Reflection

Learning Outcome & Framing

Learning Outcome

To recognise that Singapore’s security, peace and prosperity cannot be taken for granted. Every one of us plays a part in the total defence of Singapore.

Framing

Much of the discovery and sharing from the Quest about Sembawang has reminded us about our colonial past, where the British built a naval base here and influenced certain design and landscape in the area e.g. street names, buildings, bunkers etc.

Now let’s take a walk down memory lane from then to present day Singapore.

(At this point, instructor can facilitate the brief history of how Singapore gained her independence.)

Facts and Feelings

As a colony we were reliant on our colonial masters to protect and take care of our interests. Unfortunately, they failed to do so mainly because they were also fighting a war at their homeland. Resources were deployed first to defend their homeland and therefore, leaving Singapore very much vulnerable to attacking forces.

We fell to the Japanese on 15 Feb 1942.

Our pioneers leaders realised we cannot depend on the British to protect us. To gain independence, we forged a merger with Malaya, forming Malaysia. However, we were kicked out of the Federation of Malaysia because the Tungku (Prime Minister) then also felt the need to protect the interests of Malaya first, therefore leaving Singapore to fend on her own.

Questions

a) Do you think Singapore can defend herself should we have an enemy attack today? Who are responsible for the defence of Singapore?

Share your views.

b) Is the military and the armed forces the only ones responsible for the defence of Singapore? What do you think are some non-military challenges that may threaten Singapore’s security?

- Terrorism, malicious cyber security, food and water security etc.

c) What does Total Defence in Singapore mean?

- To remind us of the importance of taking charge of our own security, on 15 February each year, we commemorate Total Defence Day. What is Total Defence?

d) Do you know how the logo of Total Defence look like?

- Five Fingers representing the five pillars of Total Defence. Recently, a 6th pillar has been added to factor the increasing threats in cyber security.

6 Pillars of Total Defence

Six pillars of Total Defence

Psychological Defence is each person’s commitment to and confidence in the nation’s future.
Social Defence is about people living and working together in harmony and spending time on interests of the nation and community.
Economic Defence is the government, business and industry organising themselves to support the economy at all times.
Civil Defence provides for the safety and basic needs if the whole community so that life may go on as normally as possible during emergencies.
Military Defence is having a strong Singapore Armed Forces to deter aggression and protect the country and to support our military.
Digital Defence requires every individual as the first line of defence against threats from the digital domain.

COVID-19 version of 6 Pillars of Total Defence

Questions (part 2)

(1) If we are all responsible for the security of the country, what can we do as a “citizen army” to ensure Singapore’s peace and stability from threats?

Response: As a start, Facilitator can focus on what is more relevant (or apparent) for students i.e. digital defence. Everyone has a duty to ensure cyber security as well to prevent online spreading of falsehood.

- Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act (POFMA)

- Be responsible and sensible about what you post on line.

- Cyber hygiene etc.

(2) (Personal and Emotive): Recap with them the history of Sembawang as a strong naval base and how it has impacted our history and actions. Sembawang Naval Base used to defend us from enemy forces. In your lives right now, what are you defending/ fighting for?

(This can also be done as an after-dinner night walk activity where they walk towards the jetty or the playground area with the naval ship.)

Conclusion

Today, from the Quest, I hope that you learnt a bit more about the history and heritage of the place, from the bunkers to the beautiful Beaulieu House as well as flora and fauna of the place. In the past, our colonial masters built us the ‘most powerful naval base in the East’ here at Sembawang but failed to defend Singapore against external threats.

As you camp tonight at Sembawang Park, take some time to reflect on the events and appreciate the peace and stability that we enjoy now, and which we sometimes take for granted. Our safety, security, and peace have been hard won. Our past serves to teach us a lesson. It is now up to all of us here to keep and maintain the peace and stability of Singapore.

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