Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen attended the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) Retreat in Penang, Malaysia, today.

During the ADMM Retreat, Dr Ng and his counterparts exchanged views on strengthening ASEAN unity and regional cooperation in addressing emerging security challenges. In his remarks, Dr Ng emphasised the importance of regional cooperation and highlighted ways that would enable the ADMM and ADMM-Plus to remain forward-looking and relevant, such as through collaboration in emerging domains including Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Critical Underwater Infrastructure (CUI) security. The ASEAN Defence Ministers agreed on the need for the ADMM to increase militaries’ awareness of and capacities for CUI protection, especially given the vulnerability of CUI and the impact of its disruptions. The Ministers expressed support for the discussion paper jointly submitted by Singapore and Thailand, which proposes that ASEAN militaries further explore cooperation on CUI security, especially as militaries are often called upon to support response efforts to disruptions.

The Ministers also released the Joint Statement by the ASEAN Defence Ministers on Cooperation in the Field of Artificial Intelligence in the Defence Sector. The Joint Statement recognises the efforts of the wider ASEAN fora in addressing implications of AI and underscores the need for the ADMM and ADMM-Plus to promote its accountable and responsible use in the defence sector. The Ministers also agreed for Germany and Türkiye to observe the ADMM-Plus Experts’ Working Groups.

Speaking after the meeting, Dr Ng underscored the continued significance of the ADMM and ADMM-Plus as central and effective platforms. These platforms address current and emerging regional security challenges through strategic dialogue and practical cooperation. Dr Ng said that there is “greater need for ASEAN unity, solidarity and centrality [in] dealing with both existing and emerging security challenges, particularly transnational ones.” Reflecting on the developments and progress made at the ADMM Retreat, Dr Ng noted, “It reflects well on ADMM, it reflects well on this regional grouping, and we look forward to cooperating with our other ASEAN members to strengthen our regional network.”

On the sidelines of the ADMM Retreat, Dr Ng met with Malaysia Minister of Defence Dato' Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin and conveyed his appreciation to Malaysia for convening the ADMM Retreat. Both Ministers reaffirmed the warm and long-standing bilateral defence relations between Singapore and Malaysia. Dr Ng and Minister Khaled also discussed ways to enhance defence cooperation bilaterally and on multilateral platforms such as the ADMM, ADMM-Plus, and Five Power Defence Arrangements.

Dr Ng also met with Thailand Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Mr Phumtham Wechayachai. Both Ministers reaffirmed the strong bilateral ties shared by Singapore and Thailand and discussed ways to deepen defence cooperation both bilaterally and multilaterally.

The ADMM is a key pillar of the regional security architecture and has contributed to regional peace and security by fostering trust and sustained practical cooperation among its 10 member countries.