Senior Minister of State for Defence Dr Mohamad Maliki Bin Osman officiated at the 10th Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) Senior Military Expert Appointment Ceremony (SMEAC) at SAFTI Military Institute this evening, where 105 servicemen and servicewomen were appointed as senior military experts. The graduating cohort comprised nine from the Singapore Army, 47 from the Republic of Singapore Navy, 31 from the Republic of Singapore Air Force and 18 from Joint.

Among the graduating cohort were members of the first batch of Operationally Ready National Servicemen (NSmen) from the Expertise Conversion Scheme (ECS). The ECS, which allows eligible NSmen to convert to military experts, provides more opportunities for those with deep civilian professional expertise to voluntarily continue contributing to the nation's defence, through enhancing operational capabilities in areas identified by the SAF.

During his speech, Dr Maliki said that the SAF had become a stronger and more potent fighting force because of the diverse experiences, knowledge and skills that each military expert possessed. He highlighted the important role played by military experts in leading innovation within the SAF to meet the challenges posed by global and regional developments. "We must develop foresight and creativity to formulate solutions for tomorrow's challenges. To ensure that the SAF's fighting edge remains sharp, we depend on you, the Military Experts, to drive continuous innovations, develop and deliver expert solutions. As leaders, the task falls upon you to model and lead in creating and sustaining innovative culture within the communities and teams that you are part of," he said.

Dr Maliki also commended the pioneering spirit and contributions of many senior military experts. Reminding the graduands to follow those examples, he said, "We will count on you as senior military experts to achieve mission success… to serve with integrity and passion as well as to inspire and motivate your team to do their best."

The SMEAC marked the completion of the Military Domain Experts Course, which trains military experts to assume roles in the SAF where in-depth expertise in areas such as engineering, intelligence and military medicine is required. The training conducted during the course developed and honed the military experts' leadership competency, military domain knowledge and specialised skills. The newly appointed senior military experts will move on to assume command or staff appointments in their professional areas.

Also present at the ceremony was Chief of Defence Force Major-General Perry Lim, senior SAF officers as well as families and friends of the graduands.