HONOURING SINGAPORE'S DEFENCE TECH COMMUNITY

Over the past five decades, Singapore's Defence Technology Community (DTC) has worked silently to broaden the Singapore Armed Forces' (SAF's) capabilities. From humble beginnings, it has grown to become a 5,000-strong group today.

With Singapore's independence in 1965 also came a pressing need to defend the island. With the impending pull-out of British forces by 1975, which was eventually accelerated to 1971; Singapore had to find a way to defend the island. And fast.

Tanks were acquired, rudimentary fighter aircraft and missiles were procured from the British in 1968. From these, the SAF took shape. Today, it is recognised by established military forces as a credible and capable force.

During those tumultuous early years, the foundations of the DTC were laid. "Our founding Prime Minister Mr Lee Kuan Yew and Dr Goh Keng Swee believed that Singapore must and could be defended," said Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen at the DTC's 50th Anniversary Dinner held at the Marina Bay Expo and Convention Centre on 7 Nov.

Today, the DTC is responsible for the cutting-edge capabilities of the SAF. It has also developed indigenous capabilities such as the recently launched Littoral Mission Vessels, and delivered the customised F-15SG fighter aircraft and Leopard 2 Main Battle Tanks.

Calling the DTC the "secret-edge weapon of the SAF", Dr Ng added: "All of us can draw satisfaction that, today, Singaporeans are no longer daunted, as before.

"They (We) feel safe even though we are still a small island nation with no strategic depth and limited manpower. Our warriors in defence technology have made up for these inherent shortcomings to help build an SAF that is capable of keeping us safe and secure."

Attended by about 900 guests, the dinner celebrated the DTC's contributions to Singapore's defence over the past 50 years.

President Tony Tan Keng Yam, who was the guest of honour, commended the DTC for its role in developing the SAF's capabilities over the past five decades.

"Through determination and innovation, the DTC has supported the creation of a modern armed force by providing the SAF with a technological fighting edge and ensuring that our defence capabilities are up to date," said Dr Tan.

He also noted that the DTC has lent their expertise beyond defence. During the outbreak of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) virus, the DTC stepped up - the Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA) helped implement the Infrared Sensing System, while DSO National Laboratories validated SARS diagnostic kits and conducted diagnoses of blood samples to facilitate detection.

More recently, the DTC shared their expertise gleaned from building the SAF Underground Ammunition Facility to help national projects like the Jurong Rock Caverns and the Urban Redevelopment Authority's underground master plan.

This year's Defence Technology Prizes (DTPs) were also presented at the dinner. Dr Ng gave out DTPs to two individuals and four teams from Ministry of Defence agencies, the defence industry, and academic and research institutes.

Some of the recipients this year included the teams behind the Littoral Mission Vessel and the Island Air Defence system from the DSTA, as well as the Advanced Electronics Sensor Research & Development Team from DSO.

At the dinner, Dr Tan also launched a commemorative four-book series chronicling the DTC's journey over the past 50 years. The series, titled Engineering Singapore's Defence - The Early Years, covers the entire spectrum of the DTC's work over the land, sea and air domains.

Two of the books, Engineering Land Systems and Engineering our Navy, will be available at www.mindef.gov.sg by end November this year. The two remaining books, Aviation Engineering and Engineering Systems of Systems will be available on the site by end February 2017. All four books will also be available at public libraries.