SINGAPORE — The Republic of Singapore Navy will have a new chief next month, when its current Chief of Navy, Rear-Admiral (RADM) Ng Chee Peng, steps down.

Taking over is RADM Lai Chung Han, who is currently Deputy Secretary for Policy at the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF).

Announcing this yesterday, MINDEF said the change is part of the continuing process of leadership renewal in the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF).

The ministry also paid tribute to RADM Ng, 44, for his “dedicated service and sterling contributions”.

“Under RADM Ng’s leadership, the (Navy) has made valuable contributions to international counter-piracy efforts and played a key role through its command of Combined Task Force 151 in the Gulf of Aden.

“RADM Ng also enhanced the coordination of our national maritime agencies in detecting and responding to maritime threats, by establishing and operationalising the National Maritime Security System,” MINDEF said in a statement.

RADM Ng also laid the foundations for the Navy’s future capabilities by operationalising new platforms, and reorganised its operational, training and safety systems. He also introduced various initiatives to better engage navy servicemen and public outreach efforts.

RADM Lai, 41, is a former SAF (Overseas) and President’s Scholar. He joined the SAF in 1992 and was once commander of the RSS Valiant, as well as Fleet Commander.