Total Defence is often spoken about in principles and pillars, but at SAFRA’s Total Defence 2026, it comes alive as an immersive, hands-on journey.

Taking place on 31 January across all SAFRA clubs and on 1 February 2026 at SAFRA Tampines, the event transforms SAFRA into a living showcase of Singapore’s defence story — with the event at SAFRA Tampines standing out as the day where the past, present and future converge in one powerful experience. Built around the concept of a defence journey through time, visitors are invited to move across themed zones that reflect how Total Defence has evolved — and what it means for every Singaporean today.

Revisiting The Past: Gear Up Into Memory Lane

The journey begins with reflection. Gear Up Into Memory Lane anchors the experience in heritage and remembrance, reminding visitors that today’s security is built on yesterday’s sacrifices.

Hear and learn from the experiences of army veterans from the SAF Veteran League. (Photo: SAFRA)

On 1 February at SAFRA Tampines, the SAF Veteran League (SAFVL) Kopi Chat with a Vetaran session offers a rare and intimate opportunity to hear firsthand stories from veterans who lived through different chapters of Singapore’s defence journey. Their personal accounts add depth and emotion to the nation’s collective memory, bridging generations through lived experience.

Nearby, the Army Collectible Booth curated by Alvin's Bunker draws history buffs and curious minds alike to discover “Stories Worn in Uniform”. From vintage uniforms to old-school accessories, visitors can explore how military gear has evolved over the decades, and even test their knowledge through anarmy uniform trivia challenge, with gifts awaiting those who complete it.

Marvel at vintage army barang barang curated by Alvin's Bunker at the Stories Worn in Uniform booth. (Photo: SAFRA)

Interactive throwbacks like Dot, Dash, Decode invite participants to decipher Morse code messages, while Operation: Signal Station challenges them to identify transistor radio facts through a True or False activity — simple yet effective reminders of how communication once defined battlefield success.

Readiness In Action: Present Mission

Moving from memory to modern-day readiness, the Present Mission zone puts essential defence skills into practice — no lectures required.

Health and life-saving competencies take centre stage with the CPR/AED Race and First Aid Live Stations, conducted in collaboration with the Singapore Red Cross Academy, training arm of the Singapore Red Cross Society. Participants can learn CPR techniques, race against time on CPR/AED simulations, and practise bandaging wounds on hand manikins, reinforcing that preparedness starts with everyday citizens.

At the CPR/AED Race and First Aid Live Stations, adults and children alike can get hands-on practice on first aid. (Photo: SAFRA)

Situational awareness is tested in Operation: Spot & Report, where SAFRA members search the club for ‘suspicious’ items and learn how timely reporting contributes to public safety. Meanwhile, challenges like Insignia Intel quiz visitors on SAF ranks and badges, and Operation: Field Pack Frenzy pushes participants to pack a field pack correctly — and quickly — just like in real operations.

Test your aiming skills and combat strategy at the Nerf-based combat zone. (Photo: SAFRA)

For a more tactical spin, Operation: Shelter Possible teaches the basics of constructing a basha, while Operation: Soft Strike immerses participants in a Nerf-based combat zone that blends strategy, teamwork and fun. The Inside the Rescue: Ambulance Tour further grounds the experience in reality, allowing visitors to explore an ambulance up close and understand the equipment and tools used by emergency responders. Then head over to the Singapore Civil Defence Force activity booth to learn more about how you can become a Community First Responder through the myResponder App and some interactive activities.

It’s your chance to explore the insides of an ambulance up close. (Photo: SAFRA)

Defence Meets The Digital Future: The Future Is Timeless

What makes SAFRA’s Total Defence 2026 especially compelling is its strong focus on the future of defence — one shaped by technology, cyber awareness and community vigilance.

At the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore’s “How to Create a Strong Password” booth, visitors of all ages learn the dos and don’ts of digital hygiene through interactive activities. Just steps away, the Singapore Police Force SGSecure and Community Watch Scheme edu booth highlight how everyday vigilance, information sharing and community partnerships play a crucial role in keeping Singapore safe.

Learn how you can create a strong password and enhance your cyber security. (Photo: Shutterstock)

Defence values are also embedded through play and immersion. The TD Ready Experiential translates the six pillars of Total Defence into an engaging tabletop experience, while the Operation: Drone Zone tests participants’ hand-eye coordination as they navigate drones through obstacle courses. At the Operation: VR Zone, immersive simulations allow visitors to experience defence scenarios in a virtual environment — a glimpse into how training and preparedness may look in the years ahead.

Beyond The Zones: Community, Commitment And Celebration

Beyond activities, Total Defence 2026 encourages reflection and contribution. The Pillar of Strength: TD Pledge invites visitors to pen their personal commitment to Total Defence, turning national values into individual promises. SAFRA members can also take part in the TD Puzzle Challenge, snapping and sharing completed puzzle images to redeem exclusive gifts.

 Fueling the day are ethnic F&B live stations featuring some of SAFRA Tampines’ in-house vendors, showcasing a spread of local flavours from roti prata and pizza to mantou and mee siam. More than a feast, the line-up reflects Singapore’s multicultural identity and the spirit of Total Defence —where social cohesion and support for local food vendors strengthen community bonds, resilience, and our collective defence.

Delicious food like roti prata awaits at the F&B live stations. (Photo: Shutterstock)

Participants who complete some or all the activities listed in the TD Journey leaflet will get to redeem prizes like army collectibles and treats, while those who finish the full journey can redeem $20 SAFRA Rewards vouchers, limited to the first 50 participants — a small but meaningful incentive layered onto a day of learning and engagement.

Learn, Play, Protect: Be TD Ready!

Apart from the above activities which will held only in SAFRA Tampines, SAFRA will also be bringing Total Defence to life across all SAFRA clubs in a whole new way with “Learn, Play, Protect: Be TD Ready!”, a vibrant series of activities designed to deepen members’ understanding of Singapore’s defence journey while building resilience and unity.

Step aboard a guided bus tour and explore Singapore through the lens of Total Defence. These curated tours offer an engaging way to learn about Singapore’s history, resilience, and preparedness in a relaxed and comfortable setting. Participants will visit selected locations around Singapore, guided by experienced facilitators who share stories and insights that bring Total Defence to life.

Through observation and discussion, families can better understand how everyday spaces connect to Singapore’s security and future. This guided tour involves a moderate amount of walking, so comfortable footwear is recommended.  Registration with a fee is required for the guided tours. Click here for more information. 

SAFRA will also be conducting a series of Power and Digital Disruption Simulation Exercises across all its clubs from 26 January to 15 February 2026. The initiative will involve thousands of members, staff, and vendors, as a part of SAFRA’s ongoing efforts to enhance organisational resilience and strengthen its business continuity plans. The exercises will simulate power outages and temporary disruptions to digital systems, enabling SAFRA to assess and strengthen its operational preparedness.
Through stress‑testing critical functions and service touchpoints, SAFRA aims to ensure smooth, reliable service delivery to its members even under challenging circumstances.

These efforts reflect the spirit of Total Defence, underscoring the importance of community readiness and collective resilience. Through these simulations, SAFRA seeks to empower its community to remain adaptable, informed, and prepared to respond effectively to unexpected disruptions.

But it’s not all serious stuff — fun and camaraderie are front and centre too. Across all SAFRA clubs, members can take part for free in the Word Search Giveaway (31 January – 15 February 2026) for a chance to win a classic transistor radio, dive into the Total Defence quiz on the SAFRA Mobile App to redeem SAFRA Rewards Vouchers and goodie bags (31 January – 15 February 2026), and enjoy an atmosphere of learning through play that strengthens community bonds.

Whether you’re tackling challenges with family or connecting with fellow NSmen, these Total Defence activities make preparedness engaging, meaningful and memorable.

Why Total Defence Matters

With its expanded programming, future-forward experiences and strong community partnerships, Learn, Play, Protect: Be TD Ready! at all SAFRA clubs capture the spirit of Total Defence in its most complete form. It shows that defence is not confined to uniforms or emergencies — it lives in shared memories, practical skills, digital readiness and everyday vigilance.

As we celebrate Total Defence, SAFRA becomes more than a venue. It becomes a reminder that defence is everyone’s responsibility — and together, we are strongest when we are prepared.

Visit Total Defence @ SAFRA 2026 | SAFRA for more information.