Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen presented the Defence Technology Prize (DTP) to two individuals and four teams at the DTP Award Ceremony held at the DSO Auditorium this afternoon. The award recognises contributions that have helped the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) maintain its sharp edge in defence capabilities. This year, the winners comprised personnel and teams from the Defence Technology Community (DTC)^[1], including Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA) and DSO National Laboratories, as well as the defence industry.

Speaking at the award ceremony, Dr Ng underscored the instrumental role that the DTC plays in Singapore's defence, and how the DTC has progressively helped build the capabilities of the SAF. He said, "It is entirely apt and indeed necessary for us to honour these outstanding individuals and teams from the DTC for their invaluable contributions to Singapore's defence capabilities. I know that these few moments of recognition and applause cannot match the years of effort and for some of you, struggles to solve difficult challenges. We all know that breakthroughs require passion, resilience, innovative minds and sometimes sheer grit and doggedness, and that recognition and appreciation for your efforts today is important."

Highlighting the changing nature of modern warfare brought about by technological advancements, Dr Ng shared that newer technology that challenges today's assumptions will soon be obsolete tomorrow. It is therefore crucial for a close partnership between DTC and the SAF, to be ready for the future, and to achieve breakthroughs and stretch the frontiers of defence science and technology. This can be realised by leveraging commercial and government-to-government partnerships.

Established in 1989, the DTP is awarded annually to individuals and teams that have made significant technological contributions to the defence capabilities of Singapore. The DTP also serves to foster technological innovation and encourage breakthroughs in defence science and technology.

[1]The DTC comprises several entities within MINDEF – Future Systems & Technology Directorate (FSTD), Technology Strategy & Policy Office (TSPO), Industry & Resources Policy Office (IRPO) and Defence Technology Collaboration Office (DTCO) – as well as Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA), DSO National Laboratories (DSO) and Centre for Strategic Infocomm Technologies (CSIT).