ASEAN MUST STEP UP TO ADDRESS REGIONAL SECURITY CHALLENGES: DR NG

16apr18_news1 https://www.defencepioneer.sg/images/default-source/_migrated_english/16apr18_news1.jpg?sfvrsn=1811cd15_2 https://www.defencepioneer.sg/pioneer-articles/ASEAN-MUST-STEP-UP-TO-ADDRESS-REGIONAL-SECURITY-CHALLENGES-DR-NG
https://www.defencepioneer.sg/pioneer-articles/ASEAN-MUST-STEP-UP-TO-ADDRESS-REGIONAL-SECURITY-CHALLENGES-DR-NG
ASEAN MUST STEP UP TO ADDRESS REGIONAL SECURITY CHALLENGES: DR NG
16 Apr 2018 | Diplomacy

ASEAN MUST STEP UP TO ADDRESS REGIONAL SECURITY CHALLENGES: DR NG

// REPORT & PHOTOS JESSICA TAN
// FROM KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA

Continued security cooperation among ASEAN countries is crucial in ensuring the region's stability and progress, said Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen at the 5th Putrajaya Forum in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on 16 Apr.

The Putrajaya Forum is a biennial defence and security conference organised by the Malaysian Institute of Defence and Security, which brings together defence ministers, officials and academics to discuss defence and security issues. 

Dr Ng spoke at the first plenary session on the topic of "Regional Security Crescendos and its Implication on Stability", where he described how the next decade will be marked by security challenges such as instability on the Korean Peninsula as well as the East and South China Seas, and terrorism. 

He stressed the continued relevance of ASEAN and highlighted the key role of the ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting (ADMM)-Plus as a platform for defence and security in the region. 

"ASEAN will have to step up to address the security challenges in our region. It is to our intimate interest to do so. The ADMM-Plus, in particular, is the most important defence and security platform for this region and we must redouble efforts to build its resilience and enhance its relevance."

Elaborating on the "3Cs" that that Singapore will focus on as the 2018 ADMM Chair, Dr Ng said that Singapore aims to enhance Counter-Terrorism (CT) cooperation; strengthen regional capability against Chemical, Biological and Radiological (CBR) threats; and establish practical Confidence-Building Measures (CBMs) and code for unplanned encounters at sea and in the air. 

First, he noted Singapore has proposed a "3Rs" CT framework of "Resilience, Response and Recovery" to better tie regional CT initiatives together and improve coordination and synergy among the various countries. 

Dr Ng added that the establishment of a virtual ASEAN network of CBR defence experts will deepen professional links, increase their CBR knowledge and techniques, and provide a channel for mutual assistance in the event of a regional CBR attack or disaster.

On establishing practical CBMs, he noted that all 18 ADMM-Plus navies agreed to adopt the Code for Unplanned Encounters at Sea, or CUES, at the 12th ADMM-Plus Experts' Working Group on Maritime Security in November 2017. 

Reiterating his message for regional cooperation, Dr Ng concluded: "If we can work together to avoid the perils, then this region can continue to enjoy stability and progress for another generation."

During his visit to Malaysia, Dr Ng also met with Malaysian Minister of Defence Dato' Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein and reaffirmed the long-standing defence relationship between Singapore and Malaysia. 

Both ministers agreed to strengthen their countries' defence ties through more military interactions at all levels, as well as enhance practical cooperation to combat regional threats through multilateral fora such as the Shangri-la Dialogue, ADMM and ADMM-Plus. 

Suggested Reading
Feature
NDP 2025 BRINGS THE PARTY TO THE HEARTLANDS
Diplomacy
16 Apr 2018

The National Day festivities don’t end at the Padang! Continue the fun at five heartland locations on 10 Aug.

Cover story
COORDINATED JUMP BY RED LIONS & NAVAL DIVERS AT NDP
Diplomacy
16 Apr 2018

It’s the first time the Red Lions and Naval Divers are jumping into two different locations – the Padang and Marina Bay respectively – as part of a coordinated display!

Feature
60 YEARS ON, THEIR COMMITMENT REMAINS STRONG
Diplomacy
16 Apr 2018

The SAF celebrated its 60th anniversary on 1 Jul with a special SAF Day Parade and Combined Rededication Ceremonies across Singapore. 

Cover story
BRINGING THEIR A-GAME IN SAF BEST UNIT COMPETITION
Diplomacy
16 Apr 2018

These units were recognised for their outstanding achievements in this year’s SAF Best Unit Competition. Find out what makes them champions!

Feature
RECOGNISING THEIR CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE SAF
Diplomacy
16 Apr 2018

These servicemen were among over 1,200 MINDEF and SAF personnel who are being promoted for their good performance and potential – meet COL Fairoz, SWO Zulkarnaen, MAJ Muhammad Iskandar and 1SG Muhd Hidhir.

NDP 2025 SHOW EXPANDS FROM PADANG TO MARINA BAY
Diplomacy
16 Apr 2018

This year’s NDP show will be a musical extravaganza with over 3,000 performers, eight land and water floats, and the largest mobile stage ever used in NDP history!

Feature
PREPARING THE PARADE FOR SAF’S DIAMOND JUBILEE
Diplomacy
16 Apr 2018

SAF Day Parade Commander LTC Shew Narian and Parade Regimental Sergeant Major (RSM) ME4 Lee Han Seng share how they and the parade participants have been hard at work to put up the perfect parade come 1 Jul.

Cover story
First air-land-sea display at NDP 2025 Mobile Column
Diplomacy
16 Apr 2018

The NDP Mobile Column makes its highly anticipated return this year not just on land, but also in the air and in the waters of Marina Bay!

SAFVC turns 10, promotes senior volunteers to SV4
Diplomacy
16 Apr 2018

Marking a decade of duty, the SAF Volunteer Corps (SAFVC) celebrates its 10th anniversary this year with a special parade featuring some of its first as well as latest batch of volunteers.

FROM COMMANDO TO NAVAL OFFICER
Diplomacy
16 Apr 2018

A Commando NSF turned Naval Officer, 2LT Arjan Singh made the transition from jungle to sea when he signed up with the Navy.