His Excellency, Mr Léon Gloden, Minister for Home Affairs, Luxembourg,
Commissioner Eric Yap, Singapore Civil Defence Force;
Mr Michael Chua, CEO, Co-operative of SCDF Employees Ltd (COSEM)
Distinguished Guests;
Ladies and Gentlemen;
Introduction
1. A very good morning to each and every one of you. Hope that you are having a great morning today.
2. It is my pleasure to join you this morning at the opening of the inaugural Singapore-International Disaster and Emergency Management Expo, or SIDEX 2025.
3. This is the first time Singapore is hosting a dedicated global platform that brings together experts and practitioners in disaster and emergency management. I am delighted to hear that we have more than 400 conference delegates, and thousands of exhibitors and trade visitors from over 20 countries today. This strong turnout reflects our shared goal of building safer and more resilient societies.
4. Over the next three days, SIDEX will explore three key themes that reflect the pillars of resilience: Civil protection and safety, Emergency preparedness and response, and Disaster management and humanitarian response. These themes capture the essence of what unites us in keeping our people safe, ensuring readiness in times of crisis, and extending help when it is needed most.
Facing Global Challenges Together
5. Around the world, disasters and emergencies are increasing in scale and complexity. The challenges we face in mitigating these crises are often interconnected and unpredictable.
6. Disasters do not respect boundaries. Whether driven by climate change, pandemics, or geopolitical disruptions, the effects of disasters often ripple across borders and ripples around the region. I think that’s something we must be cognizant of the fact.
7. To respond effectively, we must work together. Each country brings its unique expertise and experience. By sharing knowledge and leveraging our collective strengths, we can build a safer and more resilient world.
8. Within our region, Singapore works closely with ASEAN partners through the ASEAN Strategic Policy Dialogue on Disaster Management, which brings together experts and organisations to discuss disaster management policies and strategies for the region. At the same time, it is also valuable to build partnerships outside our region to learn from the experiences and frameworks from global partners.
9. This is what we believe an exchange like SIDEX can achieve. Beyond a showcase of innovation and technology, this is a platform for building networks, exploring collaborations, and fostering trust among practitioners, policy makers, and industry across our region and beyond.
Innovation and Transformation
10. More than just crisis response, being prepared is about foresight, adaptability, and innovation. The true measure of a society’s strength lies in how prepared it is, how quickly it can respond, and how resilient it remains in the face of adversity.
11. Over the years, SCDF has benefited from platforms like SIDEX that spark fresh ideas and strengthen capabilities through innovation and technology. This transformation journey, spanning two and a half decades, is captured in the SCDF Transformation Book that we are launching today.
12. From introducing the Light Fire Attack Vehicle, or we call it in Singapore, Red Rhino, to the piloting of unmanned firefighting machines and optimising Emergency Medical Services, the publication highlights how SCDF has transformed its operations over the years. You ask any Singaporean, they not only could see it, they can feel it.
13. A key milestone is the establishment of the Fire Research Centre, which strengthens Singapore’s ability to anticipate new risks and develop practical solutions. The Centre conducts research on emerging hazards such as electric vehicles, energy storage systems, and photovoltaic panels. This initiative embodies our first SIDEX theme on Civil Protection and Safety. It reflects how research and innovation can improve fire safety and reduce risks before crises occur.
14. Looking ahead, SCDF’s Transformation 2030 vision — “Prepared, Even for the Unexpected” — builds on this foundation. It focuses on three outcomes: future-ready operations, a connected SCDF, and a resilient society. These goals are supported by strengthening SCDF’s culture, nurturing its people, and leveraging advanced technology.
Launch of the Amphibious Fire and Rescue Vehicle
15. As the world faces an increasingly complex risk landscape, Singapore too must advance its resilience and preparedness. To expand its operational capabilities, SCDF will launch the Amphibious Fire and Rescue Vehicle, or AFRV, today. The new vehicle enhances SCDF’s ability to carry out firefighting and rescue operations in inland water bodies. It is equipped with a water monitor to handle small vessel fires, supports surface search operations, and can rescue casualties safely from the water.
Strengthening Community Resilience
16. Tomorrow’s sessions will explore the second SIDEX theme, Emergency Preparedness and Response. Beyond these efforts of government agencies and industry partners, true resilience begins with our communities.
17. A decade ago, SCDF set out a bold vision to build a nation of lifesavers by 2025. Today, we are seeing that vision take shape. Through close partnership with the community, SCDF has nurtured a culture where every individual has a role to play in saving lives.
18. The myResponder mobile app, launched in 2015, empowers members of the public, our Community First Responders, to step forward in moments of need, before emergency crews arrive.
19. Today, more than 227,000 Singaporeans have joined this growing network of lifesavers, responding to over 16,000 emergencies and helping to save more than 110 lives. These are not just numbers, they represent families kept whole and lives given another chance.
20. SCDF will be introducing new in-app accomplishments to recognise these everyday heroes, such as the Community Lifesaver and Community First Responder awards. These acknowledgements may be small, but we hope they will encourage greater commitment to safeguarding their loved ones and their communities.
21. Because resilience begins with our people. I think it is important ordinary persons, ready and willing to do extraordinary things for one another, is also an aspect that we must not underestimate. This spirit of shared readiness lies at the heart of emergency preparedness and response, reminding us that every person is a vital link in the chain of survival.
Working Together in Disaster Management and Humanitarian Response
22. The final SIDEX theme, Disaster Management and Humanitarian Response, reminds us that our responsibility does not stop at national borders. In a connected world, disasters often demand coordinated and compassionate action across nations. SCDF’s work with international counterparts exemplifies this, whether through cross-sharing expertise or humanitarian missions.
23. SIDEX provides a platform for these conversations. It allows practitioners, policymakers, and industry experts to exchange lessons, strengthen relationships, and forge trust. These are all essential in times of emergency and recovery. When we work together, we not only save lives, but also we rebuild hope and resilience for communities in need.
24. Just over the weekend, we had the President of Singapore giving the National Day awards to some of our officers who went on this overseas mission to save lives. This is is something that we recognise, not only from the national and top level, but also at the local community level. When lives are saved, the whole community celebrates. This whole recognition and effort transcend across the country, and I think this has helped us to bring forward not only about handling crisis and emergency management, but also to bring people together in times of crisis adversity, and get a sense of ownership and belonging in keeping our lives safe, and keeping Singapore safe and secure.
Conclusion
25. SIDEX 2025 is a collective commitment to cooperation and innovation. Over the next three days, I hope you will form new partnerships, exchange ideas, and bring home insights that strengthen readiness in your own communities.
26. To our distinguished speakers and moderators, thank you for lending us your expertise and insights. Your participation reflects the importance of SIDEX as a space for learning and collaboration. To our partners and participants, thank you for your continued support.
27. Together, let us continue to protect lives, safeguard homes, and build a more resilient future for all.
28. I wish everyone a fruitful and inspiring SIDEX 2025. Thank you.
