Mr Mervyn Tan Wei Ming, currently Deputy Secretary (Technology) and Future Systems and Technology Architect, will take over from Mr Tan Peng Yam as the Chief Executive (CE) of the Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA) on 15 May 2021.

Mr Tan Peng Yam, 62, has held the post of CE DSTA since 1 January 2011. Over the course of his 10-year tenure, Mr Tan Peng Yam strengthened DSTA's capabilities to develop solutions harnessing the latest technologies to meet Singapore's evolving defence and national security needs. Under his leadership, DSTA furthered its collaboration with international partners in both the military and commercial domains. To support staff development, Mr Tan Peng Yam introduced a comprehensive framework to deepen competencies in areas such as multi-disciplinary technology development, advanced engineering and programme management. These contributions further strengthened DSTA's reputation as an innovative, world-class defence technology agency. DSTA also played a key role in supporting the wider Public Sector across various domains, including in the national fight against COVID-19.

The incoming CE DSTA, Mr Mervyn Tan, 48, has played a significant role as Deputy Secretary (Technology) in developing technology strategies and cyber capabilities, as well as formulating acquisition, procurement and logistics policies. He led MINDEF's Research and Development master planning, and helped to advance research priorities to support capability development for the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF). Over the course of his military career, Mr Mervyn Tan has held command appointments, such as Director Military Intelligence/Chief Command, Control, Communications, Computers and Intelligence, as well as the Chief of Air Force. Mr Mervyn Tan holds a Bachelor of Engineering (First Class Honours) from the University of Sydney in Australia and a Master in Business Administration from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in the United States of America. He was also awarded the Public Administration Medal (Gold/Military) in 2017.

The Ministry of Defence expresses its deep appreciation to Mr Tan Peng Yam for his distinguished service, exemplary leadership and invaluable contributions to MINDEF/SAF, DSTA and the Defence Technology Community.