Credibility of SAF has given investors confidence in Singapore: Chan Chun Sing

Defence Minister Chan Chun Sing delivering his SAF Day Message during the Singapore Armed Forces Day combined rededication ceremony at Capital Tower on July 1. ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI

Samuel Devaraj

UPDATED Jul 01, 2025, 01:32 PM

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SINGAPORE - The Singapore Armed Forces’ (SAF) track record in keeping Singapore safe has enabled the Republic to keep bringing in business and investments, said Defence Minister Chan Chun Sing.

This is as people know that when Singapore says their investments here will be protected, it is not just empty talk, Mr Chan said at an SAF Day rededication ceremony at Capital Tower on July 1

Rather than a slogan, it is a promise “of continued hard work to say that we are able to manage the emerging geostrategic challenges, the security challenges”.

“But more importantly, its a commitment by Mindef and SAF to say that we will keep our eyes on the ball and make sure that we are not just dealing with today’s challenges or yesterday’s challenges, but we are constantly asking ourselves how to anticipate the new challenges...and how do we rise to the occasion,” he said.

At a fireside chat organised by the Singapore Business Federation and CapitaLand Investments, Mr Chan said people have a quiet confidence in the city-state, not just in its security but that it will not change its rules overnight.

Defence Minister Chan Chun Sing (centre) together with Mr Kok Ping Soon, (left) CEO of SBF and Mr Ervin Yeo, Capitaland Investment group chief strategy officer and CEO, Commercial Management, during the fireside chat. ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI

This is a credit to the generations of SAF servicemen and women who have constantly looked over the horizon to anticipate future threats, and to take the necessary steps even before the threats emerge, he added.

While the world is fragmenting and there are different forces pulling it in different directions, he said there are also opportunities for Singapore to work with new partners who continue to believe in the need for a global rules based order. 

As people look for ways to diversify their risks, there will be opportunities for Singapore if it can keep itself as a safe haven and as a peaceful oasis.

This requires Singapore to keep its society united, for the people and the Government to stay focused on the key issues of the day, and to be proactive in addressing challenges.

Mr Chan said that even if the world is turned upside down, the important thing is to make sure that Singapore is not at the bottom of the heap when things return to normal.

“In truth, it’s always like that. It’s not just what we do absolutely, but it’s also what we do relatively that’s important for us to earn our keep and maintain our relevance,” he added.

This year’s SAF day rededication ceremonies were, for the first time, held concurrently at five locations. They had traditionally been organised by civilian partner organisations across four places.

Military Expert (ME) 3 Muthukumaran, capability development engineer from HQ 9 Division/Infantry, sharing about the Light Machine Gun to Defence Minister Chan Chun Sing during the Singapore Armed Forces Day combined rededication ceremony at Capital Tower on July 1. ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI

At a ceremony organised by the Singapore Manufacturing Federation at Suntec City, Minister for Manpower Tan See Leng noted that peace and stability is foundational to what Singapore is able to accomplish.

This is as the economy can only thrive because the nation is secure, he said as he thanked businesses who have supported their NSmen, such as through flexible work arrangements.

“I thank those of you who have led by example, and I urge more to follow,” said Dr Tan, who is also Minister-in-charge of Energy and Science & Technology.

“Pro-NS policies are not just patriotic - they are good business ethics. They reflect leadership, resilience, and responsibility.”

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