New Chief of Defence Force for the SAF

01 Apr 2010

Outgoing Chief of Defence Force, LG Bak Chye (left), handing over the command symbol to the incoming Chief of Defence Force, MG (right).

The Armed Forces (SAF) welcomed Major-General (MG) Neo Kian Hong as its new Chief of Defence Force (CDF) this evening, at a Change of Command Parade held at the SAFTI Military Institute. Witnessed by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Teo Chee Hean, MG Neo, the former Chief of Army (COA) received the SAF's symbol of command from the outgoing CDF, Lieutenant-General (LG) Desmond Kuek Bak Chye. During the parade, LG Kuek and MG Neo reviewed a Guard of Honour and 14 marching contingents formed by servicemen from the Army, Navy and Air Force.

MG Neo, who joined the SAF in 1983, has held several key appointments, including Commander 7th Singapore Infantry Brigade; Assistant Chief of the General Staff (Operations); Commander 9th Division; Commander Army Training and Doctrine Command; and Chief of Staff - Joint Staff. Since appointed as COA on 20 Mar 2007, MG Neo has built a networked and advanced Army, and facilitated the Army's cooperation with

1 other armed forces in the region. He also played a significant role in the SAF's participation in international peacekeeping and humanitarian missions.

The outgoing CDF, LG Kuek, has served the SAF with distinction since 1981. As CDF, LG Kuek put in place the building blocks of the 3rd Generation SAF and significantly enhanced the SAF's ability to deal effectively with the evolving security challenges. He also strengthened the SAF's ties with other armed forces, as well as the SAF's efforts in nurturing and engaging SAF personnel at all levels to enhance their professionalism and competencies to meet the demands of a 3rd Generation fighting force.

The change of command is part of the SAF's leadership renewal process. The parade was attended by Minister for Education and Second Minister for Defence, Dr Ng Eng Hen, senior government officials and military officers from the SAF.

The new Chief of Defence Force, MG Neo Kian Hong, taking his oath at the Change of Command Parade this evening.

Related Resources:

- Speech by Outgoing Chief of Defence Force Lieutenant-General Desmond Kuek Bak Chye at the Chief of Defence Force Change of Command Parade (MINDEF_20100401002.pdf)

- Speech by Chief of Defence Force Major-General Neo Kian Hong at the Chief of Defence Force Change of Command Parade (MINDEF_20100401002_1.pdf)

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