MINISTRY OF DEFENCE
ADDENDUM TO THE PRESIDENT’S ADDRESS
DR NG ENG HEN
MINISTER FOR DEFENCE
1
The security landscape Singapore faces today is more complex than ever
before. Many countries in our region are modernising their militaries against a
backdrop of growing nationalism, difficult maritime and territorial disputes, and
persistent threats from terrorists and cyber attacks. In the past year, attacks in Sydney,
Paris and Ankara underscore the challenges of keeping Singapore safe and secure.
A strong and credible defence remains crucial for Singapore’s security, independence
and sovereignty.
Preparing for a Wider Range of Threats to Singapore’s Security
2
Today, the SAF is a full-spectrum, networked force that is effective and flexible.
Its operational readiness has been validated by deployments around the world to
support regional and international operations, such as our deployments to the antiISIS coalition in the Middle East, the anti-piracy forces in the Gulf of Aden, and to
various countries for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations. The SAF
will continue to participate in such deployments as part of its efforts to contribute to
international peace and stability.
3
However, the operating environment for MINDEF and the SAF is changing
rapidly. Technologies that used to be the domain of professional militaries are
becoming cheaper and easier to obtain and used by less advanced militaries and nonstate actors. As our economy and society rely more on technology that allows us to
function with ease and efficiency, cyber criminals and attackers have more avenues
to disrupt and destabilise Singapore.
4
To guard against the wider range of threats, the SAF will develop new fighting
concepts and pursue technological advancements in areas such as unmanned
systems and robotics to make the SAF more potent and flexible. Such technologies
have the added benefit of greater precision while using less manpower, enabling the
SAF to adapt to a shrinking workforce. MINDEF and the SAF will also develop new
capabilities to defend against threats in the cyber domain.
5
MINDEF recognises the importance of good stewardship in ensuring prudent
spending. MINDEF takes a long-term view in developing the SAF’s capabilities and
will spend only what is needed to build up the SAF’s capabilities to defend Singapore’s
sovereignty and security in an evolving and uncertain security environment.
Strengthening the National Service System
6
National Service (NS) remains the cornerstone of Singapore’s defence and
security. MINDEF has therefore invested significant effort into improving the NS
experience. Over the past year, half of the 30 recommendations made by the
1
Committee to Strengthen NS (CSNS) were implemented. Enlistment wait-time was
reduced to allow more full-time national servicemen (NSFs) to enter the workforce or
further their studies earlier. Career fairs were enhanced to include a wider range of
companies and institutes of higher learning. NSFs who are interested in a science and
engineering career in the SAF can consider the enhanced Science and Engineering
Scholarships.
7
This year, we continue the CSNS implementation efforts by launching initiatives
that support our national servicemen and celebrate key milestones in their lives. Gifts
will be given to active national servicemen who are newly married or have babies. We
will provide basic life and personal accident insurance coverage for our national
servicemen. More national servicemen who perform well during their NS training will
receive gift vouchers to enjoy with their families. To encourage employers and
businesses to step up support for their NSman employees, we will launch the “NS
Mark”, an accreditation scheme to recognise companies with supportive human
resource practices.
8
NS has provided the backbone for Singapore’s fighting force, ensuring that we
have the security and stability necessary for Singapore’s progress and prosperity. In
2017, we will celebrate the 50th anniversary of NS. We will plan a series of “NS50”
activities to show appreciation and recognise the contributions of national servicemen
past and present, as well as the wider community. Singaporeans’ continued support
for NS is instrumental to ensure the peace and security of our country for the next 50
years and beyond.
9
There is broad-based societal support for NS and the launch of the SAF
Volunteer Corps (SAFVC) has enabled the broader community, including women, first
generation permanent residents and new citizens, to contribute to Singapore’s
defence. The inaugural cohort of 226 SAFVC volunteers completed their Basic
Training in 2015, and some have been deployed as Auxiliary Security Troopers and
as Bridge Watchkeepers for navigational duties on board Landing Ship Tanks. We are
heartened by the positive response and will expand our efforts for the SAFVC.
Deepening Bilateral Relationships and Strengthening the Regional Security
Architecture
10
Singapore will continue to work closely with our neighbours and regional
partners to enhance regional stability and deal with common security challenges. As
part of our efforts to deepen our network of bilateral partnerships, we will strengthen
our cooperation with China through the 2014 Four-Point Consensus, implement the
recently enhanced and revised Defence Cooperation Agreements with the US and
India respectively, as well as conclude defence cooperation agreements with Australia
as part of our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. These partnerships help the SAF
secure access to advanced defence technology as well as realistic and demanding
training areas around the world.
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An open and robust regional security architecture is key to enhancing strategic
trust and regional cooperation, to ensure continued peace and stability in our region.
Singapore is not a claimant in the South China Sea territorial disputes, but our interest
is to ensure all claims are settled peacefully and in accordance with international law.
2
To this end, we will continue to work with partners to grow multilateral platforms, such
as the Shangri-La Dialogue and the ASEAN Defence Ministers Meeting (ADMM) –
Plus for strategic dialogue and practical cooperation. In May this year, Singapore will
co-host the ADMM-Plus Maritime Security and Counter Terrorism Exercise involving
all 10 ASEAN countries and eight key partners. The exercise will strengthen the
region’s capability in combating terrorism and practise the Code for Unplanned
Encounters at Sea to reduce the risks of maritime incidents. We will also leverage on
operational platforms such as the Information Fusion Centre and the Changi Regional
HADR1 Coordination Centre, as well as use our Chairmanship of the ADMM in 2018,
to foster a rules-based security architecture that underpins the peace and stability in
our region.
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With the support and partnership of all Singaporeans, MINDEF and the SAF
will continue to provide a strong defence to ensure our nation’s peace and prosperity.
***
1
Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR)
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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
ADDENDUM TO THE PRESIDENT’S ADDRESS
DR VIVIAN BALAKRISHNAN
MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS
1
Singapore will have to navigate an increasingly complex and unpredictable
strategic and security landscape. The shifts in global power and competition for
influence among the major powers, particularly in Asia-Pacific, will impact the global
and regional order bringing both unprecedented risks and opportunities for us as a
nation. The rise of nationalism, protectionism and the polarisation of society in many
regional countries have further exacerbated the challenges faced by Singapore. The
geopolitical challenges in the Middle East, particularly the threat of the Islamic State,
and the disputes in the East and South China Sea, will remain intractable.
Economically, the global outlook is uncertain, although landmark initiatives such as
the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) and Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) offer
promising prospects. In this challenging environment, MFA will focus our efforts on
three key thrusts: (i) maintaining Singapore’s relevance to the world and expanding its
international space; (ii) creating opportunities overseas for Singaporeans through
economic, cultural and public diplomacy; and (iii) supporting our nationals living and
travelling abroad through community outreach and consular assistance.
Maintaining our Relevance
2
ASEAN remains a cornerstone of Singapore’s foreign policy, and provides the
necessary bedrock for a stable, peaceful and prosperous region. ASEAN creates a
platform for us to engage key major powers at a regional level. Singapore will continue
to work actively to enhance ASEAN integration and centrality in the evolving regional
architecture, as well as deepen ASEAN’s relations with its external partners.
3
Singapore will assume the role of ASEAN Chair in 2018. We will host a number
of important meetings in Singapore, including the ASEAN Summit, ASEAN Plus Three
Summit, and the East Asia Summit (EAS), presenting us an opportunity to showcase
and advance the interests of Singapore and ASEAN to the world. We will make a
concerted effort to promote ASEAN identity and awareness among Singaporeans
through the mainstream and social media, as well as through initiatives such as the
Annual Youth Model ASEAN Conference which aims to educate and engage younger
Singaporeans about the workings behind ASEAN. As we embark on a year-long series
of celebrations and projects to mark Singapore’s chairmanship, MFA will partner with
key stakeholders, including the business community and civil society.
4
As a small nation-state, developing strong, sustainable and multi-faceted
partnerships at all levels is vital for Singapore’s long-term security and continued
prosperity. We will endeavour to strengthen our relations with our immediate
neighbours, Malaysia and Indonesia, which have made steady and substantive
progress in recent years. With upcoming projects like the joint developments in
Singapore and Iskandar Malaysia, the High Speed Rail and the Rapid Transit System,
there is a strong impetus for closer cooperation between Malaysia and Singapore. In
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the case of Indonesia, we seek to expand our mutually-beneficial cooperation,
following President Joko Widodo’s introductory visit to Singapore in July 2015, where
both countries signed agreements to strengthen collaboration in various sectors
including public policy, youth and sports, and economic development.
5
Boosting economic and people-to-people ties with other ASEAN Member
States is another priority. Beyond Southeast Asia, Singapore will continue to intensify
our engagement with the major powers. MFA will identify new avenues to maintain
and strengthen our close political, economic and strategic ties with the US, China and
other regional stakeholders. The recently enhanced Defence Cooperation Agreement
with the US provides a broader framework to expand our bilateral cooperation with the
US. The establishment of the “All-Round Cooperative Partnership Progressing with
the Times” with China, the third Government-to-Government project in Chongqing and
the upgrade of the China-Singapore Free Trade Agreement will add new impetus to
our bilateral cooperation with China. With other key partners like Australia, India,
Japan, Republic of Korea and the European Union, we will seek to strengthen bilateral
cooperation in economic as well as security areas such as counter-terrorism and cyber
security. India and Singapore, for instance, have elevated relations to a Strategic
Partnership and both sides will expand cooperation in areas such as skills
development and urban solutions. With Australia, the Comprehensive Strategic
Partnership will enhance cooperation across economic, defence, security and peopleto-people fields.
6
To further expand Singapore’s international space, we will continue to play a
constructive role in various multilateral fora. Through the United Nations (UN), World
Trade Organisation (WTO) and Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), we will
actively contribute to the global agenda including climate change, sustainable
development, trade liberalisation and upholding the rules-based multilateral trading
system. We will continue to demonstrate Singapore’s usefulness to the G20 process
through our convenorship of the Global Governance Group (3G).
7
Singapore will reinforce its role as a responsible member of the international
community by extending technical assistance to, and sharing our developmental
experience, with other countries through the Singapore Cooperation Programme
(SCP). Since its inception in 1992, more than 100,000 foreign officials have been
trained in a range of SCP courses with various partner countries and international
organisations. Singapore will work towards implementing the new Sustainable
Development Programme, which was announced during the 2015 UN Sustainable
Development Summit, by partnering with relevant UN agencies to provide technical
assistance programmes in a wide range of fields including, public sector leadership,
sustainable cities, urbanisation as well as water and sanitation solutions.
5
Creating Overseas Opportunities for Singaporeans
8
Regional initiatives such as the AEC, TPP and Regional Comprehensive
Economic Partnership (RCEP) will create new trade and investment opportunities for
Singapore companies in a broader economic hinterland. The AEC will integrate
ASEAN into a single regional market, thereby facilitating a freer flow of goods, services,
investment and capital among member states. To this end, Singapore will do its part
by enhancing the Initiative for ASEAN Integration (IAI) programme in Cambodia, Laos,
Myanmar and Vietnam to accelerate their economic integration into ASEAN, thereby
opening up new opportunities for Singaporeans in these countries. Singapore will work
towards expediting the ratification and bringing into force the TPP, the largest regional
free trade agreement. The negotiations on the RCEP are ongoing and when concluded,
will transform ASEAN and its FTA partners into an integrated market. Together, the
AEC, TPP and RCEP are key pathways to the eventual realisation of a Free Trade
Area in the Asia-Pacific.
9
Singapore will continue to expand our political relations and economic space
in new emerging markets in Africa, Central Asia, Latin America, Middle East, Russia
and Turkey. Through active diplomacy by our overseas missions, non-resident
Ambassadors and Honorary Consuls-General, and in collaboration with our economic
agencies, MFA will facilitate access to overseas markets for Singapore companies in
sectors where they have comparative strengths such as Information Communications
Technology (ICT) and urban planning. We will promote Singapore as a major global
and regional business hub for foreign companies seeking to expand to the region,
while at the same time promote Singapore’s vibrancy through greater cultural and
people-to-people linkages and public diplomacy.
Engaging Overseas Singaporeans
10
The engagement of Singaporeans living and working overseas remains a
priority for MFA. Through a variety of socio-cultural community events, our aim is to
foster a sense of belonging and national identity amongst a growing number of
overseas Singaporeans all over the world. We will continue to work closely with the
Overseas Singaporean Unit (OSU) as well as Singapore associations to achieve this
goal.
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With more Singaporeans travelling and residing overseas, MFA will expand our
consular outreach by leveraging on modern technology and expanding our diplomatic
network, while partnering with key stakeholders including the media as well as public
and private sector organisations. With increasing occurrences of natural disasters and
other emergencies, MFA will work closely with other government agencies and foreign
governments to render consular assistance and ensure the safety of our Singaporeans
abroad.
Conclusion
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Singapore must aspire to be an extraordinary nation by strengthening our
bilateral, regional and international relations and our international standing. We must
be cognisant of our vulnerabilities, yet constantly search for fresh opportunities to
enhance our relevance and expand our political, economic and diplomatic space. MFA
6
will work closely with other government agencies, private sector organisations as well
as our fellow citizens to safeguard and advance Singapore’s interests in an
interconnected world.
***
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MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS
ADDENDUM TO THE PRESIDENT’S ADDRESS
MR K SHANMUGAM
MINISTER FOR HOME AFFAIRS
1.
Safety and security are cornerstones of Singapore’s stability and economic
development. To keep Singapore safe and secure, the Home Team will maintain a
high level of operational excellence and preparedness. We will also step up efforts to
deal with new and growing challenges.
Safety and Security Challenges
2.
At the global level, terrorism, cybercrime and transnational crime continue to
pose serious threats to our safety and security. The ongoing conflict in Syria and Iraq
and the rise of ISIS have heightened the global terrorism threat. The recent attacks in
Paris and elsewhere demonstrate that the global threat of violent extremism is real
and present. In our region, the situation has become more serious. ISIS has attracted
many foreign fighters to join its fight in Syria and Iraq. Regional authorities estimate
that as many as 1,000 Southeast Asians have travelled to Syria and Iraq to join ISIS.
When these people return, they will have the capacity to do harm, given their combat
experience and networks. In Singapore, we have had to detain a small number of
radicalised Singaporeans who were planning to stage “lone-wolf” attacks in Singapore.
3.
Transnational crime and cybercrime will also pose a challenge. The movement
of people and goods across countries has made crime increasingly cross-border in
nature. Syndicates and individuals are exploiting the speed, convenience and
anonymity of the Internet to commit or enable crimes such as theft and fraud. Our law
enforcement agencies have detected the work of transnational syndicates behind
serious criminal offences such as drug trafficking and illegal bookmaking. With our
high Internet and mobile penetration rates, cybercrime has also been on the rise,
which is driving up overall crime rates.
4.
These security and crime trends are taking place amid attempts to change
global norms, and Singapore’s demographic shifts. An example is drug control policy.
There are attempts by some countries to decriminalise drug consumption and
possession, as well as to adopt practices such as drug-substitution therapies and
needle-exchange programmes for intravenous drug-users. For countries where drug
consumption rates are high and out of control, they believe that such approaches will
reduce the collateral harm of drug abuse. On the domestic front, Singapore’s
population will age and become more diverse. Traveller and cargo volumes at our
checkpoints will increase due to upcoming developments such as Changi Airport
Terminal 4. While our work will grow in load and complexity, there is a limit to how
much we can grow the size of the Home Team, given Singapore’s manpower
constraints. We will have to develop new operating models and concepts, and make
better use of technology.
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Areas of Focus
5.
Over the next term of government, the Ministry of Home Affairs will focus on
four key areas.
Step up Security Responses and Strengthen Resilience against Terrorism
6.
First, we have to further step up our security responses to the evolving terror
threat. This will be on several fronts. The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA)
will strengthen border security capabilities to bolster our first line of defence. Inland,
the Singapore Police Force (SPF) will complete the installation of police cameras at
all HDB blocks and multi-storey carparks in 2016. SPF will consider the feasibility of
installing more police cameras in our HDB estates (including HDB blocks), as well as
other public areas, to enhance our ability to prevent, deter and detect criminal and
terrorist threats.
7.
SPF will work with commercial and private establishments to enhance their
security measures. We will also engage our community partners and grassroots
organisations on programmes to strengthen community vigilance, community
cohesion and community resilience. Terrorists aim to strike fear and divide society.
We will build upon the Community Engagement Programme to ensure that our
communities remain vigilant against such threats and stay united should an attack take
place. We will conduct regular and realistic exercises to develop local communities to
be better prepared and resilient in the event of crises.
Develop New Operating Models
8.
Second, the Home Team will review the way it operates and develop new
operating models, to cope with increasing demands amid manpower constraints. We
will adopt a data-driven, tiered and differentiated frontline response model to serve the
public better. For example, emergency ambulance calls are increasing at a rate of 5
percent a year. It will not be realistic for the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) to
continually expand its ambulance fleet and personnel at the same rate. SCDF will
review how it can better tier its emergency ambulance response – in terms of speed
of response and manpower deployed – based on the severity of the cases. Data
analytics is a crucial enabler for such a response model. It allows us to analyse the
data, discern patterns, and deploy our resources dynamically to where they are most
needed.
Deepen Community Engagement and International Partnerships
9.
Third, we will adopt a holistic approach towards safety and security issues that
covers not only intervention, but also upstream measures. We will review our laws to
keep them relevant and effective against emerging threats. We will also scale up our
public education efforts. For example, the Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB) is
expanding its outreach to parents to get them involved in keeping their children away
from drugs. SPF will also be stepping up its engagement efforts to tackle the rising
incidence of cybercrime.
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10.
Community engagement is a key plank of such an approach. We have been
working closely with local communities, through initiatives such as SPF’s Citizens-onPatrol and SCDF’s Save-a-Life. In the coming years, we will take community
partnerships to a higher level. SPF will reach out to millions of mobile device users for
real-time crime-reporting and leads, through extending its crowd-sourcing reach to
mobile platforms.
11.
We will deepen our cooperation and partnerships with international
organisations such as INTERPOL, ASEAN and the UN. This is critical, given the
transnational nature of crime and security threats. To combat terrorism, we will share
intelligence, as well as support international initiatives to counter radicalisation and
address the root causes of extremism. To combat the scourge of drugs, we will work
with like-minded countries to affirm a zero-tolerance stance to prevent harm from drug
abuse and stand firm against pressures to decriminalise and legitimise drug
consumption. To address emerging threats more effectively, we are actively exploring
new partnerships. For example, we will tap the expertise of organisations such as
INTERPOL to develop our horizon scanning capabilities. This will allow us to better
detect emerging trends that have security implications, before their effects are
manifest. To combat cybercrime, we will work with INTERPOL and regional
counterparts to set up information-sharing platforms.
Strengthen Home Team
12.
Fourth, we will build a stronger and more integrated Home Team. This will help
us better deal with issues that span different Home Team Departments. We will more
holistically integrate intelligence efforts, investigations and operations across Home
Team Departments.
13.
Our Home Team officers are at the heart of everything we do. We will step up
efforts to recruit, develop and retain capable and committed people. Degree and nondegree holders will be placed on a single scheme of service within each Home Team
Department. We will also develop specialist career tracks to build officers with deep
expertise in specialist domains. We will partner leading institutions such as local
universities, business schools and corporate universities to deliver high-quality training
and develop Home Team officers to their fullest potential.
14.
Our transformation plans for Home Team NS will see more NSFs and NSmen
assume leadership and specialist positions. By better leveraging their capabilities, we
hope to make their NS experience more challenging, meaningful and satisfying.
Conclusion
15.
The Home Team will maintain a high level of operational excellence and
preparedness, even as we embark on our long-term transformation efforts. We will
strengthen community resilience, and ensure that our society remains cohesive and
united. We treasure the trust and confidence that Singaporeans have placed in us.
Together, with the community, we will keep Singapore safe and secure.
***
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PRIME MINISTER’S OFFICE
(NATIONAL SECURITY COORDINATION SECRETARIAT)
ADDENDUM TO THE PRESIDENT’S ADDRESS
MR TEO CHEE HEAN
DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER AND COORDINATING MINISTER FOR NATIONAL
SECURITY
1
Singapore faces an increasingly challenging threat landscape. While we have
built up our social resilience and strengthened our security forces, our national security
can be undermined in many ways, including a terrorist attack, a virus whether medical
or cyber, food contamination, and social fissures. Online self-radicalisation and spread
of terrorist methods enable copy-cat attacks.
2
The role of the National Security Coordination Secretariat (NSCS) is to look
ahead at possible threats and work with relevant government agencies and
stakeholders to develop plans to ensure that we are well prepared to tackle new and
emerging threats. Everyone has a part to play to keep Singapore and Singaporeans
safe.
Key Initiatives
Raising Public Awareness
3
NSCS works with schools, businesses and people from all walks of life, to raise
public awareness of security issues and prepare them for potential threats and risks.
Now in its third year, the “Let’s Stand Together” campaign has grown in following.
Members of the public engage actively in both online and offline activities to offer views
and suggestions. Many support greater civic consciousness and social responsibility
to ensure Singapore’s national security. NSCS will use the feedback and suggestions
to shape the next phase of the “Let’s Stand Together” campaign.
Identifying and Addressing Interdependencies
4
NSCS also studies the linkages between various critical infrastructures across
sectors such as energy, water, health, infocomm, banking and finance, and transport.
The intent is to identify and address potential vulnerabilities and danger areas that
may arise due to the interdependencies, so that if a problem occurs in one part of the
system, the impact on other parts, or other systems, can be limited and minimised.
Strengthening Social Resilience
5
Social resilience is a key ingredient of national security. NSCS has been
working with government agencies and community groups from the social sector, to
develop a stronger understanding of the factors that affect social resilience such as
attitudes towards crises and emergencies, social capital and social trust in a time of
changing demographics, and family resilience. Social media is a new factor which
allows the rapid spread of information and directions to quickly manage a situation and
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restore confidence and order, but it can also spread rumours and dis-information which
complicates the task of restoring order and exacerbates the situation. In the event of
a crisis, it is not just the security agencies that will be called to respond. Our society
as a whole will also be tested. We must ensure that we can bounce back from any
incident, and emerge stronger and more united.
Enhancing Cyber Security
6
Singaporeans are already among the most networked and connected in the
world. As we strive to become more integrated as a Smart Nation, we will become
even more interconnected. NSCS works with MHA, MINDEF, IDA, EDB, and NRF, to
engender research and develop practical solutions for cyber security and InfoComm
Technology (ICT) challenges, to keep Singaporeans safe in the cyber world.
Conclusion
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While we can never be certain of where the next security threat may emerge,
we need to prepare ourselves and develop robust plans that can be adapted for
different threat scenarios. Standing together, we stand a better chance of ensuring our
national security.
***
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