News Releases
Singapore and Malaysia Defence Ministers Reaffirm Warm and Longstanding Defence Ties
25 August 2025
Minister for Defence Mr Chan Chun Sing called on Malaysia Minister of Defence Dato’ Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, and inspected the Guard of Honour at the Malaysia Ministry of Defence earlier this afternoon.
Minister for Defence Mr Chan Chun Sing called on Malaysia Minister of Defence Dato’ Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, and inspected the Guard of Honour at the Malaysia Ministry of Defence earlier this afternoon. During the call, both Ministers reaffirmed the warm and longstanding bilateral relationship between Singapore and Malaysia, and the value of enhancing people-to-people ties between both defence establishments. The Defence Ministers also discussed regional security developments and cooperation between Singapore and Malaysia in regional multilateral platforms such as the ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting (ADMM), ADMM-Plus, and the Five Power Defence Arrangements.
Mr Chan and Dato’ Seri Khaled also witnessed the signing of the Arrangement for Mutual Submarine Rescue Support and Cooperation between the Republic of Singapore Navy and the Royal Malaysian Navy. Signed by Singapore Chief of Navy Rear Admiral (RADM) Sean Wat and Chief of Royal Malaysian Navy Admiral (ADM) Tan Sri (Dr) Zulhelmy bin Ithnain, the arrangement establishes the framework for mutual support and assistance in the event of a submarine incident. This is a testament to the strong ties between both ministries and navies.
Mr Chan also met with Malaysia Minister of Housing and Local Government Nga Kor Ming. Both ministers discussed ways to further civil service exchanges in the areas of urban planning and housing development, such as through public officers’ interactions and study visits.
Mr Chan is in Malaysia from 25 to 26 August. He will deliver the keynote address at the PUSPAHANAS, the National Defence Education Centre under the Malaysia Ministry of Defence, tomorrow.