The Singapore Armed Forces will develop new fighting concepts to become more effective. (Photo: todayonline.com)Singapore (VNA) - The Government of Singapore will reinforce defence and domestic security and work closely with citizens and neighbouring nations to cope with new threats.
This was one of the important addenda noted by several ministries to Singaporean President Halimah Yacob’s Address on May 8.
Accordingly, the Ministry of Defence will develop new fighting concepts, and leverage on technological advancements such as the use of the Aerostat surveillance systems, which can scan Singapore’s seas and skies for threats, high-tech warships like the Littoral Mission Vessels, among others.
It will strengthen cyber defence by training and using qualified full-time national servicemen (NSF), as well as build a capable cyber defence force through partnerships with local Institutes of Higher Learning.
The Ministry of Defence will also work with neighbouring nations and regional partners to enhance regional stability and address common security challenges.
The Ministry of Home Affairs will set up a New Home Team Operations Centre which will use new technologies and harness data for swift response to incidents.
The ministry will push for digital transformation and use of robotics, such as the use of exo-skeletons by the Singapore Civil Defence Force, biometric solutions by the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority, among others.
It will introduce new legislation to allow law enforcements agencies to deal with security threats more effectively. The review of the Penal Code will be completed to enhance protection for vulnerable persons.
The Ministry of Home Affairs will build on community networks, such as prioritising SGSecure and ensuring that various sectors of the community are prepared for emergencies.
The National Security Coordination Secretariat under the Prime Minister’s Office will work with a wide range of experts, including academia, to enhance the government’s ability to identify emergent risks to national security.
It will identify risks that cut across different networks and domains, and factor these into the Government’s long-term planning, and conduct national security education programmes to keep public officers up to date with the changing security environment.
Meanwhile, Singapore will pursue a foreign policy that emphasises the importance of ASEAN’s unity and centrality through initiatives such as the ASEAN Smart Cities Network.
The country will deepen engagement with regional and key powers such as China and the United States, and maintain relations with immediate neighbours such as Malaysia and Indonesia through connectivity or economic projects.
It will also continue to promote free trade and regional economic integration, such as pushing for progress on the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).-VNA
VNA
