Vice Admiral (VADM) Aaron Beng joined the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) in
2000. VADM Beng spent his formative years in the Republic of Singapore Navy
(RSN) aboard the Victory-class missile corvettes and thereafter the
Formidable-class frigates. VADM Beng commanded the frigate RSS Intrepid from
2013 to 2014, and the Formidable-class frigate squadron from 2016 to 2017.
VADM Beng also served as the Fleet Commander of the RSN. His notable staff
appointments, amongst others, included the Chief of Staff (Naval Staff) and
Director, Policy Office. VADM Beng served as the Chief of Navy (CNV) before
being appointed as the Chief of Defence Force (CDF).
As the CNV, VADM Beng steered the RSN through the COVID-19 pandemic while
continuing to safeguard Singapore’s sovereignty and security. Under VADM
Beng's leadership, the RSN pursued organisational changes and capability
development to prepare for the future. These included the operationalisation
of the Maritime Security and Response Flotilla; strengthening of the RSN’s
Engineering and Logistics system; launch of the second and third
Invincible-class submarines; and the operationalisation of a
Whole-of-Government sense-making system to improve inter-agency security
coordination at sea. The RSN also furthered Singapore’s defence policy space
during the pandemic through COVID-19 safe exercises at sea, virtual
engagements with defence partners, and the safe conduct of the 7th
International Maritime Security Conference which was the first large-scale
maritime conference held since the start of the pandemic.
For his contributions to the SAF, VADM Beng was awarded the Public
Administration Medal (Bronze) (Military) in 2017. He was also awarded the
SAF Overseas Service Medal for his contributions to Ops Blue Orchid in Iraq
in 2008.
VADM Beng was awarded the President's Scholarship and SAF Overseas
Scholarship in 2000. He graduated from Yale University in 2004 with a
Bachelor's degree in Economics and Engineering Sciences (Electrical). He
also attended the United States Naval Command and Staff Course, conducted at
the United States Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island in 2012.
VADM Beng is married to Sharon and they have two children.