Total Defence Day is held on Feb 15 each year to mark Singapore’s fall to the Japanese in 1942 during World War II.

It aims to remind Singaporeans not to take the nation’s security for granted, and the strategy of “Total Defence” comprises five pillars — psychological defence, social defence, economic defence, civil defence and military defence — to guard against military and non-military attacks.

Psychological defence is each person’s commitment to and confidence in the nation’s future.

Social defence is about people living and working together in harmony and spending time on the interests of the nation and community.

Economic defence is the Government, business and industry organising themselves to support the economy at all times, by working hard and meeting the challenges of development.

Civil defence provides for the safety and basic needs of the whole community so that life may go on as normally as possible during emergencies.

Military defence is having a strong Singapore Armed Forces to deter aggression and protect the country. It also involves citizens doing their part to support the military.

Source: Singapore Civil Defence Force