Defence Engineers and Scientists Honoured for Technological Innovation

Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen (left) presenting the Defence Technology Prize (DTP) 2015 Individual (R&D) Award to Dr Poh Eng Kee (right) from the DSO National Laboratories, for his work in leading advanced guidance, navigation and control technology development to enhance the SAF's unmanned system capabilities since 1986.

Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen presented the Defence Technology Prize (DTP) to four individuals and two teams at the DTP award ceremony held at The Chevrons this afternoon. Among them are individuals and teams from Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) agencies, defence industry, academic and research institutes.

Speaking at the award ceremony, Dr Ng highlighted the increasingly significant role the defence technology community will play in sharpening the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF)'s technological edge. He said, "Increasingly, we will need to leverage our scientific and technological expertise to address the threats, whether it is terrorism, biological pandemics and cyber-security. We all know that technology also allows us to multiply our efforts as we tackle the challenges of a shrinking workforce or land-scarce Singapore. And we will continue to invest in technologies such as satellites and sensors that help us see farther and quicker; in analytics and robotic systems that can respond autonomously or with few men in the loop. Because it is with these capabilities that the SAF will stay sharp and strong as an effective fighting force, even if we have fewer people."

Dr Ng also emphasised the importance of building up our talent pool in military science and engineering and continually attracting those who wished to pursue a career in this field. He said, "We will continue to attract high calibre scientists and engineers and develop their careers in the defence arena. Over the years we have enhanced our scholarships for those who are keen to pursue a military science and engineering career. We will ensure that those with proven capabilities make good career progression and are given opportunities to excel and lead. And these efforts that we put in place over the years are bearing fruit. Over the last four years alone for example, we have seen a 30% increase in the take-up of science and engineering scholarships awarded by the SAF."

Established in 1989, the DTP is awarded annually to individuals and teams that have made significant technological contributions to the defence capability of Singapore. The DTP also serves to foster technological innovation and encourage breakthroughs in defence science and technology.

Key members of the Underwater Technology Team - team leader Mr Goh Ing Nam from DSO National Laboratories (far right) and founder of Microfine Materials Technologies Pte Ltd Dr Lim Leong Chew (far left) - briefing Dr Ng (second from left) and Chief Defence Scientist Mr Quek Tong Boon (second from right) at the DTP 2015 Award Ceremony.

Mr Cheng Heng Ngom from the Defence Science and Technology Agency with simulations of the Island Air Defence C2 system in the background. Mr Cheng received the DTP 2015 Individual (Engineering) award for playing a key role in developing C2 capabilities for the SAF.

Mr Teo Chew Kwee from Singapore Technologies Kinetics Ltd clinched the DTP 2015 Individual (Engineering) award for leading the development of customised solutions for artillery weapons over the past 27 years.

More Resources

• Speech by Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen at the 2015 Defence Technology Prize Award Ceremony

• Fact Sheet: Defence Technology Prize 2015