Senior Minister of State for Defence Dr Mohamad Maliki Bin Osman officiated at the 15th Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) Senior Military Expert Appointment Ceremony at Temasek Club this evening, where 111 servicemen and women were appointed as Senior Military Experts (MEs). The graduating cohort comprised 29 from the Singapore Army, 26 from the Republic of Singapore Navy, 40 from the Republic of Singapore Air Force and 16 from Joint.

At the ceremony, Dr Maliki highlighted the importance of a strong Military Expert Corps and the important role MEs play in supporting the SAF's capabilities. He said, "The SAF looks to our Military Experts for their leadership in technical and professional domain areas, such as intelligence, engineering, military medicine, cyber defence and many more… In the air, land, maritime and cyber domains, our Military Experts manage and maintain our high-tech weapon systems in order to maximise the effectiveness of our defence capabilities. This ensures that the SAF is ready in both its conventional and unconventional capabilities… It is no small responsibility to keep the SAF sharp and ready, especially as security threats continue to evolve."

Dr Maliki congratulated the newly-appointed Senior MEs, and thanked their loved ones for supporting the graduands through this journey.  He also reminded graduands of their responsibility as leaders. He said, "Inspire and motivate those who serve under you and help them contribute to the nation. Be confident, as you have been selected and trained to do the job. Your core values will always guide you when you chart your path forward."

This evening's ceremony marked the completion of the Military Domain Experts Course, which trains MEs to assume roles in the SAF where in-depth expertise in areas such as engineering, intelligence and military medicine is required. The training conducted during the course developed and honed the ME's leadership competency, military domain knowledge and specialised skills. The newly-appointed Senior MEs will move on to assume command or staff appointments in their professional areas.

Also present at the ceremony was Chief of Defence Force Lieutenant-General Melvyn Ong, senior SAF officers as well as families and friends of the graduands.