Total Defence Day 2026

Peicai commemorated Total Defence Day 2026 on 9 February through engaging and interactive activities that helped students understand their role in safeguarding Singapore’s security in an increasingly digital world.

During the morning flag-raising ceremony, student presenters highlighted how modern threats have evolved to include cyber-attacks, system disruptions, and power outages. They reminded the student body of the National Education message: that we must ourselves defend Singapore, as our security and well-being cannot be left to others but depend on the choices and actions of each of us.

Singapore’s security rely on all of us, and everyone has a role to play in defending the nation through responsible choices and actions.

Total Defence Day also marks a historical moment over 80 years ago, when Singapore fell to the Japanese military during World War II. We commemorate this event annually as a reminder of our collective responsibility to keep our nation safe and sovereign. Today, while threats may take new forms through technology and digital systems, the importance of vigilance and personal responsibility remains unchanged.

Student presenters, Zoe (2AY) and Caleigh (4EE) presenting on the significance of Total Defence Day during morning flag-raising

Learning in action: Students discover how they can contribute to Singapore’s Total Defence.

During CCE lessons, lower secondary students participated in stakeholder games and interactive flipchart discussions. By exploring how disruptions affect different members of society, they developed empathy and gained a deeper appreciation of how individual actions contribute to collective preparedness.

Upper secondary students engaged in stakeholder simulations, assuming specific roles and responding to crisis scenarios. The highlight was the “Hot Seat” activity, where students shared response strategies while their peers asked thoughtful questions, strengthening both their critical thinking and communication skills.

Teacher facilitating a class discussion on potential digital disruptions in Singapore fostering critical thinking and awareness of cyber and system-related risks.

Students showcasing communication, collaboration, and inventive thinking skills during the Stakeholder Game and interactive Flipchart activity on Digital Disruption.

Students demonstrated communication and critical thinking skills as they present their stakeholder’s perspective to the class during the “Hot Seat” activity

These meaningful experiences deepened students’ understanding of Total Defence and strengthened their sense of responsibility, empowering them to contribute in building a resilient and prepared nation.