President Halimah Thanks MINDEF and SAF Personnel for Their Contributions to Singapore's Defence

President Halimah Yacob (fifth from left) and Chief of Defence Force Vice Admiral Aaron Beng (fourth from left) interacted with personnel from MINDEF/SAF.

President Halimah Yacob hosted over 500 personnel from the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) and the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) to a reception at the Istana this evening. First held in 1992, the annual reception serves to recognise the commitment of MINDEF and SAF personnel, and their valuable contributions towards the defence of Singapore.

During the reception, President Halimah interacted with Operationally Ready National Servicemen (NSmen), Full-time National Servicemen, Regulars, Defence Executive Officers and SAF Volunteer Corps volunteers. They shared their perspectives on National Service and the need for a strong defence, based on their various experiences and roles in MINDEF and the SAF. These ranged from participation in bilateral and overseas exercises to balancing National Service (NS) duties with personal commitments.

This was also the first year that personnel from the Digital and Intelligence Service (DIS) were present at the reception, since its inauguration in October 2022. The DIS's Formation NSman of the year award recipient, ME4A(NS) Divian Nair, Deputy Head of the SAF Content Generation Hub, Psychological Defence Group said, "In today's complex security environment, it is important that the SAF remains strong and nimble. I am glad to be able to extend my Operationally Ready National Service (ORNS) commitment, and leverage on my civilian experience and expertise to contribute to Singapore's defence. I am also thankful that our NSmen's contributions are being recognised."

Guests present at the reception included Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen, Senior Ministers of State for Defence Mr Heng Chee How and Mr Zaqy Mohamad, Chief of Defence Force Vice Admiral Aaron Beng, as well as senior MINDEF and SAF officers. Members of the Government Parliamentary Committee for Defence and Foreign Affairs (GPC-DFA), the Advisory Council on Community Relations in Defence (ACCORD) and the SAF Veterans' League also attended the reception.

President Halimah Yacob and Senior Minister of State for Defence Mr Zaqy Mohamad interacted with service personnel from the Singapore Army.

Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen interacted with service personnel from the Republic of Singapore Navy.

Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen interacted with service personnel from the Digital and Intelligence Service.

Senior Minister of State for Defence Mr Heng Chee How interacted with service personnel from the Republic of Singapore Air Force.