Home Team colleagues,

community leaders,

ladies and gentlemen,

Bendemeer Camp started out as the Headquarters of the Kolam Ayer Civil Defence Corps’ HQ in 1951. It became home to the Worker’s Brigade in 1959, and was finally your Headquarters when the SCDF was formed in 1982.

Officers at Bendemeer Camp lived through the major events of SCDF’s history – particularly the Hotel New World collapse in 1986 and Pulau Merlimau Refinery fire in 1988. They also experienced the integration of the SCDF with the Fire Service in 1989. Bendemeer Camp was not designed to be your Headquarters. Nevertheless SCDF, with much improvisation, made the best out of adversity. In the meantime, SCDF patiently waited and made preparations for a purpose built proper HQ building.

I am glad to join all of you this evening to officially open this new SCDF HQ Complex. It must have been a nostalgic moment when the flag was lowered for the last time at Bendemeer Camp on 17 Aug 2001, and operations shifted here. But we must progress and move forward. Tonight, we will begin a new chapter in the history of the Singapore Civil Defence Force; and aptly so on your 20th Civil Defence Day celebrations! As a hub integrating the various HQ operations like the Fire Safety & Shelter Bureau, Central Supply Base, DART Base, and a fire station, this is certainly a building that all Civil Defence officers can be proud of.

Security and public safety agencies worldwide are facing greater challenges than ever before. The SCDF is no exception – SCDF has now to be prepared for the threat of terrorists using dangerous chemical and biological agents. Fortunately, SCDF already started in the mid-90s to build up capabilities to deal with hazardous materials, though it was originally in the context of industrial accidents. With its usual zeal for improvisation and progress, SCDF has built up its capabilities rapidly, and is now ready to face these threats. Today, not only are the regulars and full-time NSmen trained, SCDF has also trained CDNSmen to execute frontline Hazmat rescue and mitigation missions, which men from the Immediate Rescue Unit demonstrated to me when I visited Sengkang Fire Station in July.

Apart from the contributions made by the SCDF regulars and NSmen, our grassroots leaders and volunteers also deserve special mention on this year's Civil Defence Day. They have worked tirelessly in close partnership with our agencies to make their constituencies – and thus Singapore – a safe and secure best home for all.

On behalf of the Home Team, I thank all the CDEC leaders, volunteers and everyone present this evening for supporting us all these years. Thank you for working in partnership with us to make Singapore safe for our families.

In tonight’s parade, I sense the tremendous pride and confidence among everyone present. The SCDF has matured. The SCDF HQ Complex stands not only as a symbol of your achievements, but also as a reminder of your responsibilities. You have come far, and you will go further!

As we forge ahead, remember to keep the flames of our time-honoured traditions burning on - our courage in action, dedication, and above all else, self-sacrifice – traits which are age-old hallmarks of the rescue profession! I am confident that all of you will keep this flag flying high for the SCDF, for the Home Team and for Singapore.

I wish you all a memorable 20th Civil Defence Day, and with great pleasure I now declare the SCDF HQ Complex officially open. Thank you!

_____________________________