Commander, United States (US) Cyber Command and Director, National Security Agency/Chief, Central Security Service, General (GEN) Paul Nakasone, 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 GEN Nakasone at an investiture held at the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) this afternoon.

GEN Nakasone was conferred the award in recognition of his outstanding contributions in strengthening the close cooperation between the US Cyber Command and the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF)'s Digital and Intelligence Service (DIS). In particular, he played an instrumental role in the US Department of Defense and MINDEF concluding a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Concerning Cooperation in Cyberspace in August 2021. This MOU institutionalised cyber cooperation between both our defence establishments in areas such as information sharing, operational and technical exchanges, and collaboration in regional capacity building efforts. GEN Nakasone has also been a strong advocate for the expansion of our bilateral ties and has enhanced both the breadth and depth of collaboration between our militaries, through regular high-level visits, exercises, and subject matter expert working groups. These interactions have also strengthened the friendship and mutual understanding between personnel from the US Cyber Command and the DIS.

GEN Nakasone is in Singapore from 21 to 24 March 2023. As part of his visit, he called on Dr Ng and Chief of Defence Force Lieutenant-General Melvyn Ong after inspecting the Guard of Honour at MINDEF.