2015 marks 50 years of Singapore’s independence and the formation of the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF). It is only fitting to pay tribute to the SAF for its role in contributing to the peace, stability and security through the defence of Singapore. Singapore Technologies Marine Ltd (ST Marine) and Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT), have been jointly given the honour to organise the SAF Day Combined Rededication Ceremony 2015 (West Zone). Mr. Lui Tuck Yew, Minister for Transport and Second Minister for Defence will grace the occasion as the Guest of Honour.

As Singapore moves closer to the big ‘50’, both ST Marine and SIT have invited 48 other organizations to participate in the Ceremony on 1 July, to coincide with Singapore’s 50 years of independence. Each participating organisation will send their CEO and/or President together with senior staff, including up to eight NSMen.

This is the first year that SIT has been given the chance to co-organise this event at its main campus in Dover Drive. SIT will be sending most of its employees and some its students to attend the Ceremony held in the Auditorium.

As with the rest of the companies which are here today, ST Marine supports and recognises the many selfless contributions made by our NSmen to the defence of Singapore. The fact that we have enjoyed growth and harmony in the last 50 years cannot be taken for granted and we should constantly remind ourselves we all have a stake in safeguarding our homes, our loved ones and our freedom to choose our own way of life. It is a duty which generations of NSmen have fulfilled and which every new generation must take up. This year, we are especially proud to have been given the opportunity to host the SAF Rededication Ceremony with SIT in this Golden Jubilee Year.” Mr Ng Sing Chan, President, ST Marine

“To host such a momentous event for the nation together with ST Marine, and show our support for our men and women who serve in NS, is indeed a privilege for a new and distinctive university like SIT. As we continue to celebrate the nation’s growth and the rapidly changing landscape, SIT with its applied pedagogy will strive to produce graduates who are highly adaptable to this increasingly complex advanced economy as well as graduates who will be sought after by our industry partners and beyond”, remarked Professor Tan Thiam Soon, President, SIT.

“The whole institution of NS cannot stand strongly without the entire ecosystem of support around it – society, family members, and employers being a part of it. Having just completed a three week in-camp training in June, I will honestly say it is tough to juggle the demands of both work and national duty. However, I am most fortunate to have the strong support of not just my employer, but also my team mates who wholeheartedly chipped in while I was away, which has made it possible to do so,” remarked MAJ (NS) Kelly Koh, Director, Admissions Singapore Institute of Technology (Serving as a Battalion Operations Officer in 789SIR).

Ms. Joyce Chen, an SIT employee, will also speak about her experiences in the pioneer cohort of the SAF Volunteer Corps. The SAF Volunteer Corps enlisted its first intake of volunteers in March earlier this year, and Ms Chen was one of the first 68 pioneer volunteers to undergo the two-week Basic Training Course which included weapon handling and individual field craft. “The training was tough, but the SAF Volunteer Corps ensured that it training was safe, rigorous and meaningful. After having undergone training, I now have a small glimpse of what our soldiers sacrifice to contribute to national defence. I am excited to further my competencies through the SAF’s progressive training and to be able to serve alongside our national servicemen.”