Singapore Gets New Defence Chief

Rear Admiral Aaron Beng Yao Cheng has been appointed the new Chief of Defence Force (CDF) at a Change of Command Parade held recently at the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) Training Institute. He superseded Lieutenant General Melvyn Ong Su Kiat.

The ceremony was witnessed by Singapore’s Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen. Also present were Senior Ministers of State Heng Chee How and Zaqy Mohamad, senior defence ministry and SAF officers, as well as the military diplomatic corps.

RAdm Beng, 41 joined the SAF in 2000 and has held several key appointments, including Commanding Officer of the Frigate Squadron, Director of the Defence Policy Office, Fleet Commander, Chief of Staff – Naval Staff and Chief of Navy.

During his tenure as Chief of Navy, RAdm Beng focused on enhancing the RSN’s operational readiness, capabilities and partnerships while prioritising the well-being of its people. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit Singapore, he oversaw the development of robust measures to ensure the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN)’s readiness in safeguarding Singapore’s maritime sovereignty and security, while expanding Singapore’s defence policy space by having contactless exercises at sea and virtual engagements with defence partners. He also oversaw the safe conduct of the 7th International Maritime Security Conference, the first large-scale maritime conference held since the start of the pandemic. –shp/adj/aaa (Image: Singapore MINDEF)