Innovation is Important for Sustaining MINDEF/SAF’s Capabilities and Future Readiness

Minister for Defence Mr Chan Chun Sing officiated on the IGNITE Innovation Symposium 2025 (IIS25) on the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) this afternoon. He introduced awards to eleven Minister for Defence Award (MDA) recipients. A complete of 139 people, groups and models from throughout MINDEF and the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) had been recognised for his or her improvements and work enchancment efforts, which have led to enhancements in effectivity and security, in addition to a sturdy innovation ecosystem important to sustaining MINDEF/SAF’s edge and future readiness.

During his speech, Mr Chan emphasised the significance of a tradition of innovation, including that “throughout history, most of the operations were fought because people can innovate and keep improving…It is not how well-equipped one side is versus the other side; it is not how many people or how much resources they have that counts…it is how fast people are able to innovate…The speed of our innovation is critical to our war fighting capabilities.”

Mr Chan additionally reaffirmed the dedication to being a nation that works collectively to unravel challenges on the battlefield. He highlighted that each Operationally Ready National Servicemen (NSmen), and full-time National Servicemen had been important enablers to innovation inside MINDEF/SAF. Mr Chan talked about how NSF 3SG Mark Gowie Bosco had performed a key position in creating the Digital Risk Assessment Checklist (Digi-RAC) software program software for SAF-issued Fitbits, in addition to NSman 3SG(NS) Pang Yan Wei who had supported the event of the Artificial Intelligence-Individual Physical Proficiency Test (aiPPT).

Reinforcing the significance of wanting past MINDEF/SAF, Mr Chan additionally stated “there will always be ideas that are beyond our defence establishment. This could be in the private sector, commercial companies, academia, or other institutions that are beyond MINDEF, and we must find ways to tap on their ideas and bring on board relevant concepts that we can customise for our own needs. I am happy to note that we now have a range of other partners, from academia to companies, and we have every intention to keep widening this network so that we can draw in the best ideas from anywhere in Singapore or beyond for our operational needs.” These embody partnerships such because the Army-SIT System Engineering & Technology (ASSET) Living Lab, in addition to SPOT-Safeguard; developed by Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) however made operational by way of Amazon Web Services.

IIS25 goals to recognise the achievements and contributions of models and personnel in innovation, offers a platform for cross sharing of concepts and bolster the spirit of steady studying and enchancment inside the organisation. The theme for IIS25, “Redefining our Everyday through Innovation”, displays MINDEF/SAF’s perpetual pursuit to use know-how and innovation to enhance effectivity and operational readiness with lasting influence.

Also current on the awards presentation ceremony had been Permanent Secretary (Defence) Mr Chan Heng Kee, Chief of Defence Force Vice Admiral Aaron Beng, in addition to senior officers from MINDEF and the SAF.

More Resources

Speech by Minister for Defence, Mr Chan Chun Sing, on the Ignite Innovation Symposium on 30 Jul 2025 on the Ministry of Defence Auditorium

IGNITE Innovation Symposium 2025 Award Winners