The Chief of the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) General (GEN) Tan Sri Dato' Sri Haji Affendi bin Buang was conferred Singapore's highest military award, the Darjah Utama Bakti Cemerlang (Tentera) [(Distinguished Service Order (Military)], by President Halimah Yacob at the Istana this afternoon. The investiture was attended by guests including Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen, Senior Ministers of State for Defence Mr Heng Chee How and Mr Zaqy Mohamad, Permanent Secretary (Defence) Mr Chan Heng Kee, Chief of Defence Force Lieutenant-General (LG) Melvyn Ong, as well as other senior government officials and military officers from both Singapore and Malaysia.

GEN Tan Sri Affendi was conferred the award for his significant contributions towards enhancing defence cooperation between Singapore and Malaysia. Under GEN Tan Sri Affendi's leadership, the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) and the MAF continued to strengthen long-standing defence ties through flagship bilateral exercises such as Exercise Malapura, Exercise SEMANGAT BERSATU, and Exercise SAREX MALSING, professional exchanges and cross-attendance of courses. These interactions have enabled both armed forces to forge closer rapport and trust. GEN Tan Sri Affendi's strong commitment to regional defence cooperation has also seen the SAF and the MAF work closely together on platforms such as Malacca Straits Patrol, the Five Power Defence Arrangements, and the ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting (ADMM)/ADMM-Plus to enhance regional security and stability.

GEN Tan Sri Affendi, who is in Singapore from 15 to 17 February 2022, called on Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong at the Istana after the investiture. Prior to the investiture, GEN Tan Sri Affendi reviewed a Guard of Honour, and called on Dr Ng and LG Ong at the Ministry of Defence. During the calls, both sides reaffirmed the warm and long-standing bilateral defence ties and discussed both countries' responses to common regional security challenges. GEN Tan Sri Affendi also visited the Singapore Air Show 2022 at Changi Exhibition Centre yesterday.

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