THANK YOU, DPM TEO

After eight years as Defence Minister, Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean relinquishes the portfolio to head the Home Affairs Ministry. PIONEER looks at his impact on the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) and the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF).

On his last day at MINDEF, Mr Teo's office was abuzz with activity. Staff from MINDEF and the SAF who had worked closely with him entered his office in droves to extend their well-wishes to him and to say a simple "thank you" for what he has done in the defence ministry.

His contributions to Singapore's defence extend all the way back to 1972. From an officer holding various command and staff appointments in the Republic of Singapore Navy, then Rear-Admiral Teo went on to become the Chief of Navy, and subsequently served as Minister of State as well as Senior Minister of State for Defence, Second Minister for Defence and Minister for Defence.

During his eight years at the helm of the defence ministry, he built on the foundations laid by his predecessors and led MINDEF and SAF through a period characterised by transformation.

Friendly relations

As defence minister, Mr Teo played a pivotal role in nurturing strong ties with Singapore's defence partners, serving at the forefront of defence diplomacy through his interactions with international defence leaders.

He was also a driving force behind the signing of major agreements such as the Strategic Framework Agreement with the United States in 2005.

Mr Teo also contributed signifcantly in building up the Shangri-La Dialogue, which is held annually in Singapore and has become the premier defence and security forum in the Asia-Pacific.

Together with the other ASEAN defence ministers, Mr Teo developed the conceptualisation and establishment of the ASEAN Defence Minister's Meeting (ADMM)-Plus.

The ADMM-Plus places ASEAN at the centre of the regional security architecture, and brings together ASEAN and eight key extra-regional countries to share perspectives, expertise and resources to address challenges faced in the region. The inaugural meeting was held in October last year in Hanoi, Vietnam.

On the purpose of the ADMM-Plus, Mr Teo said: "It provides an inclusive yet focused configuration, bringing together...the defence establishments of all the key players in the region. The ADMM-Plus has great potential to bridge both dialogue and practical cooperation."

Overseas contributions

The SAF participated in numerous overseas deployments during Mr Teo's tenure as defence minister. These range from contributions to multinational stablisation and reconstruction efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan to deployments to the Gulf of Aden for counter-piracy missions, and around the region for humanitarian assistance and disaster-relief missions.

"Security problems in other parts of the world such as terrorism or piracy can affect the peace and stability of Singapore. As a responsible member of the international community, Singapore has to do her part to help - indeed it is in our national interest to do so," said Mr Teo.

3rd Generation SAF

In the last decade, the SAF has been quickening the pace of its 3rd Generation transformation, acquiring modern equipment such as the Terrex Infantry Carrier Vehicle, F-15SG fighter jet, Sikorsky S-70B naval helicopter and Archer-class submarine.

The ability to network these different pieces of hardware helps soldiers to fight more effectively, as they are able to call on the firepower of various assets in the SAF with ease.

"Now when you put (the soldier) in, boots on the ground, he's actually got the whole SAF in his backpack," said Mr Teo.

While having such advanced hardware inspires confidence, Mr Teo often emphasised that people remained the most important component of the SAF.

During his SAF Day message in 2007, he said: "The SAF's strength is derived not just from the number or sophistication of its guns, tanks, ships or aircraft. Our strength springs ultimately from the dedication and commitment of the men and women behind the machines. This is demonstrated in the manner our soldiers, sailors and airmen go about performing their duties - with professionalism, pride and confidence."

For the past eight years, Mr Teo's speeches were often peppered with him thanking servicemen and women for their contributions towards the defence of the country.

It is now time to appreciate him for playing a key role in keeping Singapore safe and secure.

Thank you, Mr Teo.

His thoughts on the SAF

"A strong defence capability is the foundation without which there can be no growth and development for our country. It is only with a strong defence capability that Singapore can continue to grow and prosper, and our people can have the political space to pursue our own destiny."
-in his 2004 SAF Day message

"It is said that wars are fought with weapons, but they are won only by men, and I suppose, women as well. Whether it is conventional deterrence or overcoming terrorism, the resolve of our people is the key...With vigilance and with resolve we can face and overcome all threats to Singapore."
-in his keynote address at the Temasek Seminar in 2004

"We know that when the time comes to fight, the SAF may not have a second chance of a victory. That drives the rigour and realism of the SAF s training...Our National Servicemen know that they will be in the frontline should the SAF ever have to go to war."
-in a statement at the 2005 Committee of Supply Debate