Senior Minister of State for Defence Mr Zaqy Mohamad, Permanent Secretary (Defence) Mr Chan Heng Kee, and Chief of Defence Force Vice Admiral (VADM) Aaron Beng officiated at the National Awards (COVID-19) Investiture held at the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) this afternoon.

428 personnel from MINDEF and the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) were awarded the National Awards (COVID-19) in recognition of their substantive contributions to Singapore's fight against COVID-19. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, MINDEF and SAF personnel stood ready to defend Singapore's peace and security, and safeguarded the health and well-being of their fellow servicemen. MINDEF/SAF personnel also supported Whole-of-Government COVID-19 efforts, including contributing to the stabilising of COVID-19 outbreaks in migrant worker dormitories and contributing to efforts for contact tracing, community care and recovery facilities, and medical logistics operations. A total of 17 Public Administration Medals (Silver) (COVID-19), 62 Public Administration Medals (Bronze) (COVID-19), 342 Commendation Medals and seven Public Service Medals were awarded to both military and non-military personnel.

During the Investiture of the National Awards (COVID-19) held earlier on 18 June 2023, Chief of Staff - Digital and Intelligence Staff, Brigadier-General Seet Uei Lim was conferred the Public Service Star (COVID-19). Six military personnel received the Public Administration Medal (Gold) (COVID-19), amongst whom were Chief of Army Major-General David Neo and Chief of Digital and Intelligence Service/Director Military Intelligence, Major-General Lee Yi-Jin. 12 MINDEF/SAF Task Forces, Groups, and teams that had been deployed to support the national effort were also collectively recognised and awarded the President's Certificate of Commendation.