The Chief of the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Air Marshal (AM) Melvin Hupfeld 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 AM Hupfeld at an investiture held at the Ministry of Defence earlier today.

AM Hupfeld was conferred the award for his significant contributions in strengthening the defence ties between the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) and the RAAF. AM Hupfeld's strong support for the RSAF's training in Australia and its periodic fighter detachments to Australia has been important for the RSAF's force generation and operational readiness. Under AM Hupfeld's leadership, both the RSAF and the RAAF have expanded bilateral defence cooperation and strengthened regional security cooperation through multilateral platforms, such as the ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting-Plus and the Five Power Defence Arrangements. These interactions have yielded significant professional benefits and strengthened people-to-people ties between the RSAF and the RAAF.

On receiving the award, AM Hupfeld said, "I am humbled to have received the MSM(M) from the Singapore Ministry of Defence. This award reflects the special and enduring bond between the RSAF and the RAAF."

Prior to the investiture, AM Hupfeld reviewed a Guard of Honour and called on Dr Ng, Chief of Defence Force Lieutenant-General Melvyn Ong and Chief of Air Force Major-General (MG) Kelvin Khong. Yesterday, AM Hupfeld, on behalf of the Chief of the Australian Defence Force General Angus Campbell, presented certificates and badges of commendation to MG Khong and RSAF personnel in recognition of the RSAF's contributions in supporting the Australian Government's bushfire relief efforts in 2020. AM Hupfeld also visited an F-15SG fighter squadron yesterday and will be visiting a Heron 1 Unmanned Aerial Vehicle squadron later today.

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