Vice Admiral Aaron Beng

Vice Admiral (VADM) Aaron Beng joined the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) in 2000. VADM Beng spent his formative years in the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) aboard the Victory-class missile corvettes and thereafter the Formidable-class frigates. VADM Beng commanded the frigate RSS Intrepid from 2013 to 2014, and the Formidable-class frigate squadron from 2016 to 2017. VADM Beng also served as the Fleet Commander of the RSN. His notable staff appointments, amongst others, included the Chief of Staff (Naval Staff) and Director, Policy Office. VADM Beng served as the Chief of Navy (CNV) before being appointed as the Chief of Defence Force (CDF).

As the CNV, VADM Beng steered the RSN through the COVID-19 pandemic while continuing to safeguard Singapore’s sovereignty and security. Under VADM Beng's leadership, the RSN pursued organisational changes and capability development to prepare for the future. These included the operationalisation of the Maritime Security and Response Flotilla; strengthening of the RSN’s Engineering and Logistics system; launch of the second and third Invincible-class submarines; and the operationalisation of a Whole-of-Government sense-making system to improve inter-agency security coordination at sea. The RSN also furthered Singapore’s defence policy space during the pandemic through COVID-19 safe exercises at sea, virtual engagements with defence partners, and the safe conduct of the 7th International Maritime Security Conference which was the first large-scale maritime conference held since the start of the pandemic.

For his contributions to the SAF, VADM Beng was awarded the Public Administration Medal (Gold) (Military) in 2023. He was also awarded the SAF Overseas Service Medal for his contributions to Ops Blue Orchid in Iraq in 2008.

VADM Beng was awarded the President's Scholarship and SAF Overseas Scholarship in 2000. He graduated from Yale University in 2004 with a Bachelor's degree in Economics and Engineering Sciences (Electrical). He also attended the United States Naval Command and Staff Course, conducted at the United States Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island in 2012.