The Chief of Army of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) Lieutenant General (LTGEN) Richard Burr was conferred Singapore's prestigious military award, the Pingat Jasa Gemilang (Tentera) or Meritorious Service Medal (Military) [MSM(M)], by President Halimah Yacob. Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen presented the award to LTGEN Burr at an investiture held at the Ministry of Defence earlier today.

LTGEN Burr was conferred the award for his significant contributions in strengthening the close and long-standing bilateral defence ties between Singapore and Australia. Underpinned by the Singapore-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, both armies have deepened defence cooperation under LTGEN Burr's leadership through the joint development of training areas and facilities in Australia. Once completed, these will expand the scope and complexity of the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF)'s training in Australia and advance bilateral training for generations to come.

LTGEN Burr was instrumental in facilitating the resumption of Exercise Wallaby 2021 at the Shoalwater Bay Training Area amidst the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, which is testament to his strong support for the SAF's training in Australia. LTGEN Burr has also been a strong proponent for joint operational deployments such as the SAF's deployment, alongside the ADF, to support the multinational coalition to defeat the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria. These interactions have been mutually beneficial and deepened people-to-people ties between the Singapore Army and the Australian Army.

On receiving the award, LTGEN Burr said, "I am humbled and honoured to receive the MSM(M) from the Singapore Ministry of Defence. This award reflects the strong and enduring military relationships between Singapore and Australia, and the bonds of friendship that link our armed forces."

Prior to the investiture, LTGEN Burr inspected a Guard of Honour and called on Dr Ng, Chief of Defence Force Lieutenant-General Melvyn Ong and Chief of Army Major-General Goh Si Hou. LTGEN Burr also visited Sembawang Air Base and took a familiarisation flight on board a Republic of Singapore Air Force Super Puma helicopter this morning. Tomorrow, LTGEN Burr will visit Headquarters Singapore Artillery and the Counter-Terrorism Information Facility.

Relevant health checks and safety measures were taken by the visiting delegation.