News Releases
Chief of Army of the Malaysian Armed Forces Makes Introductory Visit to Singapore, Reaffirms Warm and Long-standing Defence Ties
24 August 2026
The Chief of Army of the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) General (GEN) Tan Sri Dato' Sri Azhan Bin Hj Md Othman called on Minister for Defence Chan Chun Sing at the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) this morning.
The Chief of Army of the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) General (GEN) Tan Sri Dato' Sri Azhan Bin Hj Md Othman called on Minister for Defence Chan Chun Sing at the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) this morning. During their meeting, Minister Chan and GEN Azhan reaffirmed the warm and long-standing defence ties between Singapore and Malaysia, and highlighted that both armies will be commemorating the 30th anniversary of the annual bilateral Exercise Semangat Bersatu this year. They also discussed efforts to enhance cooperation and build people-to-people ties between both defence establishments particularly amongst the younger generation.
GEN Azhan, who is in Singapore from 23 to 25 August 2026, also called on Chief of Defence Force Vice Admiral Aaron Beng and Chief of Army Major-General Cai Dexian, after inspecting the Guard of Honour at MINDEF. As part of his visit, GEN Azhan visited the 3rd Singapore Division at Jurong Camp, where he received a brief and viewed static displays of the Singapore Army’s range of warfighting platforms and capabilities, including the Hunter Armoured Vehicle Launched Bridge, TPQ-53 Weapon Locating Radar, as well as the VELOCE 15 mini-Unmanned Aerial Vehicle.
GEN Azhan’s visit underscores the close and enduring defence relationship between Singapore and Malaysia. The Singapore Army and the Malaysian Army cooperate and interact regularly across a broad range of bilateral activities, including exercises, high-level visits, professional exchanges, and cross-attendance of professional courses. These regular interactions have deepened the mutual understanding and people-to-people ties between both armies.