Change in Chief of Defence Force and Chief of Air Force

Lieutenant-General Neo Kian Hong, the outgoing Chief of Defence Force has served the SAF with distinction since 1983.

Major-General (MG) Ng Chee Meng, currently Chief of Air Force, will take over from Lieutenant-General (LG) Neo Kian Hong as Chief of Defence Force on 27 Mar 2013.  Brigadier-General (BG) Hoo Cher Mou, currently Chief of Staff - Joint Staff (COS-JS), will assume the appointment of Chief of Air Force on 25 Mar 2013.  These changes are part of the continuing process of leadership renewal in the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF).

Since his enlistment in 1983, LG Neo, 48, has served the SAF with distinction.  Through the course of his career, LG Neo has held the appointments of Commanding Officer, 1st Battalion, Singapore Guards; Commander, 7th Singapore Infantry Brigade; Assistant Chief of the General Staff (Personnel); Assistant Chief of the General Staff (Operations); Commander, 9th Division; Commander, Army Training and Doctrine Command; Chief of Staff - Joint Staff; and Chief of Army. As Chief of Defence Force since 31 Mar 2010*, LG Neo has made significant contributions to transform the SAF into a 3rd Generation fighting force.  He has enhanced the SAF's information and intelligence networks, most notably with the formation of the C4I community, and has introduced cutting-edge systems and new structures to realise a quantum leap in the SAF's capabilities.  He has also driven the use of new training pedagogies, as well as the development of simulation and information communication technologies such as the LEARNet digital platform to transform the way SAF servicemen learn and train.  Under LG Neo's strong leadership, the SAF has carried out its missions effectively.  He has provided deep strategic thinking and clear operational directions for the SAF's deployments in Afghanistan and the Gulf of Aden. These deployments and others have contributed to the high regard which our international partners accord the SAF. LG Neo has also played a key role in strengthening the public's commitment to defence and Total Defence.  His valuable ideas and strong support for new initiatives such as the SAF-Schools Partnership Programme have led to enhanced engagement of the public and heightened awareness of defence related issues.  LG Neo will be taking up a senior position in the Civil Service after he steps down.

The incoming Chief of Defence Force, MG Ng, 44, joined the SAF in 1986. He was awarded the SAF Overseas Training Award (Graduating) in 1987.  He holds a Bachelor of Science (Electrical Engineering) from the US Air Force Academy, USA; and a Master of Arts (International Relations) from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, Tufts University, USA. In the course of his military career, he has held, amongst others, the appointments of Commanding Officer, 144 Squadron; Head, Air Plans Department; Commander, Changi Air Base; and Director of Joint Operations, Joint Operations Department. As the Chief of Air Force since 10 Dec 2009, MG Ng has led the RSAF with distinction, achieving a high level of operational readiness and seeing through the successful transformation of the 3rd Generation Air Force. Under his leadership, the RSAF has put in place far-sighted initiatives to train and develop its people to meet its future needs, especially in the fields of operations and engineering. MG Ng also oversaw the operationalisation of key capabilities such as the F-15SG fighter aircraft, the G550 Airborne Early Warning aircraft and the S-70B naval helicopter, as well as the Heron-1 unmanned aerial vehicle. Under his charge, the RSAF also renewed its air defence capabilities with new concepts and weapon systems, such as the SPYDER ground-based air defence system.  MG Ng's steadfast leadership has enabled the RSAF to grow as a highly professional force with a strong safety record, centred on people development. MG Ng has forged close working relations between the RSAF and air forces around the world. He has also overseen the RSAF's engagement with the community, through outreach programmes and partnerships with schools.

The incoming Chief of Air Force, BG Hoo, 46, joined the SAF in 1984 and was awarded the SAF Overseas Training Award (Academic) in 1985.  He holds a Bachelor of Arts (Biochemistry) from the University of Cambridge, UK; a Master of Arts (Biochemistry) from the University of Cambridge, UK; and a Master of Public Administration from the John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University, USA.  In the course of his military career, he has held, amongst others, the appointments of Commanding Officer, 203 Squadron; Head, Air Plans Department; Commander, Air Systems Brigade; Head, Air Training Department; Commander, Air Defence and Operations Command; and Chief of Staff - Air Staff.

The Ministry of Defence wishes to express its deep appreciation to LG Neo for his sterling leadership and outstanding contributions to the development of the SAF. 

Major-General Ng Chee Meng, currently Chief of Air Force, will take over as Chief of Defence Force on 27 Mar 2013.

Brigadier-General Hoo Cher Mou, currently Chief of Staff-Joint Staff, will assume the appointment of Chief of Air Force on 25 Mar 2013.