27 Mar 2007
He was appointed Singapore's Chief of Defence Force (CDF) just as the war in Iraq and SARS broke out. Since then, Lieutenant-General (LG) Ng Yat Chung has led the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) through various security challenges, numerous peacetime humanitarian missions and overall heightened operational tempo.
Principal among these operations was Operation Flying Eagle, the relief operation for the Boxing Day tsunami in 2004. LG Ng effectively commanded the largest and most complex mission the SAF had undertaken to date - with more than 1,500 servicemen and women deployed abroad to provide emergency relief, supported by many more personnel back in Singapore.
On top of that, LG Ng had been instrumental in the transformation of the SAF into a networked, knowledge-based force. He laid the blueprint for closer integration between the Services, overseeing the development of new operational concepts and introducing cutting-edge technologies to build up the SAF's new force structure.
After four eventful and fruitful years as CDF, LG Ng handed over the SAF symbol of command to Major-General (MG) Desmond Kuek Bak Chye on 23 Mar, at a change of command parade held at the SAFTI Military Institute.
Minister for Defence Teo Chee Hean witnessed the changeover, together with other senior MINDEF officials, SAF officers and members of the military diplomatic corps. The parade was made up of contingents drawn from all formations of the SAF.
In his tribute address, MG Kuek said: "Under LG Ng, the SAF has become a more integrated force, and is well positioned on its first spiral of networked capabilities."
"LG Ng will also be remembered for his unwavering efforts to champion organisational learning in the SAF. He has been instrumental in fostering a more open and conducive learning culture, with strong emphasis on growing the knowledge repositories that are vital for success in our complex operating environment," he added.
With the change in leadership, one thing remains constant: the SAF's journey towards a Third-Generation full-spectrum force - one that is integrated, networked, cohesive and focused in its mission to deter threats to Singapore's security and sovereignty.
To do so, MG Kuek said the SAF will continue to maintain a high level of operational readiness, a high standard of training excellence and look to operationalise new capabilities in integrated knowledge command and control systems, precision strike and unmanned warfare.
"We will engage our people intellectually, emotionally and professionally to strengthen their commitment to the defence of Singapore and to excellence in all that we do in the SAF," he added.
MG Kuek joined the SAF in 1981. He has held various senior appointments in the SAF, including the posts of Director, Joint Intelligence Directorate; Commander, 3rd Singapore Division; and Assistant Chief of the General Staff (Operations).
He was appointed Chief of Army in Apr 2003, and handed over this appointment to Brigadier-General (BG) Neo Kian Hong on 20 Mar this year.
MG Kuek has played a vital role in steering the Army towards organisational excellence, enhancing its capabilities and operational efficiency.
LG Ng will be retiring from the SAF after 28 years of service. He will return to the Administrative Service, after attending the Advanced Management Programme at Harvard University.
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