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Ministry of Defence
Speeches

Speech by Incoming Chief of Defence Force, Major-General Ng Chee Meng at the Chief of Defence Force Change of Command Parade

27 March 2013

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Minister for Defence, 
Senior Minister of State, 
Distinguished Guests, 
Men and Women of the SAF,
    
I would like to join General Neo Kian Hong in thanking all of you for your presence this afternoon to witness this symbolic handing over of the SAF command.

Under General Neo's able leadership over the last three years, the SAF has achieved much. As the Chief of Defence Force, General Neo led the SAF in achieving mission success in all our operations. These operations include the 24/7 protection of our key installations, maritime patrols, and air defence operations. The SAF also responded swiftly and effectively when called upon in a wide spectrum of missions - from the multinational reconstruction efforts in Afghanistan, to counter-piracy in the Gulf of Aden, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations in our region and beyond.

Under General Neo, the SAF also followed through with our 3rd Generation Transformation efforts. The SAF today is a much more potent and integrated fighting force, bringing to bear cutting-edge networked capabilities. The quality of our servicemen's learning and training has also kept pace - for example, through the use of simulation technologies and online platforms such as the LEARNet.

General Neo was also instrumental in initiatives to strengthen Commitment to Defence. Under his watch, the SAF initiated the SAF-Schools Partnership Programme to build greater public awareness and engagement. This programme has been well-received by secondary schools and tertiary institutions. Many of our own men and women also appreciate the opportunity to share their pride and purpose in serving with young members of the public.

General Neo, as he said, will be retiring from the SAF after 30 years of distinguished service. On behalf of all our servicemen and women, I would like to thank General Neo for his leadership and legacy in the SAF, and wish him all the very best in his future endeavours.

Our SAF will continue to maintain our professional excellence and high level of operational readiness. We will strengthen our capabilities to ensure that our soldiers, sailors and airmen are equipped with the best systems for them to carry out their mission. Our Active and NS forces will continue to go through tough, realistic and safe training. We will also strengthen our tribe by growing our shared sense of pride and purpose. Our Commanders and senior enlisted leaders will continue to own People Development for the people they lead. In so doing, we will strengthen our foundation for mission success for many years to come.

I am proud of the SAF that we have today, and I am grateful for the many who have served before us on whose shoulders we stand today. Looking ahead, it is my honour and privilege to serve alongside all of you, as we enhance the peace and security of our country. 

Thank you.

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