Defence Engineers and Scientists Honoured for Excellence and Innovation in Defence Tech..

Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen presented the Defence Technology Prize (DTP) to two individuals and eight teams at the DTP award ceremony held at the DSTA Auditorium this morning. The award winners comprised personnel from MINDEF agencies, including Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA) and DSO National Laboratories, as well as the defence industry.

Speaking at the award ceremony, Dr Ng underscored the instrumental role that the Defence Technology Community (DTC)^[1] plays in Singapore's defence, and how the DTC has progressively helped build the capabilities of the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF). He cited the changing nature of warfare and defence technologies, and said that the SAF and DTC must have the requisite skills and develop technologies and systems that can enable the SAF to be more effective in these new domains.

Dr Ng commended the award winners and said that the SAF and DTC must help prepare Singapore and Singaporeans against an unpredictable period ahead. He said, "The SAF and DTC must help Singapore and Singaporeans weather the storms ahead… Just as we did during the COVID-19 pandemic, the SAF with the Army, Navy, Air Force; and the DTC with their scientists and engineers must restore calm and confidence by providing effective solutions and responses to security threats. I like the ethos that we've exhibited during crises… When the going gets tough, it will be qualities such as boldness, innovativeness, persistence, resolute, calm, a warrior spirit that will help people overcome any challenge. And these qualities are exemplified by our DTP award winners today".

Established in 1989, the DTP is awarded annually to individuals and teams that have made significant technological contributions to the defence capabilities of Singapore. The DTP also serves to foster technological innovation and encourage breakthroughs in defence science and technology.

^[1]The DTC comprises several entities within MINDEF - Future Systems & Technology Directorate (FSTD). Technology Strategy & Policy Office (TSPO), Industry & Resources Policy Office (IRPO) and Defence Technology Collaboration Office (DTCO) - as well as DSTA and DSO National Laboratories.