Events
Total Defence
We commemorate Total Defence Day on 15 February each year to mark the fall of Singapore to the Japanese in 1942. In commemorating TDD, our students reflect on the importance of Total Defence as Singapore's best all-round response to threats and challenges that confront Singapore (e.g. terrorism, pandemics, cyber-attacks, influence campaigns or economic crises). Students also reflect on the continuing relevance of the six pillars of Total Defence - Military Defence, Civil Defence, Economic Defence, Social Defence, Digital Defence and Psychological Defence - as well as the core message of every Singaporean standing together, each playing our part to protect Singapore and our shared way of life.
TD40: 40 Years of Total Defence | Together We Keep Singapore Strong
2024 marks 40 years of Total Defence (TD40) in Singapore. The focus for TD40 will be on Singaporean’s readiness and resilience in the face of crises and disruptions. Total Defence underpins our ability to deal with the ever-evolving threats and challenges to Singapore. Every Singaporean plays a part in our daily lives to ensure that Singapore is prepared for crises and disruption.
International Friendship Day
We commemorate International Friendship Day on the 3rd Friday of Term 2. This is a day dedicated to the understanding of Singapore's relations with neighbouring countries and beyond. The commemoration of IFD allows our students to be sensitised to Singapore's geopolitical realities, and to reflect on the importance of an active foreign policy to maintain Singapore's international space, openness to the international flow of trade, ideas and talent, cross-cultural skills and a global orientation, and the spirit of friendship and collaboration amongst different people.
IFD Theme 2024 | Singapore in Asia
International cooperation remains key in our complex world. Asia is the world's fastest-growing region, and Singapore continues to facilitate closer economic, political, social, and cultural cooperation within ASEAN and in Asia. By recognising the importance of connectedness between our neighbouring countries, our youth can play an active role in fostering people-to-people ties, and thus celebrate the region's diversity and vibrancy and promote the spirit of friendship and collaboration. In addition, our older students can deepen their understanding of Singapore's realities as a small state and appreciate how we can safeguard our national interest and have much to contribute to efforts at international cooperation.
National Day
National Day marks our separation from Malaysia in 1965, and our emergence as an independent country in a community of nations. The school-based commemoration brings to students a sense of the historical importance and solemnity of National Day.
National Day Theme 2023 | Onward As One
“Onward As One” calls upon Singaporeans to look forward confidently and move onward together in building our shared future as one united people.
“Onward” reflects a nation that is forward looking and resilient to any challenges that lie ahead.
“As One” underscores the collective ownership of Singapore’s future and the importance of inclusivity and unity.
National Day Theme 2024 | Together, As One United People
“Together, As One United People” is the theme for this year’s celebrations. It highlights the collective strength of our people and underscores the importance of every citizen rallying together to share our future and uplift those around us.
The theme encapsulates the essence of our Nation’s success and resilience. While the road ahead is uncertain, our strength lies within our diversity. It reflects the spirit of Inclusivity, Community and Trust that has enabled us to overcome and flourish in the last 59 years despite the challenges.
