Committee of Supply – Head J (Ministry of Defence)

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

Next Generation SAF

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

The last year has seen global tensions rise on multiple fronts. The rivalry between China and the US is playing out on many fronts, including the South China Sea, in the context of a trade war and even over the 5G network and the next generation of technologies. The tensions between Russia and the West are also continuing, with President Putin recently declaring he is ready for another Cuban missile crisis if the US wants one. These great power rivalries have always had repercussions for the rest of the world. While Singapore tries to maintain friendships with as many people as possible, this may not always be easy.

Around the region, there is considerable uncertainty. Just up North, in Malaysia, the last two weeks have seen a tussle for the premiership, which has resulted in a change of Prime Minister and change of government. While Prime Minister Muhyiddin was sworn in yesterday, there seems to be further unrest on the streets and the new Prime Minister may well face a challenge, such as a vote of no confidence in the next Parliament sitting. Typically, when there is unrest in our neighbouring countries, governments may feel under pressure to become more nationalistic and this may adversely affect relationships with other countries.

At the same time, unconventional threats are growing. Threats to cybersecurity and fake news threaten to subvert our systems from the inside. A classic example was during the early days of COVID-19 when panic was being triggered by messages that misstated the implications of DORSCON Orange and suggested people stockpile to avoid shortages; ironically, it was messages like these that triggered the panic which resulted in the temporary shortages.

In the Middle East, tensions between the US and Iran are escalating and the disputes between Saudi Arabia and Iran as well as Saudi Arabia and Qatar continues. ISIS remains a threat and continues to hold territory and both carry out and inspire attacks in other countries.

SAF has been the backbone of our national defence. It clearly faces a wide range of threats and contingencies it needs to prepare for. While Singapore does not look for trouble, trouble may well come to us and we have to be ready. However, while our threats are growing and evolving, SAF faces two key constraints – falling manpower arising from a fall in our birth rates and less available spaces for training as land gets put to other uses.

The only way forward for SAF is to evolve, to invest in technology so that we can do more with less resources. There have been some exciting announcements of big ticket acquisitions in recent times. The Minister has announced the Air Force is going to acquire F-35 fighter jets to eventually replace its F-16s. In relation to the Navy, plans were announced to replace Republic of Singapore Navy's current submarines with four Invincible-class submarines. In relation to manpower, plans have been announced to develop a hybrid force, so that more and more unmanned technologies will be able to replace men in the fighting force.

These are certainly exciting headlines. I will be grateful if the Minister for Defence could provide us more generally, with details on MINDEF's plans to ensure the Next-Generation SAF continues to be effective and capable of safeguarding Singapore's national security. I beg to move.

Question proposed.

Training Areas

Mr Kwek Hian Chuan Henry (Nee Soon): Chairman, Sir, last year, I had the opportunity to visit SAF's training camp in Brunei. It was heartening to see the dedication of our servicemen who had to man our overseas detachment and to facilitate the training of our visiting SAF soldiers.

Over the years, going on overseas training has become a part of what it means to be a member of the SAF, whether it is a regular, NSF or NSMan. We train overseas because we need to overcome our space constraints, to give our people better and more realistic training opportunities in diverse environments.

MINDEF and the SAF have worked hard with our partners to provide the SAF access to overseas training facilities. MINDEF recently announced the signing of an Memorandum of Understanding between US and Singapore to establish a RSAF Fighter Training Detachment in Guam (FTD-Guam). Could the Minister for Defence please provide more information on RSAF's Guam Detachment and how it will improve on RSAF's training?

Update on Acquisition of F-35

My next cut. At last year's Committee of Supply debate, MINDEF announced the intention to purchase the F-35, a fifth generation multirole aircraft, which can provide air-to-air, air-to-ground and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) missions. The F-35's stealth capabilities can help us maintain air dominance and overcome sophisticated air-defence. At the same time, the F-35s can fuse sensors and information from different sources, thereby networking our 4th Generation aircrafts and SAF assets altogether.

MINDEF recently announced that Singapore has received the US's approval for the sale of F-35s to Singapore. Could the MINDEF please provide an update on Singapore's acquisition of the F-35s, including how the F-35s will improve the capabilities of the SAF?

Maritime Security

Mr Vikram Nair: Chairman, for more than 200 years, sea trade has been vital to Singapore's economy. This remains the case today. Singapore is one of the busiest transshipment hubs in the world and it is important for us to maintain our sea lines of communication.

Last year, we had two Malaysian vessels in Singapore waters, which appeared to be a provocative act. However, the Malaysian government did not escalate matters and the Malaysian Navy never got involved in this dispute. This is likely because the Singapore Navy is strong and it was clear it would have been able to defend Singapore if necessary.

More recently, in December 2019, there was a report of increasing incidents of sea robbery taking place in the Malacca Straits and the number of such incidents has been higher since 2018. Threats like these may reduce confidence people using our sea lanes. What are MINDEF and the SAF doing to secure our waters?

Security Landscape

Ms Sylvia Lim (Aljunied): Mr Chairman, East Asia is again becoming a site for more intense power contestation, particularly in the South China Sea. Worryingly, some of this competition is taking on more militarised characteristics region-wide. Such developments have the unfortunate consequence of prompting other regional actors to adopt more militarised stances. They include arms acquisitions and more muscular positions over disputes.These developments challenge stability and freedom of access, even if they do not directly involve Singapore.

Could the Minister for Defence update the House on the Government's strategy for navigating this increasingly complicated security landscape? Deterrence alone cannot fully address these concerns, and defence spending needs to be within prudent limits. In particular, what role should be played by the SAF on a routine basis and during contingencies and how is the SAF working towards these objectives?

Defence Diplomacy

Mr Desmond Choo (Tampines): Singapore's approach to defence is shaped by both the unique circumstances surrounding our country's independence and the enduring geostrategic limitations we face. Given our strategic circumstances, a strong defence is necessary to ensure that we enjoy peace and stability and that our sovereignty and territorial integrity are protected.

In order to defend our sovereignty and promote our national interests, Singapore has worked closely with our international partners to build a stable regional architecture. Despite the challenges involved in navigating an increasingly complex security environment, Singapore has continued to forge strong relations with our key partners such as the US and China. How is MINDEF working with our key defence partners to enhance cooperation and address common security challenges?

Singapore is a good friend of both the US and China. The US is our major security and economic partner. Our troops train extensively with US forces. We also cooperate closely on counter-terrorism. The size and scale of US investments in Singapore far out-strip any other country's.

With China, Singapore has established an "All-Round Cooperative Partnership Progressing with the Times". We have extensive economic cooperation with China. China is also our largest export market.

Both these countries are important to us. But we must be clear-eyed about our own national interests and understand the Government's considerations when we adopt principled positions on bilateral, regional or international issues. How do we continue to engage the US and China in our security collaborations?

In October 2019, MINDEF chaired the 12th ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting (ADMM). The ADMM adopted the ASEAN Guidelines for Air Military Encounters (GAME). It is perhaps the first such set of multilateral guidelines in the world. How do we continue to build upon this?

The Chairman: Mr Charles Chong. Both your cuts, please.

Regional Peace and Stability

Mr Charles Chong (Punggol East): Mr Chairman, at last year's Committee of Supply Debate, the Minister spoke about MINDEF's successful chairmanship of the ASEAN Defence Ministers' meeting (ADMM) and the ADMM Plus in 2018. MINDEF has worked hard to ensure that should the need arise, our Armed Forces will be able to defend Singapore against both conventional and unconventional threats.

However, the better way to deal with these threats is to do what we can to ensure that they do not arise in the first place. To that end, as ironic as it may appear, the SAF will be truly successful if we never actually need to call on our servicemen and servicewomen to defend Singapore in a time of conflict. Could the Minister provide an update on what MINDEF is doing to ensure that the region remains stable and peaceful?

Comprehensive Strategic Partnership

Moving to my next cut. Singapore signed the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) with Australia in June 2015. Australia is a close and valued defence partner and the signing of the CSP was a clear demonstration of the relationship. We enjoy with our Australian friends. While we have had an excellent defence relationship with Australia for many years, the CSP provides a framework for the further deepening of defence engagements between our two countries.

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We have already been having our troops trained in Australia for many years. Many of our troops have trained in the Shoalwater Bay training area. Last year's Exercise Wallaby, held from September to November involved some 3,000 SAF personnel in an area almost four times the size of Singapore. This year, I believe, will mark the 30th year that we have been able to use the Shoalwater Bay training area. I know that we are very appreciative of the support provided by the Australian government and the Australian defence force.

However, with the recent bush fires in the east coast of Australia, could the Minister let us know if the Shoalwater Bay training area has been affected and whether this has had an impact on the SAF's ability to fully utilise the area as a training ground? In particular, I imagine that the dry conditions and the threat of fires could have had an impact on our use of ordinance and ammunition which would have been a significant reason for using the Shoalwater Bay training area in the first place, and for us committing to spend on developing military facilities there.

Coming back to the CSP, this also provides for even greater access to training areas in Australia for our troops. And I would like to ask the Minister if he can provide an update on the enhancements to training facilities, including both in the Shoalwater Bay training area as the new Townsville field training area and how the CSP can improve the SAF's training effectiveness.

Terrorism

Ms Joan Pereira (Tanjong Pagar): Unconventional security threats, such as terrorism, pose increasingly greater risks to our nation. The on-going turmoil in the Middle East provides opportunities for terrorist groups to step up attacks, not just there, but also close to home. Former fighters, who have acquired skills from their experiences in Iraq and Syria, are returning to Southeast Asia. Singapore is not insulated from the influences of returning foreign fighters.

Given the threats from terrorism abroad, would the Ministry share with the House an update on its efforts to counter terrorism? What measures have been implemented to limit their ability to propagate their radical messages and minimise their influence on our communities? In addition, how does the Ministry identify, prevent and monitor potential fighters entering Singapore? For Singaporeans and foreign residents and workers here who may be radicalised, do we have adequate surveillance measures and resources to spot, monitor and contain them?

CBRNE materials − chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosives – are utilised by terrorists to attack people and infrastructure. How does MINDEF restrict access to such materials in order to minimise potential injuries, deaths and damage?

In recent attacks overseas, we have also observed the use of common tools, such as knives, and even vehicles, by terrorists to launch attacks on innocent bystanders. Do we have in place an early alert-and-response system to detect behavioural anomalies which will trigger alerts and calls for urgent assistance?

The Chairman: Mr Chong Kee Hiong. Take your both cuts together.

Climate Change Mitigation

Mr Chong Kee Hiong (Bishan-Toa Payoh): Chairman, at last year's National Day Rally, Prime Minister Lee spoke about how climate change is one of the gravest challenges we are facing. I quote, "Both the SAF and climate change defences are existential for Singapore. These are life and death matters."

The greatest threat is from rising sea levels, which will erode the shorelines of our small island unless mitigating action is taken. Areas at risk and which require priority protection include our military installations, the airport, central business district, and the industrial estates of Jurong and Tuas. Our defence and economy are at stake.

Global warming has also resulted in the weather becoming more extreme. Singapore has become hotter with prolonged dry spells even as we experience bursts of heavier rainfall. Even gusts of wind have become stronger. One concern is about mitigating the impact of these dry periods on our reservoirs. We also need to consider collaborative measures with Malaysia to protect the reservoirs there which supply us with water. We have to plan for ways to protect people and minimise the potential damage to our facilities from flooding and toppling trees, during heavy downpours and storms.

In short, a well-coordinated national effort is needed to respond to economic, social and military defence challenges related to climate change. Would the Minister elaborate on what are some of the measures taken by MINDEF and SAF to address these concerns?

Polder Pilot Development

Chairman, my second cut. Singapore is a low-lying island nation that is vulnerable to rising sea levels as a result of climate change. The Government has committed $5 billion to the Coastal and Flood Protection Fund to fend off the encroaching sea and pledged to top up this fund whenever our budget permits in the future.

Mitigating actions being considered include major engineering works, such as empoldering and reclamation of offshore islands and coastal adaptation initiatives, such as planting mangroves. While Singapore has had experience with the traditional land reclamation method, empoldering is new to us. It involves building a dyke around the area to be reclaimed and draining water from within it. The reclaimed low-lying land, known as a polder, will be below sea level, kept dry by the sea wall.

Empoldering is being used to add 810 hectares of military training space to the north-western tip of Pulau Tekong. This project was slated to be completed in 2022. May I ask the Ministry for an update on the progress of this construction? What lessons are we gaining from this building experience for the future use of this technique in other reclamation areas? How does this technique compare with the traditional land reclamation method in terms of construction and maintenance costs, as well as benefits and risks?

Defence Spending

Mr Vikram Nair: Chairman, the SAF performs an important role in deterring potential aggressors and protecting Singapore. As a small country, we are at a natural disadvantage when it comes to our defence, while at the same time, defence is existential. We have traditionally compensated for our small size by spending more on defence and investing in the best and latest technologies, while at the same time, building good defence relations with a wide range of countries, including all our neighbours as well as some of the middle and great powers, including the US.

However, in recent years, defence spending has been rising all around the region and in many other parts of the world. As larger countries also invest and strengthen their forces, our technological edge may diminish and I expect there will be pressure on us to spend more to keep up with them. What is MINDEF's and the SAF's plan? Do they envision a long-term increase in our defence budget to keep up with these rising demands?

Financial Prudence

Mr Douglas Foo (Nominated Member): Mr Chairman, we are a small city-state with an open economy and we are therefore vulnerable to external factors. As the Minister for Defence Dr Ng has reiterated over the past years, Singapore cannot fail in its frontline defence to protect our sovereignty. Through the past efforts of our predecessors, our SAF is now one of the more modernised armed forces in the region with superior equipment and stronger fighting power.

MINDEF previously announced its plans to building a modernised tri-service SAF which include acquiring F-35S Joint Strike Fighter jets to replace the current F-16 fighter jets, acquiring new Invincible-class submarines and multi-role combat vessels as well as new next-generation Armoured Fighting Vehicles for our defence forces. While such expenditure is necessary for modernisation, we have seen budget spending on defence rise steadily from S$14.8 billion in 2018 to S$15.47 billion in 2019. While there is a slight drop in this year's Budget to S$15.1 billion, it is still the highest expenditure among all the Ministries.

The importance of maintaining a strong SAF and the need to be accountable to taxpayers requires a balance. In light of the current economic slowdown where we are seeing enterprises struggle to stay in business, the debate on whether we should be spending so much of our taxpayers' money on Singapore's defence or if the money is more well spent aiding our local enterprises will no doubt resurface in the minds of many.

Can the Minister share how sustainable it is to spend to modernise and can the Minister explain what is MINDEF doing to ensure that every dollar of the defence budget is spent wisely and prudently?

Value for Money

Ms Sylvia Lim: Chairman, MINDEF previously informed Parliament how it attempts to maximise Singapore's defence dollars, through the purchase of only items it needs, retrofitting existing assets and so on. Could the Minister for Defence elaborate also on its acquisition decisions – how MINDEF assesses the reasonableness of the prices quoted by vendors and ensures that it receives fair value for money on its purchases? At stake in these decisions is hundreds of millions or even billions of dollars. More importantly, they involve the lives and safety of our men and women in uniform and, ultimately, Singapore's security.

A key issue is that unlike other products and services involved in Government procurement, defence articles may not be freely market-tested due to the confidentiality of specifications or dependence on specialist contractors. Systems sold at a certain price point may be subject to expensive after-sales maintenance and upgrade packages with proprietary and protected information. After all, contemporary defence platforms can be highly tailored and involve the integration of multiple systems overseen by large numbers of vendors and sub-contractors.

An example is the US F-35 programme. As of January, Singapore's purchase of up to 12 aircraft for an estimated US$2.75 billion is undergoing the US Congressional approval process. However, the programme has been dogged by cost overruns and questions about reliability. There were also issues regarding the leak of confidential data that required costly redesigns and retrofits from various vendors and subcontractors. This is just one well-known example about a single programme.

My question is broader. Can MINDEF elaborate on how it injects rigour into its procurement decisions to ensure value for money?

Training Safety

Mr Charles Chong: Mr Chairman, all of us have either served in the SAF or have a child, parent, relative or close friend who have been in the SAF. The SAF is an intrinsic part of Singapore and is part of our identity as Singaporeans. Part of why the SAF has been successful has been the trust which exists between Singaporeans and the SAF. The SAF enjoys broad support among citizens and we all understand why we need to have mandatory National Service, even if it comes at a cost to personal pursuits in academia, sports and other areas.

However, when parents send out their sons of to enlist in the SAF or when children bid goodbye to a parent who is going for in-camp training, there is an expectation, a very legitimate expectation, if I may say, that the SAF has done everything possible to ensure that they return home safely. Unfortunately, as is well-known to Members, there have been several training incidents over the last few years, some of which have led to deaths of our servicemen.

Just before last year's Committee of Supply debate, the SAF announced the setting up of an Inspector-General's Office (IGO) to scrutinise safety practises at all levels across all services in units of the SAF. Could the Minister provide an update on the work of the IGO, including how many instances of unsafe practises the IGO has identified in the past year and what real steps have been taken to address this? Has training safety in the SAF improved since the IGO was set up, and have additional safety measures been introduced?

Finally, could the Minister provide details on the number of calls which have been made to the Army, Navy and Air Force safety hotlines, and whether this has increased since we have enhanced our emphasis on training safety and whether concrete action has been taken following the making of these reports?

Safety Consciousness

Mr Arasu Duraisamy (Nominated Member): Chairman, the Committee of Inquiry into the training accidents had found that training-related accidents happened due to lapses by the servicemen involved. These findings demonstrate that training safety cannot just be a matter of safety guidelines and regulations, but must be part of the SAF's organisational culture and practised by every soldier at every level. Can the Minister share, how is the SAF instilling safety consciousness and personal responsibility for one's safety amongst National Servicemen on the ground?

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Medical Support

Mr Charles Chong: Mr Chairman, even as we aim for zero training fatalities, it inherent in the nature of the SAF that accidents will probably happen and the challenge for us then is to ensure that when they do happen, that our service personnel have the very best medical care which we can provide for them.

The SAF Medical Corp has been around for over 50 years now and has developed into a professionally run and managed medical service for our servicemen and women. It is, however, important that the medical capabilities of the SAF are continually updated and upgraded to ensure that medical support for our troops is up-to-date, both in terms of practice and procedure as well as in equipment and technology. Now, could the Minister provide some insights as to how the SAF is improving its capabilities to respond to medical emergencies and what steps are being taken by the SAF to ensure that the SAF Medical Corp continues to provide the medical support which our servicemen and servicewomen require?

The Chairman: Mr Chong Kee Hiong, take your three cuts together.

Diversity of NS Cohort

Mr Chong Kee Hiong: Chairman, the profile of Singapore’s population has evolved over time. Our demography is made up of people from increasingly varied backgrounds.

Today, we have a larger proportion of children born to inter-racial and transnational marriages. We also have many Singaporeans who have been born and lived overseas for a number of years, Permanent Residents and new citizens from many different nationalities. This means that our NS resource has become increasingly diverse.

I would like to ask the Minister, on an annual basis for our recent cohorts, what is the average proportion of young Singaporeans who have to return from overseas to serve, the proportion of new citizens and the ratio of those who hold foreign passports?

National Service is particularly a challenge for young men who have spent extended periods of time overseas. Are there specific orientation programmes to help them adjust to the cultural differences? How is MINDEF and SAF helping National Servicemen from such diverse backgrounds understand the need for National Service and adjust to NS? Most importantly, how does SAF build a sense of unity and solidarity among these cohorts?

Enhancing NS Experience

Chairman, my second cut. Our servicemen make much sacrifice towards NS. In order to train and remain fit and ready for their duties, they have to make sacrifices in the areas of their personal and work life. It is important that MINDEF and SAF does its best to help ease the burdens on our servicemen as much as possible.

Would the Ministry consider tapping on technology and closer collaboration with employers and even other Government agencies, to enable systematic collation of feedback and harness suggestions on areas of key concern such as childcare and eldercare? The purpose of this suggestion is to enable 360-degree support for our servicemen so that they can better focus on their military duties when in camps, knowing that the other areas of their lives are well supported and taken care of.

While much emphasis is placed on the two years as an NSF, it is also important to keep in mind that the entire NS experience also includes the time that the men of Singapore spend as pre-enlistees and Operationally-Ready National Servicemen. Their experience will also influence and have an impact on the next generation of our young who are watching and getting ready to serve the nation.

How is MINDEF and SAF working to enhance the NS experience for our National Servicemen at different stages of their NS journey? How can the Ministry tap upon their interests, aptitudes and experiences over the years to serve our nation better?

SkillsFuture

Chairman, my third cut. All young male Singaporeans have to commit two years in the prime of their lives for service to our nation. It is important that we recognise their commitments and contributions, and do our utmost to support them as they prepare for further studies or entry to the workforce as they near their Operationally Ready Date (ORD).

MINDEF took some steps in this direction at last year's COS with the introduction of a suite of SkillsFuture@NS initiatives to support our NSF's life-long learning journey. Would the Ministry provide an update of what MINDEF is doing to help our NSFs refresh or acquire new skills as part of their post-ORD transition?

I am curious about what support measures MINDEF offer in terms of time allocation and financial support for these NSF to commit to these courses. Is there any way that MINDEF can assist to coordinate areas of synergy so that the courses are both relevant to the NSF's role in SAF and their areas of interest?

In addition, will the effectiveness of these programmes be monitored and reviewed? Does the Ministry also take into account feedback and suggestions from the NSFs, education institutions and employers about the usefulness of these initiatives and how improvements can be incorporated over time?

Technology

Ms Joan Pereira: Chairman, many Singaporeans go online for all their needs. Our digital connectivity provides opportunities for MINDEF to reach out and engage both the military and civilian forces in joint initiatives. What plans does the Ministry have to further exploit technology to enhance cooperation between both stakeholders for our security? Would the Minister also share how we are leveraging on technology to enhance our soldiers' NS experience and well-being?

Technological advances have changed defence strategies and training methods around the world. Would the Ministry share how these technological developments have impacted SAF? Are we adequately prepared to handle increasingly sophisticated and complex equipment? What are the main challenges in securing access to such technologies? How are we progressing in our proprietary defence research and development?

NS Hub

Mr Arasu Duraisamy: Sir, in a small country with limited manpower, our National Servicemen play a crucial role in ensuring we have a credible and robust defence force. Every male Singaporean has to commit two years of his youth to serve the country. We must provide a seamless and convenient means for young male Singaporeans to prepare for enlistment. At the COS debate last year, MINDEF announced that it would be unveiling the NS Hub in 2023, a single facility that centralises pre-enlistment processes. Could the Minister please provide an update on the status of the NS Hub?

Support for National Service

Mr Ang Hin Kee (Ang Mo Kio): Chairman, in 2017, we celebrated 50 years of National Service in Singapore. Amidst rising threats of terrorism, cyber-attacks and other challenges, we will need to evolve our approach towards NS. To this end, the NS experience must be constantly shaped and re-shaped to address the pressures, demands and desires of our future economy and future generations.

Everyone, meaning all Singaporeans, our institutions and community has a role to play in ensuring we have a robust NS system. Thus, our families, employers, schools and community groups are key pillars of support so that our Servicemen can focus on their training.

Many of us have seen and participated in the regular Singapore Armed Forces community engagement projects. The Army, the Navy and the Air Force have open house carnivals to engage the public as well as school partnership programmes to engage the students. Besides that, National Education and Total Defence Day are also part of the school’s curriculum.

I would like to ask if there are other plans to engage the community such as new citizens and grassroots, to help them understand and appreciate the importance of NS? How about new employers, including those who are newly posted to run operations located here in Singapore? This will ensure that our reservists will similarly be well supported and their role well understood.

NS Recognition

Mr Douglas Foo: Mr Chairman, National Service is now seen as a rite of passage in every Singaporean man’s life, but the journey does not stop after the NSF’s ORD. Instead, he becomes an Operationally Ready National Serviceman, to begin his 10-year ORNS training cycle. As a Singaporean son, I myself have been through the whole cycle and can testify that it is indeed a unique experience for all. In fact, I am still serving now. My son Donavan has just joined me on this journey of ORNS. I have three more boys who will be joining on this journey soon.

However, serving two years of National Service means pushing back one’s plan for education or career. The people living in Singapore, regardless of whether they are citizens or foreigners working here are indirectly benefiting from the sacrifices of our Singaporean Sons, and we hope that all will recognise and appreciate the sacrifices made by them that allow for the enjoyment of peace and sovereignty in our nation.

As President of the Singapore Manufacturing Federation (SMF), I am pleased to share that the SMF is an active partner of MINDEF and fully supports National Service. The SMF has been supporting the SAF Re-dedication Ceremony each year, since its involvement in 2013. Through this annual event, we encourage employers to show their support for National Service and the NSmen working in their organisations as well as to remind them of the important role National Service plays in protecting the nation.

Our National Servicemen sacrifice their time and energies to protect Singapore. Besides our young men who set aside two years to serve full-time, our NSmen have to spend two to three weeks away from their families when they return to do their annual In-Camp Training. It is important that we continue to show our appreciation to our Servicemen for their commitment and contribution to defence. How does MINDEF continue to ensure that recognition of our National Servicemen remains both updated and adequate?

Precautionary Measures for COVID-19

Mr Seah Kian Peng (Marine Parade): Mr Chairman, the SAF responded quickly to the COVID-19 situation in Singapore, mobilising our Servicemen to pack masks for distribution to many households. As they contribute to Singapore’s fight against the virus, our Servicemen’s health must be protected as well.

Training for SAF often involves close contact, requires high physical exertion, which may lead to transmission of droplets. There may also be many soldiers training within a small space.

I know that we cannot compromise our country’s security and safety, by stopping the training exercises and reducing the operational readiness of our forces. At the same time, I am sure that we can modify some of our training procedures and processes to make sure that our men stay strong, safe and healthy. In light of the COVID-19 outbreak, what are some of the precautionary measures that MINDEF has put in place to protect our Servicemen?

Digital Defence

Ms Joan Pereira: Chairman, over the last few years, we have observed the trend of misinformation and falsehoods being propagated via social media networks and applications escalating. In some countries, the proliferation of "fake news" has even influenced the outcome of elections. Here in Singapore, amidst the COVID-19 outbreak, we have seen several pieces of "fake news" being circulated, some of which had caused needless panic and fear among certain segments of Singaporeans.

How is MINDEF supporting whole-of-Government efforts to prepare Singaporeans to combat the spread of online falsehoods and misinformation? Does the Ministry have an assessment framework to determine when the spread of such online misinformation is threatening our security and at which point will the countermeasures be activated?

Cybersecurity

Dr Teo Ho Pin (Bukit Panjang): Chairman, over the past year, we have witnessed an increase in the number of cybersecurity breaches. As a response to these incidents, many countries are stepping up efforts to strengthen their cybersecurity capabilities. At a Committee of Supply debate last year, the Minister for Defence announced that a Defence Cybersecurity Centre would be set up. Could I ask the Minister to provide an update on MINDEF's efforts in strengthening our cybersecurity capabilities to deter and act against potential threats?

Data Protection

Mr Seah Kian Peng: Data security is core to Singapore’s strong defence and our continued economic success. As malicious threats emerge from various sources, including attempts at data exfiltration, it is essential to strengthen our capabilities and defences against these. Two instances last year have been instructive and both involved data leak of SAF personnel from vendors contracted to the SAF through malicious malware and ransomware.

Clearly, we see that there are unfriendly elements watching to see what weaknesses our systems may contain so that they can exploit them. Digital defence is the new addition to our Total Defence. Each and every citizen has a part to play in defending our nation and our way of life – including being vigilant online.

Today, there are enemies unseen – scams, fake news, and cyberattacks. Given continual reports of security breaches worldwide, what is MINDEF doing to protect our security systems and ensure that our data and information are not compromised?

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Digital Defence for Businesses

Mr Kwek Hian Chuan Henry: Many of our businesses and companies rely on secure and reliable networks to trade, transact and communicate. They also store vast amount of personal and commercial data in Singapore.

As the digital sector expands, it is important that business networks and systems are well protected. We have seen the devastating impact of cyber attacks on individual businesses. More importantly, such attacks also could hurt Singapore's reputation as a trusted hub.

Given the pervasiveness of digital threats, MINDEF and MCI introduced Digital Defence as a pillar of Total Defence in 2019. How is MINDEF working with our partners to equip businesses to deal with threats from the digital domain?

Psychological Defence

Mr Seah Kian Peng: In times of increased stress on society, psychological defence is particularly salient in ensuring Singaporeans remain united in the face of external threats. We have seen how panic and fear can quickly disrupt our way of life.

In my main Budget speech, I spoke about the great, the wise and the good, as well as those who mock them. These are taken from the poem by Yeats, "Come let us mock at the Great". He urged us to mock at these mockers, people who would not lift a hand to help others out of a great storm.

In light of the recent COVID-19 outbreak, it is easy to stand back, stay safe and mock others who are doing the work, taking the risks and deciding on the new rules which would keep our communities going. How important is our state of mind, our psychological defence? What can Singaporeans do to help overcome this crisis?

Building Resilience in the Community

Dr Teo Ho Pin: Mr Chairman, Sir, when Total Defence was first introduced in 1984, it was recognised that threats will not simply affect our military but potentially Singaporeans, combatants and non-combatants alike. Thus, we must continue to build resilience in our people and community.

In order for Singapore to prevail over a threat, it is important that we fortify the resilience of the entire community. This concept has become more salient today, in the face of threats such as terrorism, cyber attacks, and especially so in face of the recent COVID-19 outbreak.

Sir, I wish to ask the Minister for an update on MINDEF's efforts to engage the community and to equip them with the relevant psychological states, knowledge and skills to deal with a myriad of threats that Singapore may encounter.

Education

Ms Joan Pereira: Over the years, in addition to the core pillar of Military Defence, Singapore has built up the five non-military pillars of Civil, Economic, Social, Digital and Psychological Defences to fortify the comprehensive security structure of Total Defence. All Singaporeans, individually and collectively, have important roles to play in our security, contributing our different expertise and abilities to build a strong and resilient nation.

Total Defence had enabled us to overcome past challenges such as SARS, terrorism and economic downturns. It is important that we continue to educate the next generation of Singaporeans to stay united and work together to overcome new threats. How is MINDEF or SAF educating our young about Total Defence?

Total Defence

Dr Teo Ho Pin: Mr Chairman, the success of Total Defence is contingent upon active participation and contribution by all parts of society, including the Government, businesses, communities and individuals. Unfortunately, the Total Defence initiatives you see today are for the most part initiated by the Government. We should aim to have more civic participation in Total Defence.

Civic participation manifested in the form of an app called North West 911, developed by volunteers from the North West Community Development Council (CDC). This app can help Singaporeans to better cope and respond to 14 crisis scenarios and administer basis first aid, among other functions. We are in the process of encouraging more people to download this app so that they can have a crisis guide and a resource directory, all from the convenience of one's pocket.

Sir, I wish to call on the Minister to support the North West 911 initiative and urge all Singaporeans, especially members of the uniformed services, to download the app and be operationally ready to respond effectively to any future emergencies. Sir, I wish to ask the Minister for an update on the Government-led and community-led efforts to strengthen Total Defence and their effectiveness.

The Chairman: Mr Seah Kian Peng, you can take your two cuts together.

New Total Defence Logo

Mr Seah Kian Peng: Mr Chairman, it has been 36 years since Total Defence was launched. Like many Singaporeans, we are all pleased to learn that MINDEF has recently launched the new Total Defence logo competition to create a new logo that represents all six pillar, including a prize money of $5,000.

There were 10 designs that have been shortlisted and I would like to ask the Minister how did Singaporeans respond to the call for the design of the new logo? Could the Minister also explain the significance of the new logo? Make no mistake, I think it is a nice design but I think it is useful and important for all to also know what goes behind the logo.

Climate Defence in Total Defence

My second cut. Singapore adopts a whole-of-society approach to national security. Total Defence was conceptualised in 1984 as a comprehensive model for the defence of Singapore. From 1984 to last year, we have always had five pillars. In 2019, we added Digital Defence as cyber threats were as grave as physical ones.

Today, in 2020, I am asking this House to consider one more – Climate Defence. Some may say we are moving too fast in adding one more. I would argue that we have moved too slow. Climate change is an existential threat to Singapore and one we need to recognise. Not only are more of us talking about it now, we are all seeing and feeling the effects of climate change.

In my cut at the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), I had argued that we needed a whole-of-Government approach to climate change, given its complex nature, and which straddles many Ministries.

With changes in global trends and threats, the securitisation of technology and climate has become an existential threat to our nation. The Young People's Action Party (YPAP) and environmentalists have already proposed that we adopt Climate Defence as the seventh pillar of Total Defence. I support this call.

This declaration is not just a matter of policy efficiency. It is a matter of raising the political importance of this issue so that it will no longer be put on the back-burner. Neither will environmental concerns be considered the poor cousin of economic growth in bureaucratic decision-making.

In this Budget, we have made room for long-term planning, including for environmental issues. This is the right approach. In line with this approach, would MINDEF consider adopting Climate Defence as a pillar of Total Defence?

The Chairman: Minister Ng.

The Minister for Defence (Dr Ng Eng Hen): Mr Chairman, first, let me thank Members for their continued support to build a strong defence for Singapore – not only for previous Budgets, which Members have given assent but I hope for this Budget as well – and for many of the Members, for their personal commitment.

Many of the Members have done their National Service (NS) and for many here, their children are doing National Service. As Mr Douglas Foo recounted, his sons. As he was speaking, I wished he had more sons and daughters to produce the next generation of NS men.

The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, in his round-up speech, reminded us of what Mr Lee Kuan Yew said our obligation was. Our greatest obligation is to the future, and sitting there, listening to Members speak, I think it is virtuous. There were well-informed views about how difficult our external environment is – how fluid, how fast-changing, how it impacts us, how as a small country we have very little wherewithal in which to control our external events and even less to effect changes that come upon us – whether it is climate change, whether it is terrorism, whether it is factious politics in neighbouring countries.

But equally, there was strong consensus and pre-occupation about how to build a strong national defence. There were good questions asked and rightly so about prudence, administration, about how we spend our defence dollars, how we make sure that our processes give us the maximum value and that we ensure that where we put our money is, is well chosen and sustainable for our defence budget.

There are many issues and what our colleagues and I will aim to do is try to answer to the best of our abilities. First, I think, and foremost, to give a better understanding of how MINDEF and SAF approach these questions which Members have raised. Let me start with how we think about our defence for Singapore.

There is a familiar dictum in military annals – that a cardinal mistake which has led to failures has been to prepare for the next battle based on the last war. Analysts cite this specifically for the Vietnam War, where tactics that gave the US victory in Europe during World War II proved ineffective and could not overcome the guerrilla insurgency employed by the Viet Cong. Many of you would have seen the series on Netflix – a gripping documentary that underscores this cardinal mistake.

Singapore, as a small nation with little reserves, if caught off guard, should heed this dictum. Mr Vikram Nair put it rightly when he says that, "We have to be ready." But, ready for what?

We do not have the resources to plan for all eventualities. Instead, as Members intimated, Singapore must be keenly aware of the changing circumstances around us and how they impact us. Our region, indeed, the world, is at an inflexion point, which many Members pointed out, and it is for this new environment that Singapore must prepare itself.

Internally, new military capabilities have been built and are operated by a new generation of SAF soldiers, and operated capably, I must say. And it is because of the steadfast commitment by successive Governments and the overwhelming support from Members of this House, across party lines – Members of Parliament, Non-Constituency Members of Parliament, Nominated Members of Parliament – that we have collectively succeeded in building a strong SAF that is recognised today as a modern and professional military force, capable of defending our national interest. Mr Douglas Foo alluded to that and Mr Charles Chong rightly put it. The very success of the SAF is that we are not tested, and indeed, that is what is said in our mission statement in the financial Budget Book – "Deterrence".

Even so, to respond to a new environment of security challenges, the SAF must again restructure decisively to meet new challenges, to remain relevant, responsive and effective for our national defence. I think Miss Sylvia Lim talked about it – how the changing landscape will throw forth new threats and the SAF must be ready. I will go into the details of the restructuring required later.

But first, the new environment. Members have talked about it. Mr Charles Chong, Mr Desmond Choo, Ms Sylvia Lim, Mr Vikram Nair. I agree completely with Members that along with the rest of the world, Singapore has entered a different phase in geopolitics. It is messier, less predictable and therefore, with more unseen events. The post-World War II era of 70 years, championed and spearheaded by a hyper-dominant US together with its Western liberal allies is no longer the only and main narrative. A new chapter has begun with elements of the old but also new principal actors. China is a rising global power but regional powers too are gaining strength, including Japan, India and Australia.

And it is not just Asia that is fast-changing. In Europe, the trans-Atlantic alliance is evolving. When the UK government decided to allow Huawei a limited role for its 5G network, the UK dailies concluded that the US-UK relationship had become "less special". This year's Munich Security Conference theme was meant to be provocative to prompt soul-searching, but nonetheless carried more than a modicum of insecurities – the theme was "Westlessness".

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At its plenary, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier sharply criticised the US' "America First" policy and that "Great Again" was at the expense of neighbours and partners. The US wants the EU to liberalise its trade policies to buy more American goods and spend more to defend themselves. In response, some EU leaders do indeed want to reduce their dependence on the US. Just last year, French President Emmanuel Macron put it starkly, "American decisions over the last several years... have led us to rethink fundamental diplomatic and military strategy and on occasion elements of solidarity which we thought were forever inalienable". Europe is far away from Singapore, but the changes there will invariably impact our part of the world.

In the Middle East, the biggest game changer is a US that is now a net exporter of energy for the first time in nearly 70 years, and less dependent on crude oil and natural gas from the Middle East than ever before in its history. For the first time too, Russia has direct access to the Mediterranean Sea, and this is a warm water port in Syria, and where it can begin to build and exert military presence there. China, Japan and other Asian countries on the other hand, are still dependent on oil from the Middle East, through the Strait of Hormuz. This is why President Trump remarked wryly, but not inaccurately, that the US was still "protecting the shipping lanes for other countries for zero compensation". The US' reaction to the next Middle East crisis will be shaped by these new calculations.

The US Department of Defense (DoD) as the action arm of foreign and state policy has made it clear that our region – the Indo Pacific – is now their "priority theatre". Why? Pointedly, because of China, which they characterise as a "strategic competitor" and "rival power". The US DoD is putting that policy in practice, and moving more ships, planes, other equipment and troops to its bases in Japan and Korea, on top of the 78,000 troops already stationed there. For Australia, a record number of US Marines deployed there last year, and the US has plans to build additional military infrastructure in Australia once Congress gives its approval. With President Trump’s support for a bigger defence budget, such efforts will get a boost.

What would China do? For China, the People’s Liberation Army’s (PLA) expansion in blue water capability, air projection, missile and space programmes have gained momentum. Its Navy is now the world’s largest naval force, at least in numbers of ships. Last year, China’s first indigenous aircraft carrier, the Shandong, was commissioned. The US’ recent statements and moves are likely to accelerate, not slow down, the pace of PLA modernisation.

European powers too, some in heeding the US’ call and others independently, want to position themselves in Asia. My counterpart, French Minister Florence Parly has said that France, “is not going anywhere, because [it is] part of the region”. True to these words, France sent its warships through the South China Sea and in 2018, its Air Force conducted its largest-ever deployment in Southeast Asia since 2004, from Australia to India, to mark France’s presence in the region. The UK too has actively positioned itself in Asia. In 2018 alone, the British Royal Navy deployed three ships to the region. Last year, the Royal Navy increased its joint military exercises with the US Navy in the South China Sea.

Asian countries too have beefed up their militaries. Military spending in Asia has grown more than 50% in the last decade, with both China and India in the list of top five global spenders. ASEAN member states have doubled their spending on defence over the last 15 years.

Willy-nilly, these events, conflated, have resulted in the Asia arena becoming more militarised and contested, as Members of this House have noticed. The South China Sea dispute adds grist to the mill but the motivations go much deeper, that of time-old dominance in an evolving world order.

For Singapore, a small city state, 700 sq km, five-odd million people, we watch these developments ever so closely, carefully trying to preserve space for ourselves, to maintain our sovereignty and pursue our own interest, something which Member Desmond Choo talked about. We have no desire to take sides or be caught in the crossfire. We stand for our national interest. And so far, we have maintained independence and space for ourselves. But as contestation increases in this region, it will be increasingly difficult to do so.

So, I appreciate Members' questions, "What will you do? What will the Singapore Government do to maintain this wonderful brand of diplomacy?"

Despite the challenges, Singapore was able to forge even stronger defence relations with the US, China and key partners. With the US, as Members observed, we renewed a key document – the 1990 Memorandum of Understanding for the US’ use of facilities in Singapore. And this document had underpinned defence relations between both sides for the last 30 years. The renewal, signed between Prime Minister Lee and President Trump, allows the US forces’ continued access to our air and naval bases for another 15 years.

With China, we enhanced the 2008 Agreement on Defence Exchanges and Security Cooperation. This year will be the first time the SAF is planning to conduct two bilateral exercises with the PLA in the same year. At our recent Airshow, for the first time, the Ba Yi aerobatics team performed as did the US’ F-22 and F-35B.

With India, our militaries held bilateral exercises across all three Services under the ambit of our Bilateral Agreements and we continue to welcome India’s engagement of the region. With Australia, as Mr Charles Chong said, our 30th year of our training in Shoalwater Bay this year, our strategic partner, we are building our joint training facilities and it is on schedule. I will give some details later. And we were very glad that we could contribute two Chinooks and RSAF personnel to assist the Australian Defence Force during the recent bushfires.

Against the changing geopolitics, we have to watch it, we have to respond nimbly to it if we can, and we have to prepare for it. Even so, we would need to respond to clear and present security threats – namely three, and Members have talked about them: terrorism, cyber threats and maritime threats.

Against terrorism, which Ms Joan Pereira highlighted, we are not immune to the returned fighters. In fact, not only not immune, but quite vulnerable. Because there are choice targets in this region. Against them, we have stepped up efforts and formalised intelligence sharing through the ASEAN "Our Eyes" initiative. The SAF will assist in this effort and work closely with other like-minded countries.

The SAF is restructuring its own military intelligence outfits, so that counter-terrorism intelligence to detect, forewarn – what Ms Pereira warned about. We need an outfit that tells us, at least alerts us, that there are plots being undertaken. And also responding to these plots are now part and parcel of the core mission to protect Singapore. It will be a key deliverable and accountability for SAF intelligence units even as they work together with other Singapore agencies dealing with this space.

Some Members asked about cyber – Ms Joan Pereira, Dr Teo Ho Pin, Mr Seah Kian Peng. To guide the restructuring efforts required to meet security challenges, the SAF and MINDEF have convened two high level committees. One of the committees is against cyber threats, headed by Permanent Secretary (Defence Development) and CDF to spearhead this effort. In the SAF’s history, this is as important as raising another service, just like Army, Navy and Air Force, namely to build an integrated cyber command and force to defend our digital borders, especially against foreign cyber actors, both state and non-state who seek to undermine our stability and/or pose a threat to national security. Dr Teo Ho Pin asked for updates from last year when we talked about building up a cyber force.

We have thought about it, gone deeper. And basically, the challenge is to build, just like Army, Navy and Air Force, an integrated cyber command and cyber force that can operate, defend and protect our interests in the cyber domain.

None here, I suspect, will question the need for such a cyber force. But in many aspects, the cyber domain is more difficult to plan and execute than in air, land and sea, and may require different types of units and force configuration. The simplest question: who is the enemy? For air, land and sea, you have a limited number who are potential aggressors. But in cyber, it could be potentially many more.

So, the committee intends to be bold in examining ways that we can address this challenge but also as important, is to recruit soldiers of the right aptitude, their training and deployments. Because what you recruit for air, land and sea, may be different from what you need in the cyber arena.

Nevertheless, for command integrity and accountability, after the restructuring, CDF will continue to be in charge of mission outcomes – never mind the challenges; there has to be a command structure, there has to be a Commander who is in charge, who is looking at the problem, making decisions, raising training, sustaining forces to be able to meet these challenges. And the Chief C4I will be the pinnacle position that holds accountability and reports directly to the CDF, similar to the other services.

The SAF cyber command will have to provide threat assessments and early warning in cyber attacks, and also respond accordingly. The universe of cyber threats and activists is large and the cyber command will have to prioritise its efforts and focus on key threats so as to not dissipate resources. This restructuring effort will take some years to accomplish.

Let me turn to maritime security, which a number of Members has brought up, including Mr Vikram Nair. The SAF and indeed the whole-of-Government had made changes to better tackle maritime threats, which have expanded in recent years. The recent spike in sea robbery incidents in the Singapore Strait is but one example, as well as intrusions into Singapore Territorial Waters.

RSN’s Maritime Security Task Force (MSTF) will be acquiring new purpose built platforms that can enhance our capabilities to deal with such threats. For a start, four refurbished patrol vessels will be dedicated and deployed for greater persistence to protect our territorial waters. But all of us know that maritime threats are transnational in nature and cannot be solved without co-operation and collaboration of our neighbours. We have reached out to our counterparts in Malaysia and Indonesia to propose that the Malacca Straits Patrol initiative, which has worked so well through coordinated patrols to reduce piracy in the Malacca Strait, be extended to other areas in our surrounding waters. Discussions are on-going.

These significant restructuring efforts against terrorism, cyber and maritime threats reflect the rapidly evolving spectrum of threats that today’s Singapore faces. But whatever the threats, for each SAF unit, effective training makes the decisive difference. In an uncertain landscape, we must raise, train and sustain units within the SAF to deal with both conventional and unconventional threats. I think this was a point that Mr Henry Kwek was alluding to.

With your permission, Mr Chairman, may I display some slides on the screens.

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

Dr Ng Eng Hen: So, let me deal with conventional operations. For conventional operations, the SAF aims to have the best training facilities globally. So, we talked about conventional; we talked about unconventional. For conventional training, our simple goal is that we want to have the best training facilities in the world. It is a high mark but we are confident we will achieve this.

Some Members have asked about developments in Shoalwater Bay, Mr Charles Chong, in particular. And let me give some updates under our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with Australia, which will be a key node for best of class training facilities. It will provide the SAF with modern instrumented training ranges such as the Combined Arms Air-Land Ranges and the Urban Operations Live Firing facilities in an area approximately 10 times the size of Singapore.

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Significant progress has been made, with completion of an ammunition storage building last year. The Combined Arms Air-Land Ranges is now being developed for the Army and Air Force to train together with tanks, infantry vehicles, drones, artillery and other combined arms platforms. This will be complemented by the Urban Operations Live Firing facilities for air and combined arms live-firing in a realistic environment. And these facilities will be equipped with advanced targetry and instrumentation. In essence, when completed, we can conduct complex training on a much larger scale, that only few militaries are able to, elsewhere. We expect construction at Shoalwater Bay to be completed by 2024 and Greenvale – that is another site – to be completed by 2028. When these facilities are completed, the SAF will be able to conduct integrated training across all three Services, involving up to 14,000 personnel annually and over a span of up to 18 weeks. This is a significant asset for our defence capabilities.

Mr Charles Chong asked what will be the effect of climate change on these plans. The short answer is probably nobody knows and we have to watch it very carefully. There were the incidents of the bush fires this year. And it not only will affect us but also more impactfully, the Australian Defence Force (ADF). For the Shoalwater training area, there was some halt in some activities not because there were bush fires there but because of the fear that it may accentuate it. So, we are watching it very carefully, and if we have to make adjustments, we will have to.

For the Navy, our ships have ample opportunities to train overseas. During Exercise Pacific Griffin, the US and our ships successfully fired the full suite of missiles, destroyed surface and air targets and hunted submarines. We also conducted the inaugural trilateral maritime exercise in the Andaman Sea with India and Thailand. This year, the RSN will take on a key leadership role in the world's largest multilateral maritime exercise, Rim of the Pacific Exercise (RIMPAC), alongside established navies in the Pacific Ocean. The RSN does well in these overseas deployments that validate its systems and benchmark competencies.

The Navy is also making good progress to strengthen our conventional capabilities. The last three of the fleet of eight Littoral Mission Vessels entered into service last month. In Germany, our new Invincible-class submarine has commenced trials in the water and her pioneer crew is undergoing work-up training.

What about the Air Force, as Mr Henry Kwek asked. For the Air Force, the skies have opened up. In December last year, I signed an MOU with US Secretary of Defence Mark Esper to establish a fighter training detachment in Guam. The RSAF plans to deploy our F-15s, F-16s and supporting assets, such as the Gulfstream 550 – Airborne Early Warning to Guam for training. The airspace around Guam, together with training facilities, will allow the RSAF to conduct larger scale, more complex and realistic air-to-air and air-to-ground training. At the same time, this detachment in Guam, alongside other deployments in Australia, India and Thailand will allow quick re-deployment back to Singapore when required. So, it is a significant asset. You can train nearer; we can bring you back if we need you.

Some have asked for an update on our acquisitions of the F-35s. We have decided on the F-35B variant of the aircraft, which can take off from a shorter runway and land vertically, and it is an important feature in land scarce Singapore. I do not know whether it can land in one of your HDB carparks but we will consider this scenario. The F-35B performed in the recent Singapore Airshow and its ability to swivel 360 degrees was simply, as some people said, "Awesome". We did not buy the F-35B or we did not order F-35Bs just because it can do that. As Mr Kwek rightly pointed out, it has a full suite of sensors and fighting capabilities. We have obtained the US government and Congress' assent. MINDEF is in the final stages of acquiring our four F-35s, with an option to purchase eight more. And when delivered, which we hope will be around 2026, the F-35Bs will be deployed in US for training and in-depth evaluation.

Ms Svlvia Lim raised good questions about the question marks over the F-35 and we watch it very closely. We said we will buy four, evaluate it fully before deciding to commit on a further eight. And our timelines are, if you like, useful to us. We are in no hurry – the F-15s and F-16s are adequate for our air defence and air capabilities. And we will evaluate them fully, including all the questions that were attributed to the F-35s, including cost and maintenance before we decide fully on a full fleet of the F-35s.

I have talked about conventional and traditional operations. Let me move on to non-traditional operations, for which we must prepare not only the SAF, but indeed, I think, our entire population, for a more uncertain and expanded array of threats – we call these "grey zone" threats, as opposed to black and white.

Low-level terrorist attacks are a good example of "grey zone" threats that can turn deep black when the whole country is destabilised. What happened to Ukraine in the early stages is a salutary lesson on "grey zone" threats – incipient, then it cascades, extrapolates and blows up. And when you try to mount the defence, you are finished.

So, the SAF has compiled the range of such "grey zone" threats – of course, you will pardon me if I do not give you a list of "grey zone" threats – and the options available to respond for each. Each, by themselves, if limited, do not threaten our sovereignty but nevertheless can lead to instability or, cumulatively, whittle away our ability to defend national interests.

Another example of a non-traditional threat occurred, as some Members pointed here, when COVID-19 hit Singapore, that tested our Total Defence. At a very short notice, the Army packed 5.2 million masks, delivered them to 89 Community Centres and Clubs to distribute to 1.37 million households within two days. The SAF also helped MOH with contacting personnel as well as manning thermal imagery machines at the airport. And these efforts by the SAF were to enhance our psychological, social and economic resilience. My colleague, Senior Minister of State Maliki will speak more on Total Defence.

There is another threat for which the SAF may not be primarily responsible, but must join in the efforts for Singapore's security and safety. Mr Chong Kee Hiong alluded to it. Mr Seah Sian Peng talked about it. And yes, I agree with Mr Seah that we must adopt climate defence.

The Government has laid out key directions – Senior Minister Teo's Inter-ministerial Committee of Climate Change has done very deep second, even third order work in terms of how we can step wise deal with this issue. And I appreciate the efforts because it focuses our attention. It also gives, to the extent available, quantitative or if not, semi-quantitative projections of what each does. And I think that is the right approach.

The SAF is also making significant change as part of the whole-of-Government (WOG) plan.

Against the effects of rising sea levels, MINDEF and SAF is working with relevant agencies closely on coastal adaptation. Mr Chong Kee Hiong asked about the progress in Singapore's first polder development at Pulau Tekong that is led by HDB. As he described it, the polder comprises a dike which protects the reclaimed land from the sea and a network of drains and pumps to keep the land dry. The tracts of land created, which are below sea level, will be used for Army training.

It is early days yet so I do not have anything concrete to report. But obviously, this is an important project which we are learning from as we create new land for countering rising sea levels. And if this succeeds, that model and that template can be used for other areas in Singapore. So, it is an important project. And MINDEF and SAF understand this.

MINDEF and the SAF are on track to meet our national targets to reduce energy and water consumption. Some Members have raised the NS Hub. It will be completed in 2023. Mr Duriasamy talked about it. It was designed to maximise natural ventilation and daylight. I would have thought all SAF buildings were designed for natural ventilation and daylight nowadays. But take this as what is meant, it is to maximise natural ventilation and to reduce solar heat gain. So, that is a plus now – solar heat gain and energy demand. We have set an aim for the NS Hub to be the top 10% of energy-efficient buildings in Singapore. I expect that aim to be achieved.

The SAF is also taking discrete steps to reduce carbon emissions, even changing modes of operation without loss of any effectiveness. First, we intend to replace our 400 administrative vehicles to reduce CO₂ emissions. To hybrid models first, reducing emissions by up to two-thirds per vehicle and later when our island's infrastructure is built, with electric vehicles.

We also established a waste management system under a joint collaboration with NEA and DSTA that turns recycled food waste into energy. Here, a caveat, we have cut down waste. I noted that I have replied to a particular question on it. It is not much waste but that is a first important thing to do. But where there is waste, we turn it into recycled energy. Currently, food waste collected from eight cookhouses is processed by microbes and enzymes at recycling plants to generate biogas. And we are looking to expand this to 10 more cookhouses. If successful, this will be expanded to all cookhouses.

MINDEF has commissioned net zero energy buildings at Kranji and Seletar Camps, and by the end of this financial year, the buildings in 12 of our camps will be equipped with solar panels. In March, we will deliver, which we already are, we will deliver the first net positive energy aircraft hangar at Changi Air Base, which can generate more electricity than that consumed due to certain features that were incorporated into the design of the hangar. When fully realised, these efforts combined will reduce 11,400 tonnes of CO₂ emissions by the end of this financial year and support our national efforts to combat climate change.

These measures extend to our training areas overseas as well. We have mentioned Shoalwater Bay training facilities. We are working with the Australian Department of Defence to incorporate environmentally sustainable design measures, such as solar-powered lighting and using building materials that have a higher proportion of recycled content. We are taking proactive efforts to mitigate flood and fire risks, through the use of flood modelling, and the construction of fire breaks and the use of non-combustible fire-rated materials. And this is in answer to Mr Charles Chong's question.

Adapting to use "green" technologies could also reap operational advantages. The Navy is exploring the use of hybrid propulsion systems in designing its incoming vessels. Such technologies enable our new ships to not only reduce carbon emissions, but become more energy efficient.

In the grand global scheme of changes necessary to mitigate climate change, one could say that our total reduction of CO₂ emissions that I just talked about might be considered insignificant, and I would agree. But all agencies and countries must start on this road to recovery.

Let me focus on the NSmen who make up the bulk of our SAF. Senior Minister of State Heng will touch on some initiatives to recognise their contributions, but I mentioned earlier a second high level committee.

This committee has been formed to look at two areas – the In-Camp Training (ICT) and the deployment of manpower, chaired by Deputy Secretary (Administration) and the Chief of Army. This committee must address the reduction in manpower and changes necessary to fulfil the aims of the SAF, as well as to meet the needs of a new generation of NS men, which many of you eloquently spoke for. The number of ICTs for each NSman will remain the same. Let me say that again – the number of ICTs for each NSman will remain the same. But we want to improve the outcome and efficiency of each ICT.

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For manpower, while we have already restructured the SAF to match the reduction in overall manpower, we do need to better match skills and aptitude of National Servicemen to their vocations, as well as to make training more focused on their operational roles. We will announce these specific changes in due course.

Last year, I informed the House about the Inspector-General’s Office (IGO) which was stood up to strengthen safety and Senior Minister of State Heng Chee How will share and reply to some of the questions that Members have raised.

Mr Chairman, as I have indicated previously, we can continue to maintain and grow the SAF with a defence spending that avoids sharp ups and downs but which at least keeps pace with inflation, about 3% to 4% nominal increase each year. A number of Members have asked – Mr Vikram Nair, Mr Douglas Foo and Ms Sylvia Lim – whether we are able to meet our challenges with the defence spending and I would say our assessment for now is yes. The commitment holds, with a projected increase for this year's Budget over last year's of 3.2%.

A number of questions have been asked, how do we make sure that not only are we prudent, but that our processes give us the maximum returns for each defence dollar – Mr Douglas Foo, Ms Sylvia Lim.

When we procure platforms or services, a thorough study is made on life-cycle costs. Ms Lim is quite right, I can sell you something with the low price but really dock off your dollars with high maintenance cost. We are a little better at the game. We put everything as life-cycle costs, so that I know the exact cost of a platform over its life-time; a thorough study is made.

Even though we have sensitive needs for the majority of projects, it is really by open tenders to ensure competitive building. So, if you take all our contracts that the SAF and MINDEF put out, majority are still by competitive bidding and open tenders. That is how we ensure we can get fair value. But even for classified needs, we ensure that a few companies pass security requirements. We pre-qualify them, in other words, we ensure that we have more than one company that satisfies our security requirements so that they can bid competitively. That is the second prong.

But in specific circumstances, which Ms Lim asked about, where requirements can only be fulfilled by a single vendor, DSTA does its own stringent costing and we will compare the bid price versus our internal costing, if it is too far from our evaluation, whether too high or too low, we re-evaluate it. Too high because this is not fair value. But too low, we are worried that you cannot deliver the product that I want.

These processes have strengthened our procurement and indeed if you ask the industry and the industry is well-informed, DSTA is widely acknowledged as a "tough customer" and "reference buyer"; people have said that to me. Because when DSTA signs off on this, it tells to the whole universe of procurers that this product is value-for-money. That is why sometimes they go the extra mile – the suppliers and the vendors make the extra efforts to try to sell things to us – because DSTA does a thorough evaluation not only in terms of ability, but value for money.

The other significant aspect to stretch the defence dollar is through design from inception. So, for example, the Army's Hunter Armoured Fighting Vehicles (AFVs) that were commissioned last year were chosen not only for their new capabilities but because they were maintenance-friendly by design. We saved up to 40% in maintenance costs as compared to other armoured vehicles. And there are many such examples where cost has been saved through maintenance or reduction in crew.

Mr Chairman, let me conclude. Let me thank the Members of this House for their strong and continued support both as Members of Parliament and in their individual capacity outside this House. It is the collective resolve and commitment of all Singaporeans, including Members of Parliament here, to build a strong SAF that protects our home and provides us assurance and space in this unpredictable world. [Applause.]

The Senior Minister of State for Defence (Mr Heng Chee How): Mr Chairman, Minister for Defence just spoke about how our geopolitical environment is becoming increasingly complex. The SAF must evolve with these challenges in order to be able to mount a strong national defence. Our greatest asset remains our people, with National Service or NS, as the cornerstone of our defence. MINDEF and the SAF must therefore continue to invest in capable national servicemen, enrich their NS experience and strengthen Singaporean's support for NS.

The SAF is are committed to training our national servicemen effectively and safely. Families entrust their sons to us. We must and we will uphold the trust in us.

Mr Charles Chong asked about improvements to training safety. Last February, the SAF Inspector-General's Office, or IGO, was formed to scrutinise and enforce the safety measures in SAF units. IGO inspectors go to each unit to assess the robustness of their safety systems as well as their practices. They interview servicemen at every level – from commanders, to safety appointment holders, to soldiers – in order to understand how safety measures are practised on the ground and whether the soldiers themselves feel confident and comfortable to provide feedback on safety. The IGO has already audited 70% of all formations and their sub-units across the SAF and they will complete this first round of audits by September this year.

Safety audits aside, there must also be concrete, consistent action at all levels and at all times. The Army has introduced 100% inspections of all high-risk activities and field training. Existing equipment are regularly reviewed, while new equipment are designed with inbuilt safety features. For instance, the newly commissioned Hunter Armoured Fighting Vehicle comes with emergency stop features, as well as audio and visual alerts to prompt the crew about surrounding hazards.

As Mr Arasu Duraisamy pointed out, we want every soldier to consciously keep safe while they train. It is not a compromise, it is both at the same time. To achieve this, unit commanders conduct before- and after-action reviews and risk assessments with the units as part of their daily work. The 6th Army Maintenance Base is an example. During morning roll calls, their commanders and soldiers discuss openly about possible lapses or near-misses; for example, if you use the wrong tools or soldiers not wearing their helmets and so on. Using a simple Think-Check-Do approach, the soldiers systematically plan their steps, check their equipment and pre-empt risks before each maintenance task. Over time, every soldier will internalise these safety practices.

We are also harnessing technology. Last year, I spoke about SafeGuardian, which is a one-stop mobile app for on-the-go access to safety checklists, instant sharing of hazards among servicemen and notification amongst them of danger zones. By placing safety information within the easy and instant reach of our servicemen, we foster a culture of safety – "By All, For All". The app was trialed in our Naval Bases and feedback has been positive. We will be progressively rolling this out throughout the SAF.

I have spoken so far about preventive measures to keep our soldiers safe as they train. Mr Charles Chong asked how the SAF is improving its response to medical emergencies when accidents happen. SAF Medics undergo an 11-week training on life-saving skills. To enhance their competencies, the SAF has partnered the SCDF, under an initiative known as Project Serve, to create a six-month attachment within the SCDF's national emergency ambulances. In other words, the SAF medics go with the SCDF paramedics in the ambulances attending to real cases. By doing so, they put their knowledge into practice under real-life, time-pressured situations.

Recently, we also piloted the attachment of our medics to the NUH Emergency Medicine Department. Such hands-on trainings are extremely valuable to our medics – they have emerged from such trainings, more confident and competent in casualty management. Discussions are currently underway with both the SCDF and the other hospitals to extend and expand such programmes.

Through these various initiatives, we will build a capable fighting force that will always train effectively and safely.

Moving from safety to health, Mr Seah Kian Peng asked about the precautionary measures that the SAF has put in place to protect our servicemen in light of the COVID-19 threat. MINDEF and SAF take reference from the Government's advisories, guidelines and requirements. We gave pre-enlistees who have travelled to China and are due for enlistment a mandatory Leave of Absence (LOA) and deferred In-Camp Training for NSmen who have travelled to China.

Last week, we extended these measures to pre-enlistees and NSmen who have travelled to Daegu City or to Cheongdo County in South Korea, in line with MOH's revised advisory. In other words, we keep a very very close eye on the situation and we adjust accordingly.

All SAF Medical Centres have a Pandemic Readiness Response Plan and we hold sufficient supplies of Personal Protective Equipment and we also have medical personnel ready to manage suspected cases in line with MOH's requirements. With the change to DORSCON Orange, the SAF has also stepped up preventive measures within camps, requiring our personnel to take their temperature twice daily, conducting more frequent disinfection of workplaces as well as staggering meal times. We will continue to do our utmost to protect our servicemen.

Let me now talk about enhancing the NS experience. While our robust training and safety measures and medical support give our soldiers the confidence to train well and to train hard, the enduring strength of the SAF ultimately rests on the commitment on the part of our soldiers. This is why we constantly look for ways to improve the NS experience for every serviceman, at every stage of his NS journey. This point was raised by Mr Chong Kee Hiong.

For pre-enlistees, we are preparing them better for NS, both physically and mentally. As Mr Chong Kee Hiong pointed out, our pre-enlistees come from diverse backgrounds. For the vast majority, obviously are still citizens born and bred in Singapore and who, as Members have pointed out, most likely have family members who had undergone NS. Yet there are also new citizens and PRs who may not have family or friends who have undergone NS before. In other words, they may know less compared to Singaporeans who were born and bred here.

To better equip this group, we partnered ACCORD to appoint dedicated NS Coordinators in Foreign System Schools and Privately Funded Institutions in order to assist with their questions and clarifications about NS. We are also facilitating mutual learning and exchange among NS coordinators. In one such exchange, which was hosted by United World College (South East Asia) last year; I was there and the discussions were very enriching, frank and open. Everybody found it very useful. There will be another round upcoming and I look forward to attending it as well.

We are also aware that many pre-enlistees want to be more physically prepared before they enter NS. Hence, MINDEF is collaborating with SAFRA to make gym facilities more accessible through the Pre-Enlistees Exercise Programme for National Service, or PREP4NS. Under PREP4NS, pre-enlistees can sign up for a one-year complimentary membership to six SAFRA gyms conveniently located in different parts of Singapore. This trial is on-going, we have so far about 6,000 pre-enlistees signed up for the membership since its launch last November. We are also looking at increasing more venues and for this, we are now working with SportSG in order to see how best to give membership access its 24 gyms. More details on this will be provided later when we are clearer.

Let me move on now to our full-time National Servicemen, or NSFs. NSFs devote two full years to serving the nation. It is therefore incumbent upon us as stewards of their time and talents to make sure that we support their aspirations.

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So, take, for instance, the Vocational Interest initiative. This was started in 2016 and under this initiative, NSFs may indicate their interest in 33 NS vocations. What MINDEF, SAF does is, we do our best to match them as far as possible to the vocation of their choice, subject to, obviously, our operational requirements. This has been well-received amongst the NSFs. We are encouraged to see that more than 60% indicate interest in demanding vocations such as in Infantry, Guards, Armour and strong interest by our NSFs to also become commanders.

To help our NSFs acquire new skills as they transit to studies or work after their Operationally Ready Date (ORD), MINDEF introduced the "SkillsFuture@NS" initiative last year where NSFs can use their E-PREP credits, which is $350 worth of E-PREP credits, and they may access training and choose from a pool of about 3,000 courses. These courses range from SkillsFuture Series courses, to those offered by Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs) that will aid the NSFs in their admission or to gain them credit exemptions. Mr Chong Kee Hiong asked for an update on this.

So, for this year, we will be introducing further enhancements. First, NSFs can look forward to full subsidy of the E-PREP courses as opposed to currently allowing the E-PREP credits to fund up to 90%. You can fund it all.

Second, we will raise the number of E-PREP courses that are available, expand the pool of E-PREP courses. I am excited to share that two new institutions are coming on-board to offer E-PREP courses, namely, NUS and ITE, bringing the number of E-PREP partners to nine. For our existing E-PREP partners, we have also worked closely with them to expand their course offerings. With these additions, NSFs across the SAF and the Home Team will be able to enjoy a pool of some 4,000 courses, up 1,000 from last year, from 1 April this year. Out of these, close to 100 will be credit-bearing as they undertake further studies. This compares with 26, the year before.

In order to recognise the contributions of our NS personnel, we have also increased the monthly NS allowance quantums from their current levels, which varies according to your rank, vocation, deployment. They will go up by between an additional $70 to an additional $120. So, depending on what is your current rank, level, vocation and your deployment; it will go up by between $70 and $120. This will be applicable to NSFs and NSmen in both the SAF and the Home Team, covering all ranks and vocations from 1 March 2020. Mr Douglas Foo brought this up, I thank him for that.

As we continue to place our national servicemen at the heart of what we do, we also constantly ask ourselves – how can we serve ever more efficiently and effectively? This is why we are applying digital technologies to various facets of NS, from administration and training to healthcare. Ms Joan Pereira asked about this, so allow me to share some information.

For our servicemen, their NS journey begins at the Central Manpower Base, or CMPB. Over the years, we have enhanced the experience at CMPB for pre-enlistees. Infrared scanners were introduced in 2015 to measure body dimensions quickly and accurately. A real-time queue management system and facial recognition technology are also on trial for a more seamless experience.

Come June this year, we will complement these on-site enhancements with improved e-services to provide our pre-enlistees an even more hassle-free experience of completing most transactions online. For instance, pre-enlistees will be able to complete their bond and exit permit application in one single online application and transaction instead of the separate applications and transactions that they currently have to do. Pre-enlistees will also be able to monitor the progress of their applications online.

As for the new NS Hub to be completed in 2023, which Mr Arasu asked about, that will integrate smart technologies, such as biometric identification and other initiatives on trial at CMPB today. These, we expect, will cut waiting time by about a third.

Another initiative is "Virtual Care". Under Virtual Care, medical officers in the SAF use technologies such as digital stethoscopes and video conferencing tools to diagnose effectively and prescribe medicine for common ailments remotely. Last year, this service was piloted at two SAF medical centres. It has proven to be convenient, it actually also allows the diagnosis to be done faster because you do not have to wait for the doctor and the patient to physically meet as applied to common ailments. So, this has made medical services more accessible, more convenient and has reduced wait times.

I have just spoken about MINDEF and the SAF's efforts to provide the best possible experience for every national serviceman. As Mr Ang Hin Kee highlighted, our families, businesses, schools and community groups are also key pillars of support. Through ACCORD, we will continue to appreciate and rally strong societal support for NS. My deepest appreciation to ACCORD members especially, for contributing their ideas and for so proactively putting their initiatives into action within their respective communities.

The business community, for example, has stepped up to show appreciation for our soldiers. Earlier, Mr Douglas Foo has also elaborated on what the SMF as a business federation has done.

Under the "We Support NS" campaign, over 540 merchants, businesses and hawkers last year offered a wide selection of discounts to past and present national servicemen. Amongst them is Mr Anthony Low, hawker-owner and Chairman of Boon Lay Hawker’s Association. So, what Mr Low did was he rallied more than 60 hawker stalls within his Association's membership to provide privileges to national servicemen, after seeing how his son had toughened up through NS.

In so many different ways and individual ways, we can make a difference. So, every effort and every gesture counts and it is appreciated. To thank the businesses for their support, we held the inaugural "We Support NS" Appreciation Function last year and we thanked more than 200 merchants who came to meet us. We hope that the momentum can be kept up.

Likewise, ACCORD has engaged the communities – different communities – in multiple ways to continue fostering wide and deep support for NS. So, this journey never ends, and in the context of what was discussed, the need for Total Defence in all its dimensions is something that we have to keep doing and press on.

Mr Chairman, through continued whole-of-society commitment to our defence, we will demonstrate our will and resolve to protect Singapore's freedom and sovereignty, come what may.

The Senior Minister of State for Defence (Dr Mohamad Maliki Bin Osman): Mr Chairman, the strength of a nation depends largely on the readiness of her people to resist and respond to the threats, and there are various manifestations. These demands and all-round defence and a deterrent strategy best provided by Total Defence, with its six pillars and emphasis on everyone playing their part.

Total Defence has rallied Singaporeans together in responding to challenges that have threatened our independence and well-being. Despite these challenges, be it threats from terrorism, economic downturns and SARS, we overcame them all. The outbreak of COVID-19 is the latest test of our collective strength as a nation. Mr Seah Kian Peng asked how Singaporeans can play a part to overcome this crisis.

In the past month, we have seen how fear of the virus had led to panic buying of household essentials, hoarding and profiteering from the sale of masks and shunning of our healthcare workers. Yet at the same time, we came across countless heartwarming examples of how Singaporeans have displayed quiet strength and resolve to fight this crisis together – residents leaving hand sanitisers and spare masks in common areas for others, and University students bringing food for their classmates who were on leave of absence.

Religious leaders have also come together to provide religious guidance during this period. The Islamic Religious Council for Singapore, for example, has said in an advisory to Muslims that Islam excuses those who are unwell from attending congregational prayers, including Friday prayers. Muslims are also advised to set aside the practice of salam or shaking hands to ensure that they do not transmit the virus. Some temples and churches are scaling back or cancelling regular services and urging followers to watch their services online instead. I really appreciate the guidance provided by the religious leaders to rally the community together in the current situation.

The Government is mindful that Singaporeans and businesses are facing pressures as Singapore is affected by economic downturn, slow-down and uncertainties from this COVID-19 outbreak. In Budget 2020, the Government has announced measures to help businesses directly affected by the outbreak. We must build resilience in our economy.

It is heartening to know that the businesses are exemplifying economic defence by implementing business continuity plans, sending workers for retraining and following calls to disinfect working areas regularly. Companies like Singapore Airlines, Singtel and SMRT, are finding ways to avoid retrenching their workers by cutting capital spending, operating costs and wages for managerial staff. Hopefully, these measures will provide workers with greater job assurance and help them cope and emerge stronger from the difficult period. Some like CapitaLand and Changi Airport have also offered rental relief to help retailers cope with the COVID-19 crisis.

As businesses do their part, fellow Singaporeans should also show solidarity – take the necessary precautions and carry on with our own life; eat and shop as you normally do and support these businesses. Please do not panic when you see shops disinfecting their premises or medical workers in Personal Protection Equipment or PPE providing assistance – these practices are routine precautionary procedures at a time like this.

As we fight the virus, concurrently, we are also fighting an even greater threat – the spread of fake news. According to a Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Study, fake news can travel six times faster than true stories.

In the past month, false information on the closure of schools and the closure of an MRT station due to the spread of COVID-19 was propagated.

When you receive messages or unsubstantiated information over WhatsApp or other online platforms, do not forward or circulate them. Always check the information against official sources like the Government websites or the official news releases. If you are unsure, do not spread the information. Such discipline will go a long way in our fight against fake news.

All in all, Singaporean can and will overcome this COVID-19 situation if Singaporeans are psychologically resilient and support the Government and businesses to deal with this outbreak. We should not be easily rattled and instead show confidence as a people. As my soldiers often say in Hokkien "ai zai" or be steady. Mr Chairman, may I say a few words in Malay, please?

(In Malay): [Please refer to Vernacular Speech.] Religious leaders in Singapore have come together to provide religious guidance and to prepare measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19. For instance, the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (Muis) had advised Muslims in Singapore that, in Islam, those who are unwell are excused from attending congregational prayers, including Friday prayers. Muslims were also advised to set aside the practice of "salam" to avoid the transmission of the virus. Some temples and churches in Singapore are scaling back or suspending mass and regular services, and urging followers to watch their services online instead. I really appreciate the guidance provided by the religious leaders to rally the community together in this current situation.

As we try to prevent the transmission of this virus, there is an even greater threat that we must fight, that is, the spread of fake news. According to a Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) study, fake news can travel six times faster than true stories. In the past month, false information on the closure of schools and an MRT station due to the spread of COVID-19 was propagated. It is important to remember that, whenever you receive messages or unsubstantiated information over WhatsApp or other social media platforms, please do not forward or circulate them.

Please ensure that you check the information you receive against official sources, like the government websites and official news releases. If you are unsure, do not spread the information. We have to be disciplined in the fight against fake news. All in all, Singapore can and will overcome this COVID-19 situation if Singaporeans are ready, psychologically resilient and support the efforts by the government and businesses to deal with this outbreak. We should not be easily rattled and instead, be confident as a people. As my soldiers often say "Relax, Don't Be Stressed Out!"

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(In English): Mr Chairman, the spread of falsehoods during this COVID-19 crisis is just one example of how fake news can damage our society, erode communal trust and social cohesion. Ms Joan Pereira asked how MINDEF is supporting the whole-of-Government efforts to prepare Singaporeans to combat the spread of online falsehoods and fake news.

As part of a broader effort to raise information literacy and increase Singaporeans’ understanding of digital threats, MINDEF, SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG), National Library Board (NLB) and Cyber Security Agency of Singapore had worked together to add a Digital Defence component to the SkillsFuture for Digital Workplace programme. The enhancement to the programme will equip participants with the skills to detect and deal with fake news and digital threats. At the same time, MINDEF/SAF has partnered NLB to enrich our existing BMT curriculum with content on cyberattacks and information threats. Now, BMT recruits will have to complete an e-module on Digital Security in the SAF and visit the Digital Defence exhibition at the Singapore Discovery Centre. Students who joined the 2019 N.E.mation! competition had the chance to visit the SAF Cyber Defence School, which equips the MINDEF/SAF's cyber workforce with skillsets and knowledge for deployment in cyber defence entities, to learn about the SAF's cyber capabilities and contributions to keep Singapore's network systems and infrastructure safe and secure. They also visited The Straits Times’ newly revamped newsroom to learn how ST detects and deals with fake news.

Online falsehoods can also affect the reputation and credibility of businesses and even cause serious financial losses. A case in point is Tesla. Last January, Tesla's shares and consumers' confidence in their products were affected when fake videos claiming that Tesla's cars were unsafe were circulated online. Mr Henry Kwek asked about the initiatives targeted at business owners to equip them to deal with digital threats. One of the many efforts to achieve this is a collaboration between MINDEF, SSG, the Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS) and NLB to introduce a Digital Defence component into the SUSS SME Resilience, Entrepreneurship and Nurturing programme to teach small- and medium-sized enterprise business owners how to use the S.U.R.E. (Source, Understand, Research and Evaluate) framework to better assess the reliability of information. We conducted one session last year and the feedback on this has been very positive so far.

While we do our utmost to defend Singapore against digital threats, we have to acknowledge that it is impossible to prevent all cyber and data incidents, especially by determined and capable adversaries. Dr Teo Ho Pin and Mr Seah Kian Peng asked about MINDEF's efforts to strengthen cyber security against potential threats and attacks on our security systems. MINDEF/SAF is doubling down on efforts to raise the cybersecurity standards and readiness within the entire defence sector, including our vendors and among MINDEF-related organisations like SAFRA and NSRCC. We will limit the amount of data they hold and ensure implementation of technical and procedural measures to protect the data during transmission and storage. In addition, I am happy to announce that the first batch of Specialists from the Cyber NSF scheme has been deployed into our cyber defence operations across MINDEF/SAF. The Defence Cyber Security Centre (DCSC) which was announced in 2019, has also reached 24/7 operating capability to monitor, detect and respond to threats. The DCSC will coordinate operations across the defence sector and integrate cyber threat intelligence capabilities.

While we step up efforts in digital defence, the multi-faceted threats of today mean that to keep Singapore strong, we need the collective effort of all aspects of society – Government, businesses, communities and individuals like you and me, across every Total Defence pillar.

Dr Teo Ho Pin asked about MINDEF's efforts to engage the community to strengthen resilience against potential threats. MINDEF is working with PA to introduce the Total Defence Achiever Badge programme this year for the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), which currently includes 2,000 active volunteers. To achieve the highest tier of this programme, CERT volunteers will have to attend lessons to learn how to identify fake news, community mediation and psychological first aid, among other training components. In this way, CERT volunteers will be better equipped with the knowledge and skills to respond to the evolving nature of emergencies, thereby putting Total Defence into action.

Dr Teo also asked for an update about the Government-led and community-led efforts to strengthen Total Defence. I am happy to share with the House that the community has, in various ways, taken ownership of Total Defence. One example is the collaboration between four NTU students, Coding Lab and Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) to develop a Total Defence board game within the Tiny Thinkers Starter Kit, which were given to pre-schoolers and parents of low-income families, with the aim of exposing young children to Total Defence.

As noted by Ms Joan Pereira, in many countries, education on the importance of resilience and emergency preparedness starts at a young age. In Singapore, to anchor Total Defence for our next generation, MINDEF collaborated with MediaCorp artiste Edmund Chen and the Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) to create "My Little Red Dot – Making Our Home A Better Place" book. Through this book, young children can learn about Total Defence in an interactive manner and parents are encouraged to share values, such as unity and resilience, with their children.

Mr Chairman, key to Total Defence is a strong SAF – our military defence pillar. For a small country like Singapore, the only way to have a credible military of sufficient size is to have a conscript force, where every able-bodied male Singaporean defends Singapore, thereby contributing to military defence. Earlier, Senior Minister of State Heng Chee How had talked about this extensively. I believe that strong family and societal support for our National Servicemen will motivate them to give of their best when performing their duties. To recognise and strengthen family support for all our servicemen, I am happy to announce that MINDEF and MHA will launch the SAFRA Family Scheme and HomeTeamNS Family Scheme this year. Under these schemes, Operationally Ready National Servicemen can sign up for a family package for himself and his dependants, regardless of the size of his family. This allows significant cost savings because servicemen no longer need to pay individual membership fees for each dependant. We hope that this will encourage more families to visit SAFRA and HomeTeamNS clubhouses, enjoy the facilities and spend more quality time together. SAFRA and HomeTeamNS will announce more details on this in mid-2020.

Last month, we launched the new Total Defence logo – the winning design, by Ms Samantha Teng, an Allied Educator. Mr Seah Kian Peng asked about the significance of the new logo and how Singaporeans responded to the call for the design of this new logo. In Ms Teng’s design, the arrows pointing upwards represent Singapore’s continuous journey to stay resilient against current and future threats. When we launched the logo competition, we wanted to create a new logo that represents all six pillars and, more importantly, to hear from Singaporeans what Total Defence meant to them. We were heartened to receive more than 600 designs by participants from all walks of life – from students, teachers, professional designers and retirees.

Global trends and threats are evolving and, as Mr Seah Kian Peng noted, one of the issues our youths and many young people around the world are increasingly concerned with is climate change. Given that Total Defence has kept Singapore strong for more than 35 years, it is timely for us, as a nation, to revitalise this all-round defence and deterrence strategy to address these threats confronting Singapore now and in the future. We will continue partnering fellow Singaporeans to seek ideas on how to strengthen our Total Defence because this should be a whole-of-nation effort. As part of the SG Together movement, MINDEF will conduct a series of engagement sessions in the second half of 2020, to hear from Singaporeans on how all of us can do better to put Total Defence into action and how Total Defence can be strengthened for our future. This will also allow younger Singaporeans to reflect on what Total Defence is to them and operationalise this as we respond to future threats and challenges.

In conclusion, Mr Chairman, although the COVID-19 outbreak has not ended, I believe that the collective effort from the Government, communities and individuals will see us through this crisis. We must continue to encourage the community spirit shown during this period and support those at the frontline. It is with this collective strength that we are able to stay resilient and united as one people. We must make Total Defence in every Singaporean's DNA. With a strong Total Defence, we have every reason to have confidence and a sense of hope for Singapore's future.

The Chairman: Clarifications? Ms Sylvia Lim.

Ms Sylvia Lim: Thank you, Chairman. Two clarifications for the Minister for Defence regarding our purchase of the F-35s. Earlier, the Minister mentioned that US Congressional approval has been obtained for the purchases. Do I understand that this is the in-principle approval that is needed and that the formal terms of the sale and purchase are still being negotiated and finalised? That is the first clarification.

The second clarification concerns his acknowledgement that there had been some technical issues with the plane and he mentioned that, to ensure that our defence dollars are well-spent, the timelines that are available to us will be useful. Could he elaborate a bit more about this aspect?

Dr Ng Eng Hen: First, on the process which is specific to the US requirements, the US DoD has to support, which they have. The administration has to support, which they did when we submitted our letter of request. On the Congressional side, it is not so much approval, but they can raise objections, which they have not.

So, basically, those processes have been done and the Member is quite right, we are at a stage where we are doing the terms of the sale and purchase agreement which will include aspects beyond the purchase of the F-35s for us – where we would like to base them when we are training together with the DoD and so on and so forth. I have said that we are in the final stages and we are. If all things proceed as we planned, then we will acquire it in 2026, we think.

For the second part of Ms Sylvia Lim's question, by the time we acquire it in 2026 or beyond – we have evaluated the first four F-35Bs that we have acquired and then made a decision – I think, in production, you would probably have, for F-35s and F35Bs, across the world a few thousand platforms used by many, many militaries.

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That is a good position. In other words, there are many vested interests for many countries who plan their air defence systems based on that acquisition.

With new platforms, not only with the F-35s but also F-16s and F-15s, you will always have design issues, operational issues. So, the assessments, of course, will be done technically as well as with our pilots. Basically, for us, in the Ministry, we have to ask questions and satisfy ourselves that there is a rigorous technical assessment. But if you speak to the pilots and the technical side of the house, they are quite confident that the main problems have been ironed out and that the platform will reach a steady state in which it is operational.

There are some issues related to maintenance and parts and so on, but that is logistics. What I meant was that it is good that we are in no hurry and we have to allow the systems to mature. I think most of the issues that were raised initially when the F-35 procurement was in its infancy would have been ironed out.

Mr Vikram Nair: I think the Minister mentioned there were three imminent threats: terrorism, cyber security and maritime threats, of which the most difficult to plan and deal with would be cyber. But the current plan is for the cyber security to be dealt with under the SAF and reporting to the Chief of Defence Force (CDF). Would the Minister also consider having a force outside the SAF to deal with this, particularly, so that it can tap talent which may not want to be in the military, such as the white hats or people with talent in this area?

Dr Ng Eng Hen: That is a good question, Mr Chairman. The cyber arena is enormous and there is a whole-of-Government approach where there is a committee which Senior Minister Teo chairs, looking at the overall picture, not only for cyber but business continuity under various aspects, logistics, so on and so forth. So, that is the whole umbrella. There are various agencies dealing, for example, with cyber threats. The SAF is one component of it. So, let us situate what the SAF does.

And, of course, we have the Cyber Security Agency, which is primarily responsible for protecting our networks and they were very involved when there was a – some Members here talked about data ex-filtration, rightly so – they were the ones. There are other Government agencies.

For the SAF, it would be similar to identifying threats as we do in the kinetic world, in the real world – air, land and sea. In other words, if there are state and non-state actors who are using the cyber realm to first infiltrate, then to decimate, to diminish our will, as a precursor, for example, to a kinetic move, as we talked about, a hybrid. A few years ago, I mentioned to this House this concept of hybrid warfare, which was surfaced by some military experts. We see it as the SAF's responsibility to identify these external threats.

For example, if there is a terrorist plot, first, to capture our population. Not necessarily jihadists. It could be any religion. To capture acolytes for their movements, as a long-term plan or even a medium term plan. We ought to be able to identify that. And together with that, information warfare, then to gather arms or to have plots or to commit sabotage. So, I think there has to be a central role for the SAF, which is similar to what we have defined as our role in protecting Singapore's sovereignty and stability. So, that will be the context.

Now, having defined our missions, then, who do you need? There are pros and cons, for example, even within the SAF and MINDEF context. We have talked about this. Is this better uniformed or non-uniformed? The comfort for any Minister or indeed, anybody who oversees the security for MINDEF and SAF is that the SAF is the quickest to mobilise. All of us know that. When you push a button, you know that the SAF can move. Whereas other units, there is a little bit more discussion, I think. But we also want it to be effective and efficacious, as well as efficient.

So, I think that we have settled that it should be the CDF to see C4I. As to how you raise them and what type of people you need, you are quite right, and that is why this committee will look at the recruitment processes. We take that for some, it would be similar to what we raised, for example, technicians in the technical force, but not quite similar; and there will also be certain, I suppose, they sit on the right side of the curve, they are very brilliant, but you do not know whether they can sit nicely in uniform and whether they can adapt to it. I think you know what we are talking about. So, there are these considerations which, over time, I think, we will be able to address.

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

Mr Vikram Nair: I thank Minister Ng, Senior Minister of State Heng Chee How and Senior Minister of State Mohamad Maliki bin Osman for your comprehensive review of our defence. It has been quite an interesting development in our SAF with all the threats evolving, and I think we would also wish to thank our men and women in uniform who serve and protect us. Thank you all, and I seek leave to withdraw my cut.

Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.

The sum of $14,561,155,500 for Head J ordered to stand part of the Main Estimates.

The sum of $889,200,000 for Head J ordered to stand part of the Development Estimates.