Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen presented the Defence Technology Prize (DTP) to two individuals and four teams at the DTP Award Ceremony held at the DSO Auditorium this afternoon. This award recognises contributions that have helped the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) maintain its sharp edge in defence capabilities. 

Speaking at the award ceremony, Dr Ng highlighted the instrumental role that the DTC plays in Singapore's defence, and how the DTC has progressively helped build the capabilities of the SAF. He cited how technological cycles have become compressed in time, based on lessons learnt from ongoing conflicts.

Highlighting the importance of enhancing our Defence Technology Strategy amidst faster cycle technological changes, he said, “The impact of technological innovations on security is huge and it is manifestly obvious to all of us. If you look back, even within this past decade, new technologies have become mainstream threats to militaries everywhere…To get ahead of the curve, or even to keep up with it, requires militaries to evolve new innovative structures. I think we will still need to meet the needs of conventional platforms and tactics – that will never go away. As we have done in the past six decades, we just need to stay abreast, and we do it through our determination, effort, and ingenuity, so that we can position Singapore with the best possible defence against today’s threats and tomorrow’s challenges. I think we have built up enough resources, manpower and ingenuity in our system so that we can achieve these mission goals. We need to continue to be bold and imaginative so that we can surmount every problem that comes our way.”

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.