To commemorate its 50th anniversary, Singapore's Defence Technology Community (DTC) is launching a series of events to recognise key defence technology innovations developed by Singaporeans. These events, taking place from 4 to 8 November 2016, include the SGDefence Exhibition, the launch of a commemorative book series "Engineering Singapore's Defence - The Early Years", and the DTC50 Dinner to celebrate the community's 50th anniversary. 

In 1966, DTC started as a three-man team within the Logistics Division in then-Ministry of Interior and Defence. It has since become a key pillar in shaping Singapore's defence technology and innovation, and has played a pivotal role in establishing and expanding Singapore's technological defence capabilities over the last 50 years. "We have always believed that technology is the force multiplier for the SAF. We have therefore consistently used technology and invested in developing our local talent to meet our nation's defence needs. This strategy has paid off," said Permanent Secretary (Defence Development) Mr Ng Chee Khern. "With the growing complexity of global threats, our community of scientists and defence engineers -- the tech wizards behind the battle lines -- have developed indigenous defence technology innovations that keep Singapore safe," he noted.

The DTC is now a 5000-strong community of defence engineers and scientists responsible for developing, acquiring, upgrading and sustaining the SAF's defence systems and capabilities. Acknowledged internationally as a "reference customer" for defence acquisition, the DTC is recognised for its rigorous evaluation standards and professionalism. As a community of world-class engineers, the DTC has displayed its ingenuity in innovations such as the world's most modern underground ammunition facility, which set new standards for ground shock that have since been adopted by the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation. The DTC has also contributed beyond defence, to our engineering capabilities in the public service and society. 

Our Defence, Our Innovations - SGDefence Exhibition

The key highlight of the 50th anniversary celebrations is the SGDefence Exhibition that will be held at the Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Centre Hall A from 4 to 8 November 2016. The exhibition will showcase innovative defence technologies that were developed by the DTC's defence engineers and scientists.

The exhibition will also feature numerous ground-up innovations under the MINDEF PRoductivity and Innovation in Daily Efforts (PRIDE) initiative, as well as the Minister for Defence Award winners for MINDEF PRIDE Day 2016. Into its 35th iteration, the PRIDE exhibits will present the ingenuity of MINDEF/SAF personnel and their contributions to improve our efficiency and effectiveness. 

Opened to the public daily from 11am to 8pm, visitors can see, feel and interact with the exhibits. Divided into five clusters that will bring the visitors through the journey of how Singapore built and strengthened its defence technology capabilities, the displays are arranged to allow visitors to develop an understanding of how Singapore trains its armed forces and National Servicemen. Visitors can look forward to get their adrenaline pumping through an immersive experience using virtual reality technology where they shoot down adversaries in simulated displays. 

The Exhibition also aims to inspire and encourage aspiring scientists and engineers, who are interested in developing cutting-edge defence technology, to join DTC and the SAF.