Overview

• Dr Ng Eng Hen officially announced his retirement after serving as Singapore's Defence Minister since 2011 and contributing 24 years to politics.
• He spearheaded the modernisation of the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF), including the establishment of the Digital and Intelligence Service in 2022.
• Under his leadership, digital defence was added as the sixth pillar of Total Defence, addressing cyber threats and disinformation in an evolving security landscape.
• Dr Ng integrated safety culture reforms into the SAF, prioritising zero-accident performance alongside operational capability.
• He emphasized Singapore's pragmatic approach to defence diplomacy, fostering trust among major powers and regional partners to maintain stability and relevance.