Every year on 15 February, Singapore commemorates Total Defence Day to remind everyone that we cannot take security for granted and that everyone has a role to play to defend our country and keep our nation strong. There are many things we can do. It could be learning a life-saving skill, conserving energy, donating blood, or simply making a decision to be more friendly and welcoming to people different from us.  

To commemorate Total Defence Day in 2010, we would like you to tell us what you will do to help keep Singapore secure and strong, starting with two simple words: “I Will”. This is the theme for the Total Defence outreach efforts next year. One such effort is an online contest that Nexus will be running from 15 December 2009 to 15 March 2010, during which all Singaporeans are invited to come together to pledge their commitment to Total Defence.  Join the contest and tell us your “I Will” pledge in the form of text, pictures and/or videos. Then, go the extra mile to fulfill your pledge together with like-minded Singaporeans and friends, and you could also win attractive prizes. Pledges with creative videos stand an additional chance of winning through public voting. Prizes to be won include Sony Vaio laptops, Apple iPods, and the latest game consoles. Here are some tips to make your “I Will” stand out:  ·               Think about how you can make a difference – in your family, school or community. Do you have a unique skill or want to learn a new skill? Can you organise an event? How about doing something you are passionate about that can serve a greater good?·              

Be creative – Put on your thinking cap; let your imagination lead you. If you like, go for an unconventional approach while staying true to the theme of the competition. Use pictures, text, videos, or whatever you can get your hands on! ·              

Be clear and concise – Remember, you want to inspire and attract fellow Singaporeans to join you in your “I Will”.