President Thanks MINDEF and SAF Personnel for Their Contributions to Singapore's Defence

President Halimah Yacob (fifth from left), accompanied by Chief of Defence Force Lieutenant-General Melvyn Ong (fourth from left), interacting with Full-time National Servicemen, Operationally Ready National Servicemen, Regulars and a Defence Executive Officer at a reception held at the Istana this evening.

President Halimah Yacob hosted about 500 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 Halimah interacted with Full-time National Servicemen, Operationally Ready National Servicemen (NSmen), Regulars and Defence Executive Officers. They shared their perspectives on National Service (NS) and the need for a strong defence, based on their various experiences and roles in MINDEF and the SAF. These ranged from participation in bilateral and overseas exercises to balancing NS duties with personal commitments. SAF NSman of the Year award winner Lieutenant Colonel (NS) Chua Kim Peng, Brigade Chief of Staff of Headquarters 76th Singapore Infantry Brigade, said, "Today's security threats are increasingly complex. It shows the importance of Singapore’s defence and how every Singaporean has a duty in protecting our sovereignty and be ready whenever we are called to duty. I am appreciative for the opportunities from the SAF. Through this journey, I have learnt and grown as a person and as a leader. I am also thankful for the recognition of our contributions as NSmen. It is only through our families’ support, camaraderie between my men and commanders that we are able to overcome the challenges and put in our best in our duties."

Guests present at the reception included Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen, Senior Ministers of State for Defence Mr Heng Chee How and Dr Mohamad Maliki Bin Osman, Chief of Defence Force Lieutenant-General Melvyn Ong, as well as senior MINDEF and SAF officers. 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 Halimah thanking the SAF NSmen of the Year award winners for their contributions to national defence over the past year.

Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen speaking with personnel from the Republic of Singapore Air Force at the reception.

Senior Minister of State for Defence Mr Heng Chee How speaking with personnel from the Singapore Army at the reception.

Senior Minister of State for Defence Dr Mohamad Maliki Bin Osman with personnel from the Republic of Singapore Navy at the reception.