Singapore names new Chief of Army; David Neo oversaw SAF's contributions to national fight against Covid-19

SINGAPORE — Brigadier-General (BG) David Neo will be Singapore's new Chief of Army from March 10, the Ministry of Defence (Mindef) announced on Friday (Feb 11).

He takes over from Major-General (MG) Goh Si Hou, who has served in the position for about four years.

"This change is part of the process of leadership renewal in the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF)," Mindef said.

BG Neo, now deputy secretary of technology, joined SAF in 1996 and is a commando officer by training.

The 44-year-old has served in various command appointments in SAF, including as Commanding Officer First Battalion Singapore Guards, Commander 2nd Singapore Infantry Brigade and Commander 3rd Singapore Division.

He has also held key staff appointments, including as head of the joint plans and transformation department and director of joint operations, where he oversaw SAF’s contributions to the national fight against Covid-19.

Outgoing Chief of Army, MG Goh, has held the position since March 21, 2018.

During this time, he led the army through the completion of key operational milestones for the third-generation army, as well as laid the foundations for its next-generation transformation to meet emerging security needs and future manpower resource challenges, Mindef said.

He also led the reorganisation of the army’s Island Defence Task Force and Special Operations Task Force to strengthen homeland security and counter-terrorism capabilities, and established key building blocks of its future fighting force, Mindef said.

"During his tenure, MG Goh ensured that the army maintained operational readiness and force generation amidst the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic, and led the army to support the whole-of-nation fight against Covid-19." CNA