Chief of Defence Force Change of Command Parade 31 Mar 2000 The Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister for Defence, Dr Tony Tan witnessed the Change of Command Parade for the Chief of Defence Force. This parade was held this afternoon at SAFTI MI. Lieutenant-General (LT-GEN) Bey Soo Khiang handed over the SAF symbol of command to Major-General (MAJ-GEN) Lim Chuan Poh, who take over as the Chief of Defence Force with effect from 1 Apr 2000. He then reviewed a parade made up of contingents drawn from all formations of the SAF. Since his enlistment in 1973, LT-GEN Bey has served the SAF with distinction. He was awarded the SAF Overseas Scholarship in 1974. He made significant contributions in developing the RSAF into a modern and advanced airforce as Chief of Air Force, before he was appointed the Chief of Defence Force on 1 July 1995. In his current appointment, LT- GEN Bey has positioned the SAF well to meet the challenges in the twenty-first century. He has significantly improved the SAF's operational readiness and strengthened its ability to harness leading-edge technology to develop its capability. He played an important role in defence diplomacy, strengthening and expanding ties between the SAF and other armed forces around the world. He also played an important role in developing the SAF's human resources, and creating challenging and satisfying careers for SAF personnel. The incoming Chief of Defence Force, MAJ-GEN Lim, aged 38, joined the SAF in Dec 1979 and was awarded the SAF Overseas Scholarship in 1980. He holds a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) (Mathematics) Degree, a Master of Arts (Mathematics) Degree, both from the University of Cambridge, UK; as well as an MBA (Business Admin) from Cornell University, USA. In the course of his military career, he has held, amongst others, the appointments of Commanding Officer 3rd Singapore Infantry Regiment, Head Joint Plans Department, Commander 10th Singapore Infantry Brigade and Commander 9th Division. 1 The Change of Command is part of the SAF's policy on leadership renewal, and to release talented SAF officers to serve in the public and private sectors. LT-GEN Bey Soo Khiang will join the Singapore International Airlines. 2 .