISIS, we made significant progress. I think just two or even three years ago, if you just look at the geographical map, the areas in which ISIS strongholds controlled, were a majority of Iraq and Syria. But now, it has shrunk. So, there are a few last strongholds, if any. But the numbers are much smaller. So, we have made progress.

How do we prepare servicemen for these threats? Our SAF personnel who go there recognise that these are threats but we, systemically, identify the threats. So, for each mission, we would have a needs-and-threats assessment team that goes down to the ground, that speaks to the commanders, that maps the terrain, that maps the risks and the team will come up with an assessment. Then, not only the elements that are required to fulfil the operations – we will talk about that because the Member asked about it – but the protection is necessary. You can minimise it but you will never completely eliminate it.

How long will it last? For Afghanistan, our deployment lasted 10 years. Against ISIS, it has been relatively shorter, I think since 2014. But for us to not continue to contribute when the more significant gains have been actually taking back Iraq, I think it is not within our character and not within our mission imperative. There is no mission creep. The central mission is so that ground zero for the export of terrorists must be eliminated as we did in Afghanistan. Just imagine if we said, "Well, the rest of the world can go about it but we don't worry about Afghanistan." If the problems there gain momentum, we will suffer.

For Iraq, for ISIS, we have a much more vested interest because there were foreign fighters from Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore who were there. So, there is no mission creep. It is very clear. It is to help now. It shifted to another phase. The first phase was actually the most difficult − to recover territory, to rid ISIS of their resources, of their ability to increase their resources to export terrorism. While our chaps were there, we were very useful. Our imagery analyst teams − the Member asked what they were deployed there for – to identify financial strongholds that ISIS troops had been using and help the coalition eliminate these, if you like, financial warehouses.

We are now deployed with other troops, the Australians and some other troops, for which there is joint protection and we can call on them. But there is camp security. I visited our troops last year and was satisfied that, to the extent possible, there is perimeter protection. In the event of an incident, there will be measures to respond to that. In fact, when I was there, it just so happened that they were responding in a simulated scenario to an attack. The Americans were there, the Australians were there, our chaps were there, and they mobilised the hospitals and then, for how to guard the vicinity. I think that is about as much as I can say for all the questions but let me just summarise.

We understand what this mission is about. We have to keep terrorism at bay. We have to keep at it. This is a long battle. We dealt with the threat after 9-11, Bali bomb blast and joined other forces in Afghanistan. With ISIS, we are now in Iraq. When will it end? When can we pull back? I do not know. Somebody said "Communism without divine intervention, without God, took 50 years."

The Chairman: Assoc Prof Fatimah Lateef.

Assoc Prof Fatimah Lateef : I would like to ask the Minister on civil-military cooperation and this is not pertaining to the community involvement or the lay persons who are trained to respond to crisis like under C2E and all that. This is more about Singaporeans who form part of international humanitarian teams or respond to international humanitarian activities around the world, whether it is war-related or natural disaster-related. These are people who are disaster, medically and also tactically trained; they can actually value add to the response of a crisis that we have. How is MINDEF engaging and working together with them?

Dr Ng Eng Hen : That is the kernel of the idea behind the Changi Regional Humanitarian Centre. It came about because we recognised that after Cyclone Nargis, after Nepal, the first two to three days after an incident occurs are where you have the least coordinated response, even if all the resources are there. So, for instance, if you remember the typhoon in the Philippines, we sent a C-130. The reason they were under-utilised was that there were no air command and control facilities. Only the Americans could because I think they had their aircraft carrier and they were able to control the airspace. So, even though our C-130s were sent there, they could not be deployed optimally.

We set up this to coordinate military responses. But as Prof Fatimah Lateef rightly points out, humanitarian agencies include the whole ecosystem of civil groups, of UN groups. So, we have expanded it and linked up with the UN. We have linked up with other humanitarian organisations and I think we had one or two equivalents of table-top exercises to, say, if something happens, whom do I contact? We offered for these civil groups, these volunteer groups, to be physically based in Changi, if they can spare. This is an ongoing effort. We just have to keep increasing our contacts, increasing our efficiency and when the next crisis strikes, I think Singapore can play a more definitive role and contribute more.

The Chairman: Mr Vikram Nair.

Mr Vikram Nair : This clarification is in relation to the unconventional threats. I think Senior Minister of State Mohamad Maliki painted quite a graphic picture of the threats these provide. My concern was whether we should be doing more. First of all, in relation to the video on terrorism, for 99% of people, they will be disgusted by that video. But there might be a very tiny percentage, 0.001%, and perhaps a lone wolf who would be inspired by it to commit acts of violence.

Notwithstanding how strong our psychological defence is, all it takes is one person to get influenced by it to carry out the terror attack. The countervailing risk, of course, is that other people may generalise and say, "This is what Muslims do" which, I think in Singapore, that is not a big issue. But it could be, if our psychological defence is not strong. There is actually very strong reason to identify and take steps to weed out such videos either by, first of all, finding out the source; and secondly, potentially, to take legal action against the people who put up and circulate this.

Secondly, in relation to fake news, I think the example of halal pork was also again very compelling. It surfaced in 2007. Obviously, it is divisive because it suggests NTUC trying to sell pork to Muslims. It was untrue. NTUC clarified. But then it surfaced again six or seven years later. But this shows the power of fake news. Fake news is sensational, therefore, it gets circulated. The truth is rather boring. It does not get circulated. So, the truth is almost always triumphed by fake news. Could we take further steps to identify the creators of these fake news and take other actions against them?

Psychological defence is resistance. But if we can eliminate the virus, that is even better.

Dr Mohamad Maliki Bin Osman : I thank Mr Vikram Nair for those remarks. We totally agree with what we need to do to ensure that there is a comprehensive response to all these unconventional threats, whether it is images or otherwise. I just wanted to highlight one example. Just one image may create reactions in different groups of people and it is important for us to be aware of the reaction that different groups of Singaporeans may have and, therefore, what we need to do to strengthen our resolve first.

So, the different groups of people and different players of stakeholders that are relevant in this context: one, at an individual level, we need to be consistent, we need to be aware of our own reactions and how much do we take forward steps to learn more about such issues as well as build trust and relationship with all the other communities so that if something like that happens, we are not easily rattled. We ask questions, we ask and look for the facts rather than react negatively.

Secondly, it is the whole-of-Government effort and whole-of-society effort that is needed. If you see various legislation, various discussions in this House, you can see many things are happening. The development of the cyber defence agencies is one effort that looks at some of the areas that we need to do in the cyber domain. We also need to start looking at how Singaporeans respond to such fake news on social media. And this is one of the biggest challenges − the skillsets required by individuals to respond to such social media platforms. Once you see something on your Facebook feed or once you get something from your WhatsApp group, what do you do? Do you verify the facts? Where do you verify the facts? That is where we need to help Singaporeans to understand the different ecosystems that exist, the environment that exists. It is a very complex environment. It is an environment that is evolving, as we speak.

So, today, it is critical for us to educate Singaporeans in every age group, not just adults, but young children. Because they are the ones who are very comfortable with social media. They are the ones who get feeds from social media. If we do not educate them early enough, equip them with the skillsets required to determine what is right, what is wrong, and how these would impact on themselves and their relationship with others if they were to forward these unverified facts, as well as the concerns that they may have.

We also need to look at support systems available for communities who may have difficulties reacting or responding to such unconventional threats. The fundamental understanding today is that these are evolving unconventional threats and we need to find new creative ways to respond to them. Different agencies in Government are looking at that and various domains, and we continue to work with them.

The Chairman : Would the Member wish to withdraw the amendment?

Mr Vikram Nair : I would like to thank Minister Ng Eng Hen for sharing a compelling view on our defence and the importance of it remaining sustainable, and comforting us that it will be sustainable for the upcoming years, Minister Ong for sharing with us on NS and the important evolutions taking place, and Senior Minister of State Mohamad Maliki for sharing with us on psychological defence. And, of course, to all the people in MINDEF, SAF and all our servicemen. Thank you very much. I seek leave to withdraw my amendment.

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

[(proc text) The sum of $14,238,100,500 for Head J ordered to stand part of the Main Estimates. (proc text)]

[(proc text) The sum of $761,000,000 for Head J ordered to stand part of the Development Estimates. (proc text)]

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