While the SAF has built up capabilities within Command, Control, Marketing communications, Computers, and Cleverness (C4I) in its 3 existing services : Army, Navy, and Air Force – Dr Ng said the C4I community’s role has been largely that of a “supporting agency”, akin to fight support, logistics and maintenance.
With growing usage of disinformation in warfare and cyber dangers, Dr Ng said the SAF requires a dedicated service to raise, train and sustain cyber troops and capabilities to defend Singapore’s digital borders.
“We are grateful that hitherto, our intelligence agencies never have detected any marketing campaign against Singapore of the nature in the electronic domain, ” said Dr Ng.
“But we should not wait for one plus it would be prudent to begin and build up the fourth service. That solely would serve as the deterrent. ”
He added that this DIS will make sure that Singapore is looked after against the full spectrum of threats against potential aggressors.
“The digital environment is more porous than the physical one, but the DIS will be responsible to guard against these aggressors in that domain, ” he stated.
For the SAF, the DIS may protect its networks and systems plus strengthen soldiers’ commitment and resilience in operations. It will also continue to keep provide accurate, relevant and timely intelligence to support SAF procedures, and capitalise upon cutting-edge digital technologies to advance the SAF’s digitalisation as a network force.
As for threats to Singapore’s internal environment, it will eventually work closely using the Home Team, Internet Security Agency (CSA) and other national organizations to leverage on the strengths in Singapore’s digital defence.
This is similar to the SAF’s support to the whole- of-government for counter-terrorism, said Dr Ng.
SAFEGUARDS TOWARDS ABUSE
During the debate on the SAF Bill, several People of Parliament (MPs) raised concerns such as whether safeguards are usually in place to protect against abuse of powers plus information leaks which could compromise national protection.
In particular, MP Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim (PAP-Chua Chu Kang) and MP Dennis Tan (WP-Hougang) questioned if foreigners could be part of the DIS.
Responding to their questions, Dr Ng mentioned: I think not. Singaporeans must – much like air, land and sea – be the core elements of this particular fourth service but obviously there will be solutions that we can outsource to third-party companies, ” he said. “I agree with a person that we have to be cautious when we do that. ”
To provide oversight and ensure that the DIS’ capabilities and capabilities are not abused or even turned on citizens, MP Gerald Giam (WP-Aljunied) suggested having MINDEF provide confidential reviews to a cross-party parliamentary select committee regarding defence that can scrutinise the reports and inquire questions in a private setting.
Having a shortage of technology talent in Singapore, MPs including Shawn Huang (PAP-Jurong) plus Mr Zhulkarnain inquired whether there is sufficient local talent for the DIS to get and retain.
Mr Zhulkarnian suggested having SAF scholarships in key places and expertise to attract groom, plus train in specialized fields local skills for the DIS.
He also recommended providing DIS officers with exposure and experience of operations across all SAF solutions as well as with various relevant agencies inside the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and the Ministry of Communications and Information (MCI) to keep abreast along with new technologies and innovation.
Doctor Ng said these proposals will be studied seriously but additional that the formation from the new service – one that is on par with the Military, Navy, and Atmosphere Force – will help to attract the “right type” of people it needs.
“It offers the new entrants and existing staff, profession paths and programs on par with the Army. Navy, plus Air Force, which includes for those with the skills to be Chief of Service, and even to be Chief of Defence Force.
“Once formed, it places the onus for the DIS leaders in order to fight for their reasonable – or unjust – share associated with talent they need. ”
Meanwhile, MP Alex Yam (PAP-Marsiling-Yew Tee) highlighted that there is some “misplaced concern” that the new vocation might be mistaken to be a more comfortable method to serve National Service (NS) obligations.
In March, MINDEF announced that selected full-time national servicemen (NSFs) will undergo a brand new scheme where they could take up modules to earn academic credit at the Nanyang Technical University (NTU) that contribute to a qualification in data technology and AI, pc science or pc engineering , whilst serving four years of national service.
Addressing this, Mr Yam mentioned: “This is a potentially damaging mindset to have as it could adversely affect the morale in our soldiers. All NS vocations come with a high amount of responsibility and stress, and should end up being respected and viewed seriously as such. inch