SINGAPORE — Over a span of 28 years with the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF), Lieutenant-General (LG) Ng Chee Meng launched rescue missions, flew fighter jets and led a squadron of pilots in a stellar career that saw him rise to the very top tier of the Chief of Defence Force (CDF).

But if he had to choose, it would be the unity displayed by Singaporeans that he witnessed up close in the aftermath of founding Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew’s death in March, and at the recent celebrations of the Republic’s 50th birthday, that would rank as one of the most memorable moments in his career.

“In the last six months of my tour, looking at the state funeral all the way to National Day Parade (NDP), the unity of Singaporeans coming together was a great encouragement,” said LG Ng, who led the preparations for the NDP and Mr Lee’s state funeral.

Referring to a photograph taken during Mr Lee’s funeral — of a serviceman sheltered with an umbrella by a stranger — LG Ng, 47, said: “The unity gave proof that when Singapore Armed Forces gives strength to the country, we draw strength from our people.”

While he will be cutting short his career with the SAF early to enter politics, LG Ng said he was confident that the military is in good hands. “No doubt I’m the CDF, but this journey of keeping the SAF strong (and) giving strength to the nation is a relentless journey … I’m leaving the SAF but I’m full of confidence (about) the next generation of commanders that will take over from me. They will carry on with the work,” said LG Ng.

The leadership change at SAF will see LG Ng succeeded by Major-General (MG) Perry Lim as the CDF. MG Lim was in turn succeeded as Chief of Army by Brigadier-General Melvyn Ong Su Kiat, who was previously Chief Guards Officer.

A fighter pilot by vocation, LG Ng enlisted in 1986 and held various key command and staff appointments during his years of service. These included being the Commanding Officer of the 144th Squadron, Director of Joint Operations and Chief of Air Force, before he was appointed as CDF in March 2013.

On his accomplishments as CDF, LG Ng said the SAF has looked at strategies to safeguard Singapore’s future in the next 15 to 20 years, as well as addressed challenges, such as in manpower by turning to automation and robotics.

Adding that he was satisfied with what he has achieved, LG Ng said: “I’m quite happy but … there are always things you can do better.”

LG Ng described the role of CDF as someone who is the chief military adviser to the Defence Minister and the Prime Minister, strategising the best way forward for the SAF to “achieve its mission in the near term and to position the SAF to ensure the security of Singapore and Singaporeans in the long run”.

In his speech at the change of command parade — where he officially passed the baton to MG Lim — held today (Aug 18) at the SAFTI Military Institute, LG Ng said the SAF has transformed from its rudimentary beginnings to become a capable and integrated fighting force.

“But ultimately if you were to ask me what gives me the utmost confidence, I would simply say… it’s all of you, the NSFs (full-time national servicemen) amongst us; the regulars; the NSmen; you are always serving with pride and unwavering commitment. To all of you, my comrades in the SAF. You are the main source of my confidence, the strength of our SAF,” he said.

Witnessed by Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen, MG Lim received the command symbol from LG Ng.

The parade was also attended by Minister of State for Defence Maliki Osman, senior Ministry of Defence officials and SAF officers, military diplomatic corps, among others.