28 October 2020

News Release

MARKING 20 YEARS OF ENGINEERING ’S DEFENCE

The Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA) celebrated 20 years of building Singapore’s defence capabilities and growing a vibrant science and technology ecosystem at a commemorative ceremony today.

Deputy Prime Minister (DPM), Coordinating Minister for Economic Policies and Minister for Finance , who was the Guest-of-Honour, congratulated DSTA on 20 years of progress and achievements. DPM Heng said that a strong science and technology core will be even more critical to the Singapore story and the , as Singapore navigates an increasingly complex world with fast-evolving threats. He also thanked DSTA staff for going beyond the call of duty to support the ongoing fight against COVID-19, such as developing solutions to aid contact tracing, procuring emergency healthcare supplies and co- developing temperature self-check systems and Mobile Swab Stations.

DPM Heng launched DSTA’s 20th anniversary commemorative book, Ordinary People Extraordinary Passion, chronicling the organisation’s transformation, innovations and contributions over two decades. These include delivering the highly networked Island Air Defence System, the ’s first fully digitalised Hunter Armoured Fighting Vehicle, and the Littoral Mission Vessel that was extensively customised to meet Singapore’s unique needs, among other defence innovations.

DSTA Chief Executive Tan Peng Yam said, “DSTA was established as a statutory board to give us the autonomy, speed, and flexibility to harness the best of science and technology globally, including the commercial sector. To achieve our mission, we adopted the strategy in investing in and harnessing our people to their fullest potential. We place great emphasis on our shared purpose as well as creating meaningful work and a vibrant environment for everyone to collaborate, innovate and grow. We couldn’t have achieved all these without the support and collaboration with our partners and friends from across the globe too.”

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The commemorative event was also attended by Minister for Defence Dr , Senior Ministers of State for Defence and , Permanent Secretary (Defence Development) Joseph Leong, Chief of Defence Force Lieutenant-General Melvyn Ong and senior officials from the Ministry of Defence and the Singapore Armed Forces. Over 3,000 DSTA staff and guests including DSTA alumni, local and international partners, as well as officials from other agencies tuned in virtually to mark this significant milestone for DSTA.

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About the Defence Science and Technology Agency

The Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA), a statutory board under Singapore’s Ministry of Defence, exploits science and technology, and provides technological and engineering support for Singapore’s defence and security. It delivers leading-edge technological solutions to the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) by tapping the best technologies and fostering an environment of innovation for defence applications. Its role spans the entire spectrum of capability planning, development, and sustainment of weapon systems throughout their life cycle to ensure that the SAF continue to be a formidable fighting force.

Visit www.dsta.gov.sg for more information.

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