Former German Director for Research and Technology Receives Distinguished Fellowship

Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen congratulating Mr Erwin Bernhard at the Singapore Defence Technology Distinguished Fellowship investiture ceremony.

Mr Erwin Bernhard, former Director for Research and Technology in the German Federal Ministry of Defence, was conferred the Singapore Defence Technology Distinguished Fellowship by Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen at the Ministry of Defence this afternoon.

The Singapore Defence Technology Distinguished Fellowship was established in 1996 to recognise individuals who have contributed significantly to bilateral defence technology cooperation. The award was conferred on Mr Bernhard in recognition of his outstanding contributions in expanding defence technology cooperation and enhancing the excellent defence technology relationship between Singapore and Germany.

Mr Bernhard was the first co-chairman of the Singapore-Germany Defence Research and Technology Dialogue from its inauguration in July 2009 to March 2012. During his term, he strongly supported and encouraged bilateral research cooperation. To that end, he laid a strong foundation for cooperation by establishing closer linkages between research institutes and technical experts from both countries. Under his leadership, the level of research cooperation between Singapore and Germany has expanded significantly, with several joint projects of mutual interest spanning a broad spectrum of technology areas signed.