S'pore is committed to promoting a world where dialogue is a way to resolve conflicts

Singapore is deeply committed to promoting a world where the rule of law is upheld and where dialogue and negotiation are the chosen paths to resolve conflicts and disputes, the country's President Tharman Shanmugaratnam has said.

The prosperous city-state also supports stronger international cooperation to prevent crises, and to be prepared in advance for any shocks to the system when they occur, the president told 460 newly appointed officers of the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) on Saturday. .

In a speech at the officer commissioning parade, the president noted that the foundations of the international order were under strain at a time when the need for global cooperation and the rule of law was greatest.

“For its part, Singapore remains strongly committed to promoting a world where the rule of law is upheld, and where dialogue and negotiation are the chosen paths to resolve conflicts and disputes,” he said.

However, this ability to work with other countries is predicated on having a credible SAF that is constantly evolving, sharpening its capabilities and adopting advanced technologies, The Straits Times on Sunday quoted Tharman as saying during a military service review.

This force underpins our essential security umbrella and lays the foundation for our economic and diplomatic ambitions, the president said.

The complex security challenges facing Singapore are best solved through defense and diplomacy, which requires a strong SAF, Tharman said.

The Republic's ability to act regionally and globally is anchored in the SAF's ability to defend Singapore's sovereignty and interests, he added.

He cited examples of recent developments, such as the army and air force working closely with the Digital and Intelligence Service (DIS) for the first time during the recent Exercise Forging Saber in September 2023.

Established in October 2022, the DIS is the fourth branch of the SAF, providing timely intelligence and protecting Singapore from digital threats such as cyber attacks and electronic warfare.

In July, the Navy received its first Invincible-class submarine, the Impeccable, which has longer endurance, improved sensors and a wider range of payloads, according to the broadsheet report.

Beyond the technology and organizational structures, according to Tharman, it is the collective will and fighting spirit of the population that truly defines the SAF.

The simple truth is that the strength of our military ultimately lies in our people, he said.

And good leadership is needed to motivate our people, especially the generations of national servicemen (which is a mandatory two-year service for Singaporean youth), and to develop and utilize their capabilities to the fullest,” he said.