SINGAPORE: Imagine a civil emergency in Singapore, with disruptions to power, water, food supply and digital connectivity. How prepared would you be?
This is the scenario that will be simulated at locations islandwide to mark this year’s Total Defence Day, which will take place on a grander scale to mark 40 years since the concept of total defence was introduced in Singapore.
Participants at more than 500 buildings, including schools and offices, are set to be involved in an inaugural exercise dubbed Exercise SG Ready.
Over a two-week period from Feb 15 to 29, participating premises such as community facilities, government and commercial buildings, as well as attractions will run simulated disruptions.
These include shutting power to air conditioners, escalators and lifts, as well as closing toilets and reducing food options available at canteens and pantries.
All schools will simulate food, water or electricity disruptions on Feb 15 or Feb 16.
From 8.30pm to 9.30pm on Feb 15, there will be a simulated blackout around the Padang and Esplanade, with the external facade lights of 20 prominent buildings to be switched off.
Singapore marks Total Defence Day on Feb 15 every year. It is the date Singapore fell to the Japanese in 1942.
Exercise SG Ready is the centrepiece of this year’s commemoration events.
It imagines a civil emergency scenario arising from widespread cyberattacks, disinformation campaigns and drone attacks from an anonymous actor, said the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) on Monday (Jan 22).
The ministry added: “The aim of the exercise is to get individuals, communities and businesses thinking about the question, ‘Are you ready for disruptions?'”