SINGAPORE — As the Singapore Armed Forces’ (SAF) second defence chief, the late Ng Jui Ping was instrumental in setting the "right culture and tone" for the organisation, said Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on Wednesday (Jan 1).

The retired Lieutenant-General, who helmed the SAF from 1992 to 1995, died on Wednesday at the age of 71.

In a condolence letter to Ng’s widow, Mdm Esther Ng, Mr Lee recounted how Ng was a pioneer SAF officer who had first joined the army in 1966 and was part of the inaugural batch of commissioned officers who trained at the SAFTI Military Institute.

"I am deeply saddened today, not just because Singapore has lost one of its true sons, but also because I have lost a dear comrade and friend,” he said.

Ng’s contribution in setting the right culture was critical for the SAF, which was then a new organisation whose values were still “plastic and not fully formed”, Mr Lee wrote.

“He was highly professional, applying himself thoroughly to master the intricacies of his jobs, first in the artillery, then later in the General Staff, as a combined arms division commander, and finally as Chief of Defence Force (CDF).”

He upheld strict discipline in the units he commanded, and led by example, Mr Lee added, while ensuring that these values would be passed on to future generations and be further built upon.

"This has enabled the SAF to become the capable and respected force that it is today," said Mr Lee.

Mr Lee also recounted how Ng had mentored him in the SAF and how they later worked closely together in the SAF's General Staff.

After Ng retired in 1995, he continued to serve Singapore in a range of varied roles, including deputy chairman of the Central Provident Fund Board and chairman of the Chartered Industries of Singapore.

Mr Lee added that he kept in touch with Ng, who had called him after learning of an illness a few months earlier.

“He knew what it meant, but was calm and rational as always, seeking full and objective assessments from his doctors, and thinking ahead to make arrangements for his family,” Mr Lee wrote.

They met for lunch in October last year, and "despite his illness, his interest in the world and Singapore was undiminished”, added Mr Lee.

Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen also penned a condolence letter to Mdm Ng. In it, he credited Ng for improving things that soldiers today take for granted such as good uniforms, socks, or boots and military hardware.

"When he broke the bad news (of his illness) to our circle of friends, it was with the same stoic equanimity and dignity that he approached difficulties through his life," wrote Dr Ng.

Dr Ng said that when he visited the late Lieutenent-General in the week before he died, Ng made it a point to praise his nurses and doctors despite being very weak.

"I offer our deepest condolences to you and your family on behalf of MINDEF and the Singapore Armed Forces," he added. “As his friend, I share your sadness and a void that will take time to heal."