Speech by Senior Minister of State For Defence Mr Heng Chee How for the 28/24 SAF Senior Military Expert Appointment Ceremony on 24 Jan 2025

Chief of Defence Force,

Service Chiefs, 

Senior Commanders,

Graduands of the 28th Graduating Cohort

Ladies and Gentlemen,

INTRODUCTION

A very good evening. I would first like to extend my heartiest congratulations to all 145 graduands. This is a momentous occasion, marking not only the culmination of your hard work and dedication thus far, but more importantly the beginning of your journey as Senior Military Experts in the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF). Your achievements are a testament to the perseverance that you have shown, the challenges you have overcome, and your unwavering commitment to the SAF.

THE NEED FOR DEEP DOMAIN EXPERTISE IN THE SAF

We are living in an era fraught with conflict. The Russia-Ukraine War is a month away from entering its third year, and the war in the Middle East continues with no end in sight, notwithstanding the very recent ceasefire. For a small country like Singapore reliant on a rules-based international order, that order appears to be fast eroding in today’s world because of the geopolitics. Such rapid change of circumstances serves as a stark reminder of the need for a strong and capable SAF to defend our sovereignty should the need arise.  

Recent global events have underscored the evolving nature of warfare, shaped by rapid technological advancements which have introduced new and emerging domains of conflict. The ongoing conflicts in Europe and the Middle East have seen a rise in the use of disruptive technologies for military operations – just to illustrate a couple of them.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has radically transformed military operations across many fronts – from facial recognition for targeted precision attacks, to the production of deep-fake media content for disinformation campaigns. Today, AI has been employed extensively to process vast amounts of data and intelligence to realise strategic capabilities such as automatic target generation, greater battlespace awareness, and enhanced decision support systems. The Israeli Defence Force, for example, was able to process scores of intelligence data for the generation of Hamas-linked targets at an astounding rate through its AI-based Lavender programme.  

Cutting-edge space capabilities like Starlink have enabled vital communication and connectivity for Ukrainian troops in the most remote and contested battlefields. Satellite constellations enable the persistent and wide-ranging collection of strategic intelligence which informs and strengthens responses against adversaries. 

Both examples have shown us that the battlefield of today has changed. Aside from that, the rise of cyber-attacks on critical infrastructure are also stark reminders of how vulnerabilities in the digital realm can have devastating, far-reaching consequences. Cyber-attacks could seek to disrupt essential services, jeopardise national security, and erode public trust, through targeting systems that are essential to social stability and economic resilience such as healthcare systems and banking systems. The infamous NotPetya cyberattack in 2017 was a Russian-sponsored malware attack on Ukrainian infrastructure which spread globally, paralysing multinational corporations in the healthcare, energy and transportation sectors, which resulted in damages estimated at over $10 billion dollars.

With such advanced and disruptive technologies being fielded for military operations, it points to a clear need for the SAF to possess the necessary domain expertise to enable the rapid development and operationalisation of key strategic capabilities to counter such emergent threats – and this is where the role of the Military Expert comes in.

THE NEED FOR THE MILITARY DOMAIN EXPERTS SCHEME

With a goal to build deep expertise and specialisation within the SAF, the SAF introduced the Military Domain Experts Scheme on 1st April 2010. The scheme was the first of its kind globally, featuring a differentiated rank, sponsorship, and career structure tailored to the unique needs and aspirations of Military Experts.

The need for this scheme became even more apparent with the growing need to build up our indigenous cyber and intelligence capabilities in more recent years. This led to the formation of the Digital and Intelligence Service on 28 October 2022, reinforcing the vital role that Military Experts play in the SAF.

With the successful implementation of the Military Domain Experts Scheme, the SAF is now better positioned to navigate the complex and technologically driven security environment. It is vital that the SAF continues to attract passionate, dedicated and competent Military Experts equipped with the necessary skills to bolster our capabilities. This includes talented mid-career professionals, who bring with them a wealth of industrial experience to the SAF. 

One such example is ME5 Joshua Tay, who joined the ranks of the DIS after spending a fruitful 15 years in Wireless, Optical and Satellite Communications, and Cybersecurity Research and Development. His vibrant career path included stints with multinational corporations in the United States and Japan, with collaborations with local research institutions. Alongside other mid-careerists, his previous experience, fresh perspectives, and knowledge of industry best practices enable him to contribute very meaningfully to the work of the SAF.

THE PIVOTAL ROLE OF SENIOR MILITARY EXPERTS

The continued strength of the SAF hinges on its ability to rapidly deliver new capabilities that is fuelled by innovation and a desire to push technological boundaries. As Senior Military Experts, you are the leaders and innovators who will drive the development and adaptation of cutting-edge technologies for the SAF. Your role is pivotal in sharpening our warfighting edge and ensuring that we remain technologically equipped and adept at countering the threats of not only today, but those of tomorrow.

The ability to innovate and adapt with speed and skill is a strategic capability which can serve a tactical advantage and sometimes a strategic one as well. To cultivate this, we must nurture an innovative spirit and instill an attitude of lifelong learning in our people to unlock their full potential. 

One such example is ME4 Hanuraj from the Republic of Singapore Navy. As a mid-careerist with a background in mechanical engineering, Hanuraj continuously sought new opportunities to learn and grow. He would regularly enroll himself in professional courses beyond the scope of work with pursuit of personal growth and upskilling. Upon completion of his courses, he would then voluntarily gather his team at work to share what he had learnt with them, which speaks volumes of his commitment to the collective growth of his team and that of the wider organisation. 

We also have ME4A Lim Xian Sheng, another mid-careerist, this time from the construction industry. He sought proactively to optimise site operations, introducing innovative solutions to streamline workflows and improve safety protocols. After joining the Army Maintenance and Engineering Support Formation, he maintained his passion for innovation by seeking out creative methods to streamline the execution for events and enhance team collaboration in his daily work.

Yet another such role model is ME5 Michael Wong, a mid-careerist who worked as an automation and robotics engineering specialist in the manufacturing industry for the past 20 years. He took a leap of faith in his late forties to venture into data science without prior background or expertise in that field. In order to equip himself with the necessary skill sets, he enrolled in Python and Data Analysis courses using his SkillsFuture credits while juggling his ongoing work commitments in manufacturing. Through sheer passion and determination, he dedicated countless hours to honing his newfound expertise in data science, which then put him in good stead to contribute effectively as a Data Scientist in the RSAF Agile Innovation Digital Department. 

Hanuraj, Xian Sheng, and Michael exemplify the spirit of excellence, innovation, and passion for learning that we want to cultivate in all our people. As Senior Military Experts, you must be strong advocates for this, and continue to imbue it in others. It is not enough to strive for individual excellence in your respective domains; you are charged with the responsibility of leading those under your charge and grooming the next generation of Military Experts. Your men and women will look to you for guidance, confidence and direction. Your ability to lead and influence them will be crucial in charting new ground and in achieving greater technological heights for the SAF. Lead with passion, conviction, and hold yourself to the standards and competencies that you demand of others. It will be fraught with challenges, but I know you will rise to the challenge with courage and fortitude and that you will find fulfilment and satisfaction along the way.

APPRECIATION FOR SPOUSES AND FAMILIES

As we gather to celebrate your achievements here today, we also want to extend our deepest gratitude and appreciation to families and loved ones for the wonderful and unconditional support they have shown to all our graduands throughout their journey on this course. Their unwavering support has allowed our Military Experts to focus on their learning, training and to excel in their roles. 

CONCLUSION 

Once again, my heartiest congratulations to all our newly appointed Senior Military Experts. Your journey is only beginning, and I look forward to your meaningful contributions. While the road ahead may be challenging and uncertain, trust in your training and never forget your purpose. Lead with honour, innovate with passion, and continue to inspire those around you. Once again, all the best in your journey ahead. 

Thank you very much and have a pleasant evening.

More Resources

145 Appointed as Senior Military Experts