01 August 2000
Opening Remarks by Professor Khong Yuen Foong, Acting Director, IDSS, for the “Summer Camp” for Senior Military Officers, The Beaufort Hotel
On behalf of the Board of Governors and staff of the Institute of Defence and Strategic Studies, I would like to extend a very warm welcome to all the distinguished guests and participants of the Summer Camp’s Opening Ceremony. Before calling upon the DPM and Minister of Defence Dr. Tony Tan Deng Yam to give the opening address, allow me to say a few words.
This Summer Camp, attended by two officers from each of the countries in the Asia-Pacific as well as the United Kingdom and France, is the second event organised by the Institute. Recognising that forums dealing with strategic questions are often only available for foreign ministers, diplomats, and academics, the institute hopes that the camp will provide such a forum for those in the military. The enthusiastic response we have received from all the invited countries and specialist speakers is testament to its importance. The inaugural event was held in August 1999 spurred by the desire to provide a unique opportunity for Senior Military Officers — regardless of service branch — from over twenty countries to interact in an informal and relaxed environment. Feedback from last year indicated that it was very successful. Participants not only found the discussion topics enriching but also appreciated the opportunity to get to know one another better. This year’s camp will build on the success of last year’s by continuing to provide such an opportunity. To emphasise this goal, we at the institute have decided to re-label the event a ‘camp’ as opposed to the term ‘school’ which was used last year.
What we hope to achieve is the building of confidence and mutual trust among military officers. Furthermore, the forming of personal friendships will enhance working relationships between participants along with their respective armed forces. The mutual understanding and interpersonal bonds developed among military officials should provide an additional, though very important, bulwark against misunderstandings and suspicions that may arise between nations. Overtime, these contacts will contribute to the maintenance of peace and stability in the region.
Throughout the week, talks have been arranged for experts to speak on a wide range of topics of military interest. Some of these themes include the New Dimensions in International Security, the Interaction of the Battlefield and Technology, the Security Architecture of the Asia-Pacific, Peacekeeping and Diplomacy. The Institute is keen to obtain suggestions from both participants and guest lecturers on how to further improve the programme. We look forward to suggestions on how the programme could be adjusted or changed, what topics were overlooked and what topics have been found to be absolutely necessary.
I sincerely hope the days ahead will prove to be stimulating and enjoyable for you. It now gives me great pleasure to now call upon the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Dr. Tony Tan Keng Yam to give his opening address.
