CELEBRATING SINGAPORE'S COMMUNITY OF DEFENCE "TECH WIZARDS"

"We have always believed that technology is the force multiplier for the SAF (Singapore Armed Forces). We have therefore consistently used technology and invested in developing our local talent to meet our nation's defence needs. This strategy has paid off."

Permanent Secretary (Defence Development) Ng Chee Khern said this when describing how the Defence Technology Community (DTC) has shaped Singapore's defence technology and innovation, and expanded Singapore's technological capabilities over the last 50 years.

The DTC started as a three-man team in 1966, within the Logistics Division of the then Ministry of Interior and Defence. Today, it is a 5000-strong community of defence scientists and engineers who develop, acquire, upgrade and sustain the SAF's defence systems and capabilities.

With the growing complexity of global threats, these defence scientists and engineers - the tech wizards behind the battle lines - have developed indigenous defence technology and innovations that keep Singapore safe, said Mr Ng.

The public will get to see some of these innovations at an interactive exhibition next month, held as part of the DTC 50th anniversary celebrations. It also aims to inspire future generations of defence scientists and engineers to join the DTC and contribute to Singapore's defence.

The SGDefence Exhibition will feature more than 60 exhibits grouped into five thematic clusters. The different clusters will cover the history of Singapore's defence industry, from its humble beginnings to what it is today, and its future direction.

Through these clusters, visitors will learn more about Singapore's journey from its first foray into the defence industry to its current cutting-edge defence capabilities. They will get a first-hand experience of the defence technology systems that have helped sharpened Singapore's edge in three key areas - Network Capabilities, Autonomous Capabilities and Soldier Protection and Performance. They will see how DTC innovations have made an impact beyond defence, in areas such as public health and the economy; and glimpse into the future of defence technology and how it can be applied to benefit Singapore.

Prominent DTC innovations will be showcased throughout the exhibition, such as the Island Air Defence (IAD) system - a multi-layered defence system which protects Singapore from airborne threats. The state-of-the-art sensors and command-and-control systems allow faster detection of aerial threats, while allowing commanders to respond faster and make better decisions.

Another innovation is the Transparent Ceramic Armour, which can withstand armour-piercing rounds even at close range. It is 90 percent lighter and 50 percent thinner than conventional glass armour, and is currently under production trial.

There will be interactive elements on display, such as the Humanoid Wrist Control System, where visitors can observe how the robot arm carries objects of different shapes and sizes through wireless control to improve a soldier's safety.

Winners of the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) PRoductivity and Innovations in Daily Efforts (PRIDE) Day 2016 will have their projects displayed in cluster three of the exhibition. This 35th edition of MINDEF PRIDE Day recognises ground-up innovations that have improved the SAF's efficiency and effectiveness over the past 35 years.

The SGDefence Exhibition will be held at the Marina Bay Expo and Convention Centre Hall A, from 4 to 8 Nov. It will open daily from 12.30pm to 8pm. Admission is free.