(A) Minister for Defence Award (MDA)

The Minister for Defence Award (MDA) is given to the MINDEF/SAF unit or department that has excelled in all components of the PRoductivity and Innovation in Daily Efforts (PRIDE) Movement, namely productivity and innovation, organisational excellence (OE), resource optimisation and staff well-being. This year, Naval Logistics Command (NALCOM) of the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) clinched the MDA award.

NALCOM
To NALCOM, winning the MDA is a tribute to the persevering efforts of all NALCOM personnel past and present. NALCOM's achievement is attributed to three key factors:

First, it is the close alignment of its core values with the desired outcomes of the PRIDE and OE journey. Given this alignment, innovation and OE take place naturally in their organisation when their personnel live out the organisation's core values.

Second is NALCOM's mantra of "doing things better and doing better things" in support of mission success of the Navy. NALCOM believes that every one of its personnel can make a difference and deliver better outcomes when they put their minds to it.

The third and most important factor is the practice of sharing best practices with each other.

These three factors have enabled NALCOM to deliver innovative ideas and initiatives to sharpen its operational and technical edge, and raise its safety and quality standards.

(B) MDA (Organisational Excellence) [MDA (OE)]

The MDA (OE) is conferred on the MINDEF/SAF unit or organisation which has excelled in various aspects of their management processes and organisational systems in the past year.

This year, the award goes to 7 Air Engineering and Logistics Group (7 AELG) of the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF).

7 AELG
For 7 AELG, its pursuit of organisational excellence is possible because of the valued role every 7 AELG member plays. The organisation builds creativity and resilience in its people through strong emphasis on team learning. This in turn, enables its personnel to operate confidently in dynamic situations.

7 AELG also provides excellent customer services to its combatant counterparts. The organisation's strong focus on customer service has led to various innovative initiatives such as "hot debrief", which allows pilots to call-in when they experience issues with their aircraft. Such efforts strengthen the organisation's capability to support its customers.

(C) MDA (Innovation)

The MDA (Innovation) is awarded to the unit or department that has best developed and implemented innovative projects with significant impact, while nurturing the outstanding qualities of its people.

This year, the award goes to two formations: 6 Air Engineering and Logistics Group (6 AELG) and UAV Command (UC) of the RSAF.

6 AELG

6 AELG strongly believes that for innovation to flourish in an organisation, individuals need to adopt a 'leader mind-set' where they constantly seek improvement, rather than simply accepting the status quo.

6 AELG sustains its culture of innovation by implementing the 'Head-Hand-Heart' framework. The framework creates an environment conducive for its personnel to innovate by providing easy access to resources, developing strong professional knowledge through innovation tools training, and rendering adequate attention from the management to bring ideas to fruition. They also organise various innovation related activities such as "IQ Spa" and "Share-an-Idea", empowering servicemen to share ideas and best practices with their colleagues.

UAV Command

For UC, being recognised as the MDA (Innovation) winner in the combat category for two consecutive years is a product of the unit's strong investment and commitment to innovation at all levels.

UC consistently invests in innovation by building the innovative competency of its staff and providing them opportunities to test their ideas. The unit also appoints and empowers "Innovation Facilitators" and "Idea Provocateurs" to drive the innovation movement by actively sharing innovative ideas and best practices within and beyond the unit.

UC's leaders believe that recognising servicemen for their experiments with new ideas is necessary to sustain innovative spirit.

(D) MINDEF Innovation Project Award

The MINDEF Innovation Project Award is conferred on project teams that have produced impactful and innovative projects. This year, the award is conferred on the project "Optimised Decisions in Network" by Team ODIN from Maintenance and Engineering Formation, Army and DSTA.

Challenge : With network centric warfare capabilities, there is a need to analyse and optimise performance of the systems placed in a network to ensure effectiveness.

Innovation : The team developed the Optimised Decisions in Network (ODIN) tool which utilises advanced analytical network search application, process simulation and resource optimisation applications. The tool is used to quantitatively evaluate, measure, and optimise resources in networked systems by analysing the interdependence and interconnectivity of multiple platforms and communication networks.

Benefits : With ODIN, the SAF is able to visualise the dynamic interactions between multiple systems in SAF network architectures such as the Army's Command Control Communication Computer (C4) network. The tool improves the SAF's ability to perform strategic planning while considering multiple scenarios.

(E) MINDEF Savings and Value Enhancement (SAVE) Award

The Savings and Value Enhancement (SAVE) Award is conferred every year upon outstanding Economy Drive (ED) project teams in recognition of their outstanding ED efforts.

This year, the award goes to two projects: "Redefining Technical Specifications for Acquisition of 25mm Training Ammunition" (by SAF Ammunition Command, Armour Formation and DSTA); and "Electricity Procurement Initiative" (by DSTA).

Redefining Technical Specifications for Acquisition of 25mm Training Ammunition (SAF Ammunition Command, Armour Formation and DSTA)

Challenge : In order to ensure training realism, 25mm training ammunition was required to replicate the performance of ammunition used for actual operations. The technical specifications limited the pool of vendors capable of supplying 25mm training ammunition.

ED Effort : The team challenged the need to adopt technical specifications that replicated the performance of ammunition used in operations for the purpose of training. Alternative models of training ammunition were identified through extensive market survey, and assessed to be capable of meeting safety and training realism requirements. The revised technical specifications opened the market to more suppliers. Greater competition in turn led to lower prices. This initiative resulted in annual cash savings of $4.37 million in the purchase of 25mm training ammunition, and has led to similar concepts being explored for other training ammunition.

Electricity Procurement Initiative (DSTA)

Challenge : Through the Demand Aggregation Framework, MINDEF/SAF electricity demand is aggregated with other government agencies to reap economies of scale. While this initially introduced substantial discounts, these discounts have declined over the years.

ED Effort : The team introduced the option to split tenders for the supply of electricity into smaller packages to allow smaller retailers to bid for them. This led to more bids for the tenders, increased competition, and overcame domination by the larger retailers. This initiative has resulted in $10.9 million savings over two years for MINDEF/SAF and other government agencies.

(F) MINDEF Star Service Award

The MINDEF Star Service Award (MSSA) recognises personnel who excel in their areas of responsibility and render excellent service by going the extra mile. A total of 14 service personnel will win the award this year.

1) Mr Mohammad Rizal Bin Leman, Front desk/ Registry IC, Selarang PersNode, PERSCOM, Army

Mr Mohammad Rizal took the initiative to coach National Serviceman Full-Time (NSFs) Administrative Support Assistants with medical limitations to maximise their potential.

"From you, I have learnt various interpersonal skills that will be useful when I pursue future endeavours. I am indeed fortunate to have met you during my NSF life. I would like to say that while you are strict, you are also the most inspiring, friendly, supportive and caring leader in my life." - CPL(NS) Hendra Susanto, Administrative Support Assistant, 9 Army Maintenance Base (AMB).

2) Ms Pamela Wee Eng Neo, Staff Officer (Resource Management), HQ CSSCOM, Army

Ms Wee assisted GS(Ops) in the management of finances and procurement for the overseas mission in Afghanistan.

"Pamela is a pillar of support for the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF)'s mission to Afghanistan. With her insightful knowledge and experience, her assistance in the chartering of aircraft helped to ensure that the mission proceeded smoothly." - Military Expert 7 Daniel Chua, Chief of Staff HQ CSSCOM.

3) MAJ Sandy Seet Kim Fong, Deputy Head Manpower, Army-Intelligence, Army

MAJ Seet makes the effort to empathise with her customers and to create a positive and engaging experience for them. With her knowledge and experience of HR matters, she has assisted many personnel who approached her for advice on HR-related issues.

"MAJ Sandy has demonstrated her professionalism, diligence, leadership and resolve in meeting the most challenging demands of manpower and human resource in the organisation." - Mr Boieng Cheah, Director Defence Business, Singapore Technologies Engineering.

4) 3WO Karen Tan, Regimental Quartermaster, 3rd Army Maintenance Base, Army

3WO Karen conceptualised and executed centralisation of the depots' technical store functions in 3 AMB to provide expedient and efficient service to her customers (of which includes NSmen).

"Despite having to handle her own duties and the duties of other units, Karen is always around to provide her best support, ensuring that the company is running smoothly in terms of logistics and equipping. She is an asset to the unit and has added value to my ICT experience." - MSG(NS) Nique Tan, Company Sergeant Major, 33 Combat Service Support Battalion.

5) MAJ Charles Ng Ee Chin, Head Manpower Operations Section, Naval Personnel Department, RSN

MAJ Ng went the extra mile to coordinate with various agencies including Tan Tock Seng Hospital, the Society of Physically Disabled, and Naval Medical Services, in support of ME2 Jason Chee who suffered from a physical disability due to an in-service accident.

"MAJ Charles has supported me well. He's very professional and hardworking. He is a disciplined model officer to me." - Military Expert 2 Jason Chee.

6) 3WO Hans Seah Chun Chong, Course Warrant & Trainer for NSF Divers, Naval Diving Unit, RSN

3WO Seah goes the extra mile to engage and inspire his trainees. Promoting continuous learning and improvements within the school house, he helped to replace the dive log sheet with a centralised system that allows divers and their supervisors to keep track of their dive profiles and training progress real-time.

"3WO Hans has been a wonderful teacher in my life. He is one of the few people who have made such a positive impact in my life." - 2SG(NS) Cheong Jia Wen.

7) ME3 Shahabudeen S/O Abdul Lateff, Engineer, Force Readiness Squadron / NALCOM, RSN

ME3 Shah developed an alternative method to repair defect in RSS Endurance's Starboard mast obstruction light within four hours instead of the three days that was required of the method originally recommended. This enabled RSS Endurance to continue the second leg of its midshipmen deployment without any delay.

"Shah is very experienced and knowledgeable in his area of work, and will generously share his experience and knowledge with the juniors on board to cultivate the next generation. He is indeed an invaluable asset to the organisation". - ME4 Soh Teck Soon, Senior Marine Engineer, RSS TENACIOUS.

8) ME5 Chua Eng Seng, Head Operation Logistics & Engineering Readiness, Maritime Security Task Force, RSN

ME5 Chua made the effort to improve the recovery responses of Police Coast Guards by facilitating their access to offshore sites. His initiative improved the response time by 100 % and reduced the workload of RSN personnel by 10%.

"Thanks for your support of the many silent hour deployment support to offshore islands for PCG defect rectification." - Inspector Jan Tan Wui Leng, Operations Officer, Police Coast Guard (PCG).

9) ME2 Koh Chan Howe, Ops Spec, Ops Management Hub, Air Operations Control Group, RSAF

ME2 Koh coordinated the United States Vice-President's visit to Singapore, and ensured that all requests were addressed in a timely manner.

"I wanted to thank you for your hard work and support leading up to and during my trip to Singapore. I know these events involve a lot of last minute changes and major attention to detail, so I truly appreciate your help. We couldn't have done it without you." - Mr Joe Biden, Vice-President of the United States of America, White House, Washington.

10) CPT (Dr) Jonathan Kwong, OC Ground Based Air Defence Medical Flight, 1 Medical Squadron, RSAF

In support of PTE Nigel Kan's aspiration to participate in overseas detachment, CPT(Dr) Jonathan Kwong coordinated the serviceman's referral to medical specialist and facilitated the case to the medical board.

"I would like to thank you for getting my combat fit status that brought me closer to my dream job. You are the nicest Medical Officer I've ever met and I can never express enough my gratitude towards you." - PTE Nigel Kang, ASA, HQ Participation Command.

11) Ms Vithya Sharmini D/O Supramaniam, Feedback Officer, MINDEF Communications Organisation, Defence Policy Group (DPG)

When the mother and grandfather of a recruit in 42 Singapore Armour Regiment requested for him to be posted nearer to their home due to his back injury, Ms Vithya personally attended to them and arranged the submission of the relevant documents for follow-up.

"It has been more than a month since Milton was posted out. Milton's condition is improving. Early intervention helped tremendously. Thanks for your prompt action. My wife & I are grateful for the assistance rendered." - A parent, who approached MINDEF Feedback Unit regarding a suitable posting for his son.

12) Ms Yvonne Kuan Xiu Ling, Recruitment Executive, MINDEF Human Resource Department, Defence Management Group (DMG)

When a DXO applicant had to undergo surgery after the interview board, Yvonne personally facilitated the necessary administrative procedures for his recruitment.

"I am impressed by the friendliness and promptness of service rendered by Ms Yvonne Kuan. Thanks!" - Ms Serena Ng, Head HQ RSN Personnel Hub, Naval Personnel Department

13) Ms Stella Soh Shiwen, Financial Analyst, MINDEF Corporate Services Department, Defence Finance Office, DMG

Customers often compliment Stella for her reliability, helpfulness and accessibility when assisting them with their finance queries and clarifications.

"Stella is one of the more outstanding officers in MCSD. She understands the concept of corporate services very well and has been very effective in assisting MINDEF Communications Organisation to manage our budget and finances. She has gone beyond her duties to level up the finance knowledge of new staff by conducting orientation briefings." - LTC Ng Boon Ching, Head Capability Development, MINDEF Communications Organisation.

14) Ms Gan Poh Chuan, Senior Executive Assistant, Central Manpower Base-Medical Classification Centre, DMG

In a recent call-up, Ms Gan took personal interest to assist an NS Medical Officer to apply for carpark requirements within the premise in view of some inconveniences in movement that he had suffered.

"Ms Gan has helped the department navigate through challenging periods. I have benefitted from her useful advice on many occasions. She is truly one of the pillars of the department and I am not exaggerating when I regard her as an unsung hero." - CPT(DR) (NS) David Chia Wei Tsau, NS Medical Officer.