The Chief of Army of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) Lieutenant General (LTGEN) Simon Stuart, was conferred Singapore's prestigious military award, the Pingat Jasa Gemilang (Tentera) or Meritorious Service Medal (Military) [MSM(M)], by President Tharman Shanmugaratnam. Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen presented the award to LTGEN Stuart at an investiture held at the Ministry of Defence this morning.

LTGEN Stuart was conferred the award for his significant contributions in strengthening the close and long-standing bilateral defence ties between Singapore and Australia. Underpinned by the Singapore-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, both armies have deepened defence cooperation under LTGEN Stuart's leadership through the joint development of training areas and facilities in Australia, which will expand the scope for the ADF's and Singapore Armed Forces' future training in Australia.

Following the COVID-19 pandemic, LTGEN Stuart was instrumental in facilitating the full-scale resumption of Exercise Wallaby in 2022 at the Shoalwater Bay Training Area, allowing the Singapore Army to train effectively in Australia. LTGEN Stuart's support for bilateral cooperation between the Australian Army and the Singapore Army, including the bilateral Exercise Matilda, have been mutually beneficial and deepened people-to-people ties between the both Armies.

On receiving the award, LTGEN Stuart said, "It is my honour to receive the MSM(M) from the Singapore Ministry of Defence today, which I graciously accept on behalf of the Australian Army. This medal is reflective of the enduring bonds that exists between our militaries and the common perspectives that we share throughout the region."

LTGEN Stuart is in Singapore for his introductory visit from 6 to 8 June 2024. Prior to the investiture, LTGEN Stuart inspected a Guard of Honour, called on Dr Ng and met with Chief of Army Major-General David Neo. As part of his introductory visit, LTGEN Stuart also visited Headquarters Singapore Artillery this afternoon, where he was briefed on the organisation and capabilities of the Singapore Artillery formation, as well as the Singapore Army's developmental efforts in the sense-strike domain.