Chan Chun Sing conducts 1st visit to SAF units as new defence minister

Newly appointed Minister for Defence Chan Chun Sing visited units from the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) to observe their routine readiness training.

Chan, who is Coordinating Minister for Public Services, visited units from the Singapore Army, Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN), Digital and Intelligence Service (DIS) and the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF).

He was joined by Senior Minister of State for Defence Zaqy Mohamad and newly appointed Minister of State for Defence Desmond Choo.

Speaking to the media at Nee Soon Camp, Chan spoke about how he would judge the success of the SAF.

Chan said every day of peace was testimony that the SAF has done its job, especially in a changed world with new challenges and disruptions.

He added that it is not just about planning for "today's operation" that was important for the SAF, but rather it was about "planning forward" as well.

Chan illustrated his point with something he had experienced himself over 20 years ago.

"After the 911 incident, many armed forces around the world were asking themselves, how can we stop another incident like this?"

Chan, who was in the armed forces at the time, visited different units, including the special forces unit to find out more about their plans.

"And what pleased me most was not just that they were trying to answer the question of, what can they do if something like that happens again, but they were constantly thinking about, what is the next thing that someone can do.

What is the next method of operation that people can employ to try to disrupt our lives?"

Chan said that he was very happy to see how the SAF constantly examines the way it conducts their operations and it gave him confidence in its capabilities.

Routine checks

Chan viewed the activation of the AH-64D Apache helicopters at Exercise Rover in response to a simulated air defence threat.

He also observed the conduct of the RSN's Maritime Security Task Force readiness training, where a simulated terrorist attack against Singapore from the sea was neutralised.

Chan visited the DIS's Joint Intelligence Command, where he was briefed by JIC's intelligence support for counterterrorism operations.

At Nee Soon Camp, Chan saw the readiness training of the SAF Army Deployment Force (ADF). The ADF is a high-readiness unit meant to carry out diverse operations, including responses to homeland security threats and disaster relief.

The ADF also integrates with various SAF Task Forces and Home Team agencies for multi-agency response to peacetime contingencies.

Chan chats with soldiers on night duty

Chan recently posted a selfie on Facebook on May 24, chronicling his night ride to Mindef.

In the background was a Gombak Drive street sign, indicating he was in the vicinity of Mindef HQ.

Chan also posted his first Monday at Mindef as Defence Minister.

He entered politics in 2011.

Chan was Minister for Education from 2021 - 2025 before his new appointment as Defence Minister. He is also Minister-in-charge of the Public Service since 2018.

He was previously Minister for Trade and Industry (2018 - 2021), Secretary-General of the National Trades Union Congress (2015 - 2018), Minister for Social and Family Development (2013-2015) and Acting Minister for Community Development, Youth and Sports (2011-12).

Top photos via Hannah Martens/Mothership