How To Commemorate Total Defence Day In Singapore
Total Defence Day (15 Feb) is just around the corner, marking the day when we commemorate the Fall of Singapore to the Japanese on 15 February 1942.
Ever since its first iteration in 1998, Total Defence Day has served as an important reminder to all of us that our nation needs to be able to defend itself, and that together we can stand strong against threats to our safety and sovereignty.
What is Total Defence?
Total Defence is an important national capability uniting Singaporeans in responding to military and non-military attacks that threaten the country’s independence and well-being, such as terrorism, disease, and disinformation campaigns.
It consists of the following six pillars:
- Military Defence
- Civil Defence
- Economic Defence
- Social Defence
- Digital Defence
- Psychological Defence
An important part of Total Defence Day is the annual Exercise SG Ready. Taking place in February every year, it consists of realistic, islandwide scenarios that simulate unexpected disruptions, tests how well Singaporeans are prepared to deal with such situations.
Exercise SG Ready 2026
This year's exercise scenario takes the form of an energy security crisis, with a focus on prolonged power outages and disruptions to digital connectivity. As part of the scenario, multiple buildings such as the National University of Singapore, National Gallery Singapore and Marina Square shut off their facade lights on 1 February.
Schools at primary, secondary and pre-university levels will also participate in the scenario by simulating power and/or digital connectivity disruptions on their premises.
Wondering how else to commemorate Total Defence Day? Here are a few simple ways:
Defence Collective Singapore's Total Defence 2026
From now to 15 February, Singapore Discovery Centre and Singapore Navy Museum are hosting a series of public programmes and activities focusing on Total Defence. You're invited to explore how each and every one of us plays a vital role in building a strong and resilient nation, and keeping our home safe.
Till 15 February 2026
Singapore Discovery Museum | Singapore Navy Museum
Learn about Psychological First Aid
First aid isn't just about treating physical wounds – psychological support plays an important part as well.
In support of Exercise SG Ready 2026, the Singapore Red Cross Society is conducting Psychological First Aid courses to train ordinary citizens in providing immediate psychological support to treat the invisible wounds of shock and grief during crises and emergencies.
4 to 5, 25 to 26 February 2026
Total Defence @ SAFRA
NSmen and their families can look forward to a two-week programme across various SAFRA clubs that features simulated disruption activities and other Total Defence Commemoration programmes, such as full evacuation drills and Total Defence knowledge contests with prizes.
These activities will test how prepared you are for power outages and disrupted digital connectivity. Are you up to the challenge?
Till 15 February 2026
Various SAFRA clubs
IMAGES: (CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT) LINKEDIN/@DAVID-NEO-791A01A, SIM DING EN, AZIZ SHAFII, BENJAMIN TAN
Be inspired by NS-related stories
For these individuals - from the first woman to complete the SAF Ranger Course to an ex-Ranger who makes mess tin meals look like gourmet cuisine, a retired CSM whose family bonding with his kids takes the form of "military operations" with NERF guns, and more - their service to the nation played a pivotal role in each of their inspirational stories.
IMAGE: 123RF
Explain the importance of Total Defence to your kids
Everyone, no matter how big or how small, has a part to play in protecting our home. Here's how you can teach your kids about the defence of our nation.
IMAGES COURTESY OF NATIONAL HERITAGE BOARD
On 15 February 2022, Fort Siloso was gazetted as Singapore's 74th National Monument, commemorating the role it played in the Battle for Singapore (8 to 15 February 1942).
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