MINDEF SAVES $139M THROUGH INNOVATIVE IDEAS

"The demands on (national defence) are increasingly more complex and sophisticated. The only way that MINDEF or the SAF can address these challenges adequately is if individuals within the organization come up with good ideas."

Defence Minister Dr Ng Eng Hen's message for the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) PRoductivity and Innovation in Daily Efforts (PRIDE) Day 2014 was simple and yet resounding: In the face of evolving and complex security threats, everyone has a part to play in coming up with ways of overcoming new challenges.

Held at Nanyang Polytechnic on 28 Oct, this year's PRIDE Day award presentation ceremony saw more than 170 individuals, groups and units in MINDEF and the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) recognised for their ideas and efforts in innovation, which brought about savings of $139 million for the organisation in the last financial year.

A strong innovative culture and mindset

According to Dr Ng, the key to enhanced productivity and innovation can be summed up in two words: culture and mindset.

He added: "My observation is that culture and mindset are better transmitted through living examples - better caught than taught."

A formation-wide culture and mindset of innovation was exactly what helped Naval Logistics Command (NALCOM) clinch the top honours at this year's PRIDE Day awards. The formation won the prestigious Minister for Defence Award (MDA) for excelling in all components of the PRIDE Movement. While NALCOM's subordinate squadrons had won awards previously, this was its first win as a formation.

Commander NALCOM Military Expert 7 (ME7) Andy Tay explained that "across all levels of leadership, the commanders encourage people to do things better and do better things - to not be content with the status quo, but to constantly seek ways to improve".

Noting that the formation adopted the philosophy of the farmer who shared his good corn seeds with others to improve the harvest, ME7 Tay added:

"We tell our people to share innovation ideas with those around them because this will spur innovation in other domains."

Likewise for MDA (Innovation) winner, 6 Air Engineering and Logistics Group (6 AELG), cultivating an interest in innovation was essential to their win.

Commander 6AELG ME7 Timothy Yap explained: "To encourage lasting and sustainable innovation, we came up with the 'Three H' philosophy: Head-Hand-Heart.

"First, we must make sure that the people have the HEAD - knowledge and fundamentals of aircraft maintenance. Next is HAND, which refers to skills. And then there is HEART - we believe that everyone is important as far as innovation is concerned."

Saving costs, saving lives

In his speech, Dr Ng also noted the importance of each individual and working group's ideas and efforts: "The organisation can only think as good as the people within it."

And the ideas of small groups can often have a big impact on the organisation. Just ask Team Systemyst, comprising members from SAF Ammunition Command's (SAFAC's) procurement unit, Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA) and Headquarters Armour. They bagged the Savings and Value Enhancement Award for stretching the defence dollar with their project.

Noticing the high cost of the 25mm training ammunition used by Bushmaster guns in infantry fighting, the team carried out market surveys to source for cheaper alternatives that would not compromise on training capabilities. Their efforts led to savings of about $4.4 million for the organisation.

Said Ms Elenia Tay, a staff officer from SAFAC: "What we do costs a lot so prudency is always (necessary). And every little improvement helps not only the formation, but me as well by making my workflow better."

Sometimes, all it takes is a simple gesture from one person to change the life of another for the better. Mr Mohammad Rizal bin Leman, a Frontdesk/Registry In-charge from Personnel Command, found himself playing mentor when a full-time national serviceman (NSF) with autism was posted to work under him after Basic Military Training in 2012.

"His autism caused him to have difficulties adapting to his environment. But I helped him overcome his fear of serving NS (National Service). He is now more positive, and can even engage people, which he had trouble doing before. Even his father was shocked at the improvements he made while in NS!"

While honoured to win his first MINDEF Star Service Award, Mr Rizal humbly said that "there are other better candidates that deserve this recognition".

He added: "I believe in reaching out to my staff and ensuring that they have the life-skills necessary for when they transit from NS to civilian life. I want them to overcome their barriers and feel proud of themselves."

Creative solution to protect S'pore's skies 24/7

During the event, Dr Ng also announced that the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) would be deploying a tethered aerostat in a military camp next year. The new system, which will complement the RSAF's suite of airborne and ground-based radars, is expected to save MINDEF and the SAF approximately $29 million annually in operating costs.

The 55m-long balloon system will operate from a height of 600m to provide a clear line of sight over Singapore's air and sea space. It is operated by eight ground crew members and will provide 24/7 low-level radar coverage with a range of up to 200km.

On the reasons behind the RSAF's decision to install the Aerostat, Dr Ng explained: "We need an effective early warning system from threats that could come by air and sea. The recent MH370 incident showed that international rules for civilian air traffic do not require planes to reveal their positions all the time. (This) means that each country must build its own robust air and maritime surveillance system."