BUILDING COLLABORATION TO BOOST DEFENCE AND SECURITY TECH

28jun18_news1 https://www.defencepioneer.sg/images/default-source/_migrated_english/28jun18_news1432e9482-db8b-41c3-8e1f-e293593f515f.jpg?sfvrsn=3c9be30_2 https://www.defencepioneer.sg/pioneer-articles/BUILDING-COLLABORATION-TO-BOOST-DEFENCE-AND-SECURITY-TECH
https://www.defencepioneer.sg/pioneer-articles/BUILDING-COLLABORATION-TO-BOOST-DEFENCE-AND-SECURITY-TECH
BUILDING COLLABORATION TO BOOST DEFENCE AND SECURITY TECH
28 Jun 2018 | TECHNOLOGY

BUILDING COLLABORATION TO BOOST DEFENCE AND SECURITY TECH

// REPORT by Benita Teo 

// PHOTOS by Chai Sian Liang

The inaugural Singapore Defence Tech Summit (SDTS) is being held from 27 to 29 Jun. The three-day event brings together more than 400 industry experts from 17 countries, including policy-makers, defence scientists and leaders from academia and think tanks.

The summit is themed Impact of the 4th Industrial Revolution on Defence and Security. Participants will discuss trends in defence and security technology and explore new ways to innovate and build collaboration.

In his opening address at the Shangri-La Hotel on 27 Jun, Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen highlighted the importance of collaboration for growth and progress.

Said Dr Ng: "The chances of an isolated group succeeding in discovering or applying new techniques are slim. In game-theory parlance, collaboration is the dominant strategy with greater pay-offs." He also noted that modern inventors, innovators, scientists and engineers were increasingly open to sharing ideas.

But while the new knowledge is changing everyday life, it is also raising new dilemmas about ethics and morality, such as the role of human autonomy in the face of growing reliance on automation and robots, said Dr Ng.

In his speech, Dr Ng highlighted the need for governments and the private sector to work together to develop solutions to meet defence and security challenges, while making sure that the new technologies do not end up being exploited by potential attackers.

"How do we ensure that new technologies do not undermine our collective security? Already, terrorists and their networks use encrypted messenger apps to orchestrate plots, as well as drones to conduct surveillance and deliver improvised explosive devices," he said.

Dr Ng's points on collaborative efforts and technological security were echoed by General (GEN) (Ret) Keith Alexander, founder and Chief Executive Officer of IronNet Cybersecurity, a cyber security solutions company based in the United States (US).

A four-star general with four decades of experience in the US Army, GEN (Ret.) Alexander highlighted that critical infrastructure, such as transportation and finance networks, are prime targets for cyber attacks. 

While civilian infrastructural assets are often managed by commercial organisations, governments must share the responsibility of protecting these critical installations, said GEN (Ret) Alexander.

"The Internet of things is growing exponentially, and the risk to countries is growing as well. We – countries around the world – have to work together to figure out how to make the Internet and our use of these future devices better for our people," he said.

Suggested Reading
Feature
CHAMPIONS FOR INNOVATION
TECHNOLOGY
30 Jul 2025

Eleven Minister for Defence Awards (MDA) were given out this year, for innovations by MINDEF and SAF personnel that led to improved efficiency and safer working conditions.

Feature
GIANT LEAPS INTO NEW BOOTS
PEOPLE
29 Jul 2025

A career change is never easy, but a jump out of their comfort zones into the SAF is just what mid-careerists ME4 Jessica Ho and ME4 V. Yoginita wanted.

Feature
BEHIND THE PARADE
COMMUNITY
28 Jul 2025

Months of hard work and burnt weekends, all for Singapore’s biggest birthday bash. Here’s your backstage pass to this year’s National Day Parade!

MINDEF VOLUNTEERS HONOURED FOR CONTRIBUTIONS TO S’PORE’S DEFENCE
COMMUNITY
24 Jul 2025

These volunteers play a key role in promoting public awareness on defence matters and inspiring support for National Service.

FROM AUDITOR TO AIR WARFARE OFFICER
PEOPLE
23 Jul 2025

LTA Liz Voon swapped financial audits for air defence missions. Meet this mid-careerist who left one of the “Big 4” accounting firms to pursue her purpose in the RSAF, in PIONEER’s “From Desk to Field” series!

SHIP-TACULAR NDP 2025 DISPLAY AT MARINA BAY
COMMUNITY
19 Jul 2025

The maritime display is part of this year’s special NDP mobile column, joining the aerial flypast over the Padang and the drive-past along St Andrew’s Road.

Cover story
COMMITMENT IS OUR GREATEST DETERRENCE: MR CHAN
OPS & TRAINING
19 Jul 2025

Minister for Defence Chan Chun Sing witnessed the commitment of NSmen to Singapore’s defence, during his visit to a mobilisation exercise involving over 2,000 soldiers.

WHEN ENGINEERING INNOVATION MEETS NATIONAL DEFENCE
PEOPLE
16 Jul 2025

ME5 Joshua Tay brings 18 years of expertise in many different fields to the Digital and Intelligence Service (DIS). Meet this mid-careerist in the latest of PIONEER’s “From Desk to Field” series!

Cover story
FLYING HIGH FOR SG60
COMMUNITY
10 Jul 2025

The sky’s the limit when it comes to putting on a spectacular National Day Parade (NDP) aerial display for Singapore’s Diamond Jubilee. 

From hospital ward to hyperbaric chamber
PEOPLE
09 Jul 2025

ME1 Kaitlynn Arumugam shares why she made the switch from nursing to joining the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN), in the latest of PIONEER’s From Desk to Field series.