President Tan Hosts Reception in Recognition of MINDEF and SAF Personnel

President Tony Tan Keng Yam (fourth from left), accompanied by Chief of Defence Force Lieutenant-General Perry Lim (fourth from right), interacting with an NSF, Regulars and NSmen at the reception held at Istana this evening. From left: 2nd Warrant Officer Lee Hup Wai, Lieutenant (NS) Ahmad Arif Bin Ibrahim, Military Expert (ME) 3 Shirley Tan, ME2 Murugesh S/O Velasamy, Major (NS) Sam Yeo Hack Chi, and Corporal (First Class) Ross Luke Harris.

President Tony Tan Keng Yam hosted about 550 personnel from the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) and the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) to a reception at the Istana this evening. Held since 1992, the annual reception serves to recognise the commitment of MINDEF and SAF personnel, and their valuable contributions towards the defence of Singapore.

During the reception, President Tan interacted with Full-time National Servicemen, Operationally Ready National Servicemen (NSmen) and Regulars. They shared their perspectives on National Service (NS) and the need for a strong defence, based on their various experiences and roles in the SAF. These ranged from participation in overseas exercises and deployments, to balancing NS duties with personal commitments. SAF NSman of the Year award winner Major (NS) Adam Assik Bin Shahrir, Training and Operations Officer from 732nd Battalion, Singapore Infantry Regiment, said, "I am always inspired and motivated by the strength and brotherhood amongst my peers during my NS journey. We share a common sense of purpose to protect Singapore's sovereignty, our families and fellow Singaporeans. I am honoured to receive the award as it recognises those who have served and are serving the country, as well as our colleagues and families who support us whenever we are called to duty."

Guests present at the reception included Senior Minister of State for Defence Mr Ong Ye Kung, Permanent Secretary (Defence) Mr Chan Yeng Kit, Chief of Defence Force Lieutenant-General Perry Lim, Permanent Secretary (Defence Development) Mr Ng Chee Khern and Service Chiefs. Members of the Government Parliamentary Committee for Defence and Foreign Affairs (GPC-DFA) and the Advisory Council on Community Relations in Defence (ACCORD) also attended the reception.

President Tan thanking the SAF NSmen of the Year award winners for their contributions to national defence over the past year.

Senior Minister of State for Defence Mr Ong Ye Kung interacting with personnel from the Singapore Army at the reception.

Permanent Secretary (Defence) Mr Chan Yeng Kit (far right) interacting with personnel from the Republic of Singapore Air Force at the reception.

Permanent Secretary (Defence Development) Mr Ng Chee Khern (left) speaking with personnel from the Republic of Singapore Navy at the reception.