Swedish Navy Chief Receives Prestigious Military Award

Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen presented the Pingat Jasa Gemilang (Tentera) to the Chief of Staff of the Royal Swedish Navy Rear-Admiral (RADM) Jan Thörnqvist this morning.

The Chief of Staff of the Royal Swedish Navy (RSwN) Rear-Admiral (RADM) Jan Thörnqvist was conferred Singapore's prestigious military award, the Pingat Jasa Gemilang (Tentera) or the Meritorious Service Medal (Military)], by President Tony Tan Keng Yam. Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen presented the award to RADM Thörnqvist at the Ministry of Defence this morning.

RADM Thörnqvist was conferred the award in recognition of his significant contributions in strengthening the defence ties between the RSwN and the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN). Under RADM Thörnqvist's leadership, the relationship between the two navies has grown and matured. RADM Thörnqvist played a pivotal role in facilitating the training and operationalisation of the RSN's Archer-Class submarines, as well as the sharing of expertise and experience between the two submarine communities. The RSwN and the RSN also interact frequently through cross-attendance of courses, professional exchanges and bilateral exercises. These interactions have deepened the mutual understanding and friendship between both navies. Speaking after the investiture, RADM Thörnqvist said, "I am extremely grateful and honoured being awarded the Meritorious Service Medal (Military) by the Singapore Government. This extraordinary distinction I apprehend as a reflection of the ongoing long and successful defence ties between Singapore and Sweden but also as a superior distinction to all my devoted personnel in the Swedish Navy".

RADM Thörnqvist, who is in Singapore from 17 to 19 February 2014, had earlier called on Dr Ng and Chief of Navy RADM Ng Chee Peng before the investiture. RADM Thörnqvist also inspected a Guard-of-Honour contingent at the Ministry of Defence this morning. As part of the programme, RADM Thörnqvist will visit a Bedok-class Mine-Countermeasure Vessel, RSS Bedok, at Tuas Naval Base later this afternoon.

RADM Jan Thörnqvist inspecting a Guard of Honour at the Ministry of Defence.