Singapore Marks Total Defence Day Amidst Evolving Threats
Singapore commemorated Total Defence Day on , a date that marks the fall of Singapore to the Japanese in 1942. The day serves as a reminder of the nation’s collective responsibility to safeguard its sovereignty and way of life, particularly in a global landscape characterized by a weakening international rules-based order.
The concept of Total Defence, established in 1984, rests on the premise that every segment of society plays a role in the nation’s defense. Originally encompassing five key tenets – military, civil, economic, social, and psychological – it was expanded in 2019 to include a sixth: digital defence.
Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, in his recent budget speech, underscored the government’s commitment to bolstering defenses against emerging threats, specifically unmanned aerial systems and cyberattacks. Singapore currently allocates approximately 3 percent of its gross domestic product to defence, with potential for increased investment to address evolving challenges.
However, defence extends beyond hardware and infrastructure. A country’s resilience, officials emphasize, is fundamentally linked to the readiness of its people. This was demonstrated through Exercise SG Ready, launched on , and concluding on Total Defence Day. The two-week exercise involved companies and organizations simulating disruptions to digital connectivity and prolonged power outages, aiming to strengthen business continuity plans.
The exercise built upon previous iterations and involved over 800 organizations, including schools, businesses, public sector agencies, and community groups. Participants simulated approximately 250 power disruptions, 300 disruptions to food or water supply, nearly 200 evacuation drills, and 200 cyber disruptions, including those related to connectivity and disinformation.
The vulnerabilities of Singapore’s critical infrastructure are a growing concern. In , Singapore publicly identified UNC3886, a state-linked advanced persistent threat, for the first time, highlighting the sophisticated nature of cyberattacks targeting the nation.
Collective resilience also encompasses community support during times of crisis. During Exercise SG Ready, Total Defence Champions and volunteers from the People’s Association’s Community Emergency Response Team actively identified and assisted vulnerable individuals, testing mobilization processes and reinforcing a sense of shared responsibility.
As Singapore navigates an increasingly complex geopolitical environment, the principles of Total Defence remain central to its national security strategy. The government’s ongoing efforts, coupled with the active participation of its citizens, aim to ensure the nation’s continued resilience in the face of evolving threats.
