202 Appointed as Senior Military Experts

21 July 2026 Minister of State for Defence, Mr Desmond Choo officiated at the 31st Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) Senior Military Expert Appointment Ceremony at Temasek Club this evening. Minister of State for Defence Mr Desmond Choo delivering his speech at the 31st Senior Military Expert Appointment Ceremony (SMEAC). Mr Choo (right) presenting the Sword of Honour to ME4 Bai Ruiliang (left), from the Republic of Singapore Air Force, at the 31st SMEAC. Fiancé of ME4A Vishwa Srinivasabalaji, affixing his new rank epaulettes during the ceremony. Mr Choo (centre), Chief of Defence Force Vice Admiral Aaron Beng (fifth from left), Service Chiefs of the Singapore Armed Forces and Senior Military Expert graduates at the 31st SMEAC. Minister of State for Defence, Mr Desmond Choo officiated at the 31st Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) Senior Military Expert Appointment Ceremony at Temasek Club this evening. A total of 202 service personnel, comprising 48 from the Singapore Army, 28 from the Republic of Singapore Navy, 65 from the Republic of Singapore Air Force, and 61 from the Digital and Intelligence Service were appointed as Senior Military Experts (MEs) during the ceremony. Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Choo highlighted the importance of MEs and the deep expertise they bring to the SAF to bolster the development of new capabilities and overcome emerging threats, amidst an increasingly complex and uncertain security environment. He said, “You assume leadership in a security landscape that is increasingly volatile and complex. That is something that you know very well. You also know very well about the erosion of the rules-based international order.. We have also seen how technology is rapidly changing the nature of warfare” He added, “the SAF must constantly adapt by building deep domain expertise and an innovative spirit. Across the Army, Navy, Air Force, and the Digital and Intelligence Service, we require our people with highly specialised competencies to defend our physical spaces and the invisible digital borders alike.” In his closing remarks, Mr Choo encouraged the graduands to set the tone for the journey ahead as they take on their new appointments. He said, “As Senior Military Experts, you will be expected to lead through your own expertise. The path ahead will undoubtedly be demanding, but I have full confidence in your discipline and professionalism.” He continued, “I charge you to lead with conviction, to innovate with passion, and to always uphold the highest standards as a Senior Military Expert in the SAF.” The appointment ceremony marked the completion of the Military Domain Experts Course, which trained the MEs to assume roles in the SAF where in-depth expertise in areas such as engineering, intelligence, military medicine and cybersecurity are required. The course developed and honed the Senior MEs’ leadership competency, military domain knowledge and specialised skills. The newly appointed Senior MEs will move on to assume leadership or staff appointments in their professional areas. Also present at the ceremony was Chief of Defence Force Vice Admiral Aaron Beng, senior SAF officers as well as families and friends of the graduates. More Resources Speech by Minister of State for Defence, Mr Desmond Choo at the 31/26 SAF Senior Military Expert Appointment Ceremony on 21 July 2026 at Temasek Club Back to top