Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen presented the inaugural Defence Technology Medals to President Tony Tan Keng Yam and seven other distinguished individuals at the Defence Technology Community (DTC) Pioneers' Dinner held at the Shangri-La Hotel this evening. The dinner was a tribute to the pioneering generation of defence engineers and scientists, who laid a strong foundation and shaped the technological front of the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF).

Speaking at the dinner, Dr Ng emphasised the important role that the DTC had played in developing the SAF's capabilities. He said, "None of this happened by chance, and would not have been possible without the defence technology community who marched alongside the SAF. The community ensured that the SAF's advanced capabilities were robust across their entire life cycle, from point of purchase to systems integration, actual operations, and long term serviceability." He also challenged the DTC to continue to think innovatively, and to create new possibilities for future generations of SAF servicemen. "We are a small nation, but with our unity and capabilities, we are not insignificant and are able to defend our home and interests. On this Golden Jubilee, I am confident that we will continue to develop the scientific know-how and expertise to safeguard Singapore's independence and sovereignty for future generations," he added.

Guest of Honour President Tony Tan highlighted the contributions of the DTC to Singapore and Singaporeans in his keynote speech. He said "Besides making sure that the SAF is always ready, our 5000-strong DTC is also a significant part of the Government's technical and engineering expertise, and contributes its professionalism and competencies to national initiatives."

Some 800 guests including current and former Permanent Secretaries, Deputy Secretaries and Chief Defence Scientists from the Ministry of Defence, as well as Chief Executives of the Defence Science and Technology Agency and DSO National Laboratories, attended the event.