Background

The Singapore Army and the Malaysian Army enjoy warm and long-standing defence relations, built upon a strong foundation of mutual trust and close cooperation. Both armies participate in a wide range of activities, which have enhanced mutual understanding and friendship between personnel of both armies. These activities include bilateral and multilateral exercises, visits, professional exchanges and cross-attendance of courses.

Key Engagements between the Singapore Army and the Malaysian Army in 2017

Exercise Semangat Bersatu is the flagship exercise between Singapore Army and Malaysian Army. First conducted in 1989, this year's exercise, the 23rd edition, was conducted from 12 to 25 November 2017 in Singapore and included professional exchanges and a combined battalion field exercise. The exercise serves as an important and valuable platform for professional exchanges and people-to-people interactions between both armies.

The two armies also hold an annual bilateral adventure training, the Singapore Armed Forces-Malaysian Armed Forces (SAF-MAF) Joint Adventure Training (JAT). First held in June 2006, the week-long SAF-MAF JAT aims to strengthen the professionalism and interaction between both armies through tough and challenging activities. This year's JAT, to be conducted in Singapore from 4 to 9 December 2017, will include activities such as an adventure race, cross-country cycling and dragon boating. 

Since 1996, the 3rd Singapore Division and 3rd Division Malaysian Armed Forces have been taking turns to host the annual Professional Interaction Programme (PIP) to establish good rapport and relationships between officers of various levels. This year's PIP, held from 23 to 26 May 2017 in Singapore, provided opportunities for both armies to engage in professional exchanges, discussion and informal interactions through visits to historical landmarks of Singapore such as Reflections at Bukit Chandu.

The Singapore Army and the Malaysian Army also encourage cross-attendance of courses. Personnel from the Malaysian Army have attended the Command and Staff Course at the Goh Keng Swee Command and Staff College, as well as other courses such as the Officer Cadet Course (Infantry) at the Officer Cadet School, and the Company Tactics Course and Battalion Tactics Course at the Army Officers' Advanced School. Personnel from the Singapore Army also attend the MAF Defence College Course and Army Tactics Company Commanders Course. The senior leadership of both armies also interact regularly through bilateral meetings and mutual visits to further cooperation in various areas. 

The Singapore Army and Malaysian Army will conduct an Army-to-Army Talks next year. The Talks will serve as a forum for regular dialogue and exchange of views on regional and global developments, as well as opportunities to further enhance existing bilateral defence ties and mutual cooperation between the two armies.

Besides bilateral exchanges, both armies also participate in multilateral activities under the ambit of the ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting and the Five Power Defence Arrangements, such as Exercise Suman Protector in October 2017.