Joy was in the air at the Officer Cadet School as 425 freshly minted officers celebrated the culmination of 38 weeks of rigorous training.
The cadets - 337 from the army, 48 from the navy and 40 from the air force - were commissioned as officers of the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) yesterday.
President Tony Tan Keng Yam, who reviewed the commissioning parade at the Safti Military Institute, highlighted in his speech the unconventional security challenges of today, such as extremist ideologies, piracy, pandemic and terrorism.
"In particular, terrorism as a menace is clear and present in Singapore.
Perpetrators have proven capable of executing attacks anywhere, anytime and even under heightened security," he said.
He added: "We must remain vigilant and alert so as to protect our loved ones."