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Total Defence Day 2026
13 February 2026
Crescentians marked Total Defence Day 2026 with a real test of resilience during a campus power outage. Read on to find out how students and teachers adapted, and what the day's events taught them about defending Singapore.
TOTAL DEFENCE DAY: A LESSON IN RESILIENCE
On 13 February, Crescentians experienced firsthand the importance of adaptability when a two-hour power outage plunged our classrooms into darkness. The blackout came right after our FITT runs and aerobics, leaving many of us already tired. Without fans or air-conditioning, the classrooms grew warm and uncomfortable, and we relied on loose worksheets and the occasional breeze to keep cool. To make matters more challenging, the outage occurred during our weighted assessments.
The timing felt inconvenient — but that was precisely the lesson. Crises do not occur only when we are ready. Total Defence Day commemorates 15 February 1942, when Singapore fell to the Japanese, marking the start of three difficult years under occupation. The day reminds us that peace and security must be actively safeguarded by every individual.
Despite the disruption, Crescentians adapted quickly. Without access to our PLDs, we reverted to pen and paper and carried on with lessons. Some teachers even turned the blackout into a discussion opportunity, reinforcing the importance of staying calm under pressure.
Later that afternoon, we attended a dialogue session with two RSAF pilots, who shared about their roles in safeguarding Singapore’s skies. Their dedication and willingness to serve on the frontlines reminded us that Total Defence begins with each of us — through resilience, responsibility, and a shared commitment to protect our nation.
Written by Alethea Kwek (3S7)
