Senior Minister of State for Defence Mr Heng Chee How Joins the RSAF to Commemorate its 55th Anniversary at RSAF55 Open House

Senior Minister of State for Defence Mr Heng Chee How (middle), accompanied by Chief of Air Force Major-General Kelvin Khong (left), and Chairman of the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF)'s Open House Executive Committee Brigadier-General Amos Yeo (right), officiating the launch of the RSAF55 Open House.

Senior Minister of State for Defence Mr Heng Chee How visited the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) Open House 2023 at Paya Lebar Air Base (PLAB) this morning. Hosted by Chief of Air Force Major-General Kelvin Khong, Mr Heng officiated the launch of the RSAF55 Open House (RSAF55OH). This year marks 55 years of the RSAF, and the Open House showcases the transformation of a modern, capable and future ready Air Force from its humble beginnings, enabled by the commitment of its people.

Speaking to the media at the event, Mr Heng said, "The RSAF55 Open House is a very significant event organised by the RSAF to mark 55 years of serving this country, (and) defending its sovereignty. At the same time, this occasion is open to the public to showcase some of its capabilities, instil confidence and attract even greater support… We appreciate the contributions and the sacrifices of all the men and women of the RSAF over so many years. Only through their efforts and dedication can we see this outcome, which is a free and sovereign Singapore and an air space that is well-defended 24/7."

The RSAF55OH features a range of activities where visitors can get hands-on experiences with interactive exhibits and simulators in the exhibition halls, showcasing the RSAF's transformation over the years and the upcoming technology for the future. Visitors can also view and get up close with 18 different types of RSAF assets at the static display area and catch an aerial capability display with two shows conducted daily. Additionally, visitors can use the RSAF55OH Digital Experience Webapp (http://go.gov.sg/RSAF55OH) to stay updated on essential event information such as the electronic queuing system, participate in pre-event activities to earn digital coins which can be used to redeem gifts and play phygital (Physical-Digital) games with Near Field Communication tags that will be issued to the public.

Themed "Defending Our Skies, Securing Our Future" to commemorate 55 years of the RSAF, the RSAF55OH is open to public from 9 to 10 Sep at PLAB from 9:00am to 6:00pm. The event is free and a ticket will not be required for attendance. As public parking will not be available at PLAB, visitors are advised to take the free shuttle buses from Hougang Bus Park or 18 Tai Seng, public bus services 90 or 94, or private transport options. For more information, visitors may visit the RSAF55OH website (https://go.gov.sg/RSAF55OH) and/or the RSAF Facebook page (www.facebook.com/TheRSAF), Instagram page (www.instagram.com/TheRSAF) and Tiktok (tiktok.com/@TheRSAF).

Mr Heng thanking the crowd at the opening ceremony for standing with the RSAF.

Mr Heng trying out a phygital (physical-digital) game with a member of the public.