MG NEO APPOINTED AS NEW CHIEF OF DEFENCE FORCE

In line with the Singapore Armed Forces' leadership renewal process, Major-General (MG) Neo Kian Hong assumed his new role as Chief of Defence Force (CDF) on 31 Mar. On 1 Apr, a Change of Command Parade was held at the SAFTI Military Institute.

At the parade, former-CDF Lieutenant-General (LG) Desmond Kuek paid tribute to the soldiers, sailors and airmen of the SAF. "I have been inspired and encouraged by so many outstanding and dedicated leaders everywhere in the SAF," he said during his speech. LG Kuek added that he was confident that the SAF would rise to greater heights under MG Neo's command.

Since assuming the command since Mar 2007, LG Kuek steered the SAF towards becoming a 3rd Generation fighting force and furthered its ability to deal with changing security challenges. Besides cementing the SAF's ties with other armed forces, LG Kuek is also credited with nurturing and engaging SAF personnel at all levels to bolster their professionalism and competencies to meet new operational demands.

Under LG Kuek, the SAF also revamped its existing career schemes and rolled out the Military Domain Experts Scheme (MDES) in a bid to better attract and retain talent. The revised schemes and MDES provide SAF personnel with more educational and advancement opportunities.

"Our people and our structures are now better positioned and ready for the challenges facing us today and into the future," said LG Kuek of SAF's transformation into one that is more integrated, networked and effective.

After relinquishing his position as CDF, LG Kuek will return to the Administrative Service.

Witnessed by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Teo Chee Hean, MG Neo - formerly Chief of Army - received the SAF's symbol of command from outgoing CDF, LG Kuek at the parade.

In his speech, MG Neo referred to LG Kuek's leadership as "dynamic" and thanked him for forging a more integrated and capable SAF. MG Neo continued by exhorting all in the SAF to "maintain the momentum" in its ongoing transformation.

"We will also need to continue enhancing our operations and investing in our people in order to maintain the SAF's cutting edge," said MG Neo.

Since joining the SAF in 1983, MG Neo has held several key appointments in the SAF, including many senior leadership positions such as Commander 7th Singapore Infantry Brigade, Assistant Chief of the General Staff (Operations), Commander 9th Division, Commander Army Training and Doctrine Command and Chief of Staff - Joint Staff.

Under his watch, the Army has enhanced its network capabilities to become an advanced fighting force. MG Neo was also pivotal in the Army's participation in international peacekeeping and humanitarian missions.

The change of command parade - comprising a Guard of Honour and 14 marching contingents from the three Services - was reviewed by both LG Kuek and MG Neo.

Minister for Education and Second Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen, Minister of State for Defence Associate Professor Koo Tsai Kee, as well as senior government officials and SAF military officers were also present.

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