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Tag: CDF

  • Scholar Who Oversaw Losses And Eventual Sale Of NOL Appointed As SPH CEO

    Scholar Who Oversaw Losses And Eventual Sale Of NOL Appointed As SPH CEO

    Press Holdings (SPH) will appoint former Neptune Orient Lines (NOL) chief executive Ng Yat Chung as its new CEO, while current CEO Alan Chan and deputy CEO Patrick Daniel will retire, the media and property group announced on Friday.

    Mr Chan, 64, is retiring after 15 years at the company to allow for renewal of the company’s management and board, said SPH, which owns The Business Times. His exit will be effective on Sept 1, 2017.

    Mr Daniel, 63, will continue as a part-time consultant to assist Mr Ng. Current deputy CEO Anthony Tan will remain at his post.

    Mr Ng, who is currently an independent director of SPH, will become an executive director from July 1. Independent director Andrew Lim will replace Mr Ng as chairman of the board risk committee.

     

    Source: www.businesstimes.com.sg

  • Ng Chee Meng – From Botak Boy To Man

    Ng Chee Meng – From Botak Boy To Man

    There was a massive downpour on the day of Mr Lee Kuan Yew’s state funeral.

    But soldiers, drenched head to toe, remained at their posts in front of the barricades.

    From among the crowd behind them, a hand held an umbrella over a thoroughly-soaked serviceman in a futile attempt to shelter him.

    That image from March 29 this year remains etched in outgoing Chief of Defence Force Ng Chee Meng’s mind.

    The gesture edged him closer to his decision to serve Singapore in a different capacity – in politics.

    “When we saw the unity of Singaporeans, it gave (me) a lot of encouragement to see Singaporeans coming together.

    “The umbrella physically did nothing for the body, but it did wonders for the soul,” he said.

    Yesterday, Lt-Gen Ng, 47, handed over the reins of the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) to his successor, Major-General Perry Lim.

    Before the change-of-command parade yesterday afternoon at the Safti Military Institute, Lt-Gen Ng spoke about his 29 years in the military and about his next phase of life.

    Though he is stepping down a few months earlier than the usual three-year term for a defence chief, Lt-Gen Ng said he leaves the SAF a better and stronger force than it was.

    Under his leadership, the SAF successfully carried out missions in Afghanistan and the Gulf of Aden, as well as humanitarian and disaster relief operations in the region.

    The SAF today has the best weapons and technology available and is in advanced stages of linking its fighting platforms into a network of communication systems.

    This will enable the SAF to have greater combat power beyond its size and physical numbers, Lt-Gen Ng said.

    Planning for the next 15 to 20 years has also begun, with the SAF looking at the use of robots to alleviate the manpower crunch.

    “The day we are completely satisfied… is the day that we will deteriorate.

    “The SAF is not a perfect organisation. We always scan and see how we can bring the organisation forward and serve even better,” he said.

    SAF EXPERIENCE

    Lt-Gen Ng joined the SAF in December 1986 and went on to become a fighter pilot before moving up the ranks.

    The SAF has given him a rich cache of memories, he said, fondly recalling his time in Basic Military Training (BMT) and the Air Force.

    “The SAF turned a botak boy into a man,” he said.

    As Chief of Defence Force, he was the chief military adviser to the Defence Minister and Prime Minister.

    Initially drawing a blank when asked about his most cherished memory in the SAF, Lt-Gen Ng said that the past six months, particularly during the week of mourning for Mr Lee and the period leading up to the Golden Jubilee National Day, were among the most unforgettable.

    Last week, he flew a F-5S Tiger fighter jet for the last time and was pleasantly surprised to see a rainbow when he touched down. He immediately took a picture with his wife.

    “My journey in the SAF has come to an end. I’ve chased the rainbow with my wife by my side.

    “When I finished, there was really a rainbow. How nice,” he said.

    GOING INTO POLITICS

    Lt-Gen Ng said yesterday it was already an “open secret” that he was going into politics.

    Coming to that decision was not easy – it was only after much thought and advice from his family and mentors, he said.

    Ng’s elder brother, Major-General (NS) Ng Chee Khern, 49, is the Permanent Secretary (Defence Development) at the Ministry of Defence and Second Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health.

    His younger brother, Mr Ng Chee Peng, 45, a former Chief of Navy, was appointed chief executive of the Central Provident Fund earlier this year.

    But, after benefitting much from society, he now hopes to give back.

    If he does stand in the coming election, he will be the highest-ranking military officer to do so. It will also mark the first time that a defence chief has entered politics.

    He said: “It’s been a wonderful journey (in the SAF). I would like to give back to society in small ways for all the benefits that I gained.

    “I care about Singapore’s future, about Singaporeans’ well-being… and what Singapore will be like for my grandkids.”

    Outgoing chief played multiple roles

    Lieutenant-General Ng Chee Meng, 47, was appointed the Chief of Defence Force on March 27, 2013.

    He held various key command and staff appointments in 29 years of service, including the Chief of Air Force.

    He was also the Military Private Secretary to the Defence Minister from December 1995 to July 1996.

    Lt-Gen Ng, who has two daughters, also sat on the boards of Singapore Technologies Engineering, Defence Science and Technology Agency, and Jurong Town Corporation.

    Most recently, he was the chairman of the State Funeral Organising Committee for the late Mr Lee Kuan Yew and was among the first set of vigil guards to stand by the founding Prime Minister’s casket as it lay in state at Parliament House.

    He also led the preparations for the Golden Jubilee National Day Parade, which was held on Aug 9.

     

    Source: www.tnp.sg

  • Ng Chee Meng Confirms He’s Joining PAP

    Ng Chee Meng Confirms He’s Joining PAP

    Outgoing Chief of Defence Force Lieutenant-General Ng Chee Meng announced his intention to enter politics on Tuesday (Aug 18), ahead of a change of command ceremony where he hands over the reins of the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) to his successor, Major-General Perry Lim.

    “It’s an open secret where I’m going next,” acknowledged the 47-year-old, who served the SAF for 29 years.

    “And one of the things why I’ve decided, with the blessings of my family, to step forward, is really to serve the Singapore which I grew up in. For giving me all the opportunities through our meritocratic system. It’s not something that I’ve seen in many parts of the world. I’m indebted to Singapore.”

    LG Ng said this comes from not just the opportunities afforded by the SAF scholarship, but also the nurturing and space to test himself and his abilities. Over the course of his career, he had been the Commander of Changi Air Base, the Commanding Officer of 144 Squadron and Chief of Air Force.

    He was also the Chairman of the State Funeral Organising Committee for the late Mr Lee Kuan Yew, and was part of the Vigil Guard at the founding Prime Minister’s lying in state.

    “Even in school we have always learnt the essence of remembering your roots, and giving back to society,” said LG Ng, who hails from Chinese High School.

    “It is something that I hold closely to heart. That when we have some successes, we take care of the rest to make sure that we create the same opportunities – if not better opportunities – for others to succeed. For future generations to succeed.”

    He added: “It’s with mixed feelings to answer to a call of duty, a different form of duty, and leaving the SAF a few months before my time is up. Usually CDFs serve three years, to leave earlier.”

    During LG Ng’s term as SAF’s chief, the organisation successfully carried out a range of international operations in Afghanistan and the Gulf of Aden, as well as a range of Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief operations in the region. Closer to home, he was a member of the Committee to Strengthen National Service’s (CSNS) Steering Committee, and oversaw programmes to further hone the SAF’s capabilities.

    Some of these have already begun to bear fruit. For example, the new Individual Physical Proficiency Test (IPPT) format has seen improvements in 2.4 kilometre run-times in 73 per cent of servicemen who participated in a three-month pilot.

    But a political career is unlike a military one. He agreed that uniting Singaporeans under a strong, shared identity could be a long and difficult journey, unlike an organisation that, although large, carries the same core values.

    “So one key thing to do is to consult widely, listen actively as we’ve done in the Committee to Strengthen National Service (CSNS) where we engaged over 40,000. Get different people to come on board. And always have the humility to seek out the best ideas from people,” said LG Ng.

    Asked if he feels he has achieved all he set out to do as chief, LG Ng said he only played a small part in the journey of keeping the SAF strong.

    “No doubt I am the CDF, but this journey of keeping the SAF strong, giving strength to the nation, is a relentless journey,” he said, adding that the work towards the SAF 2030 vision has begun. “We’re looking at fresh opportunities that technology can offer us, and at the same time scanning the horizon for the challenges that the SAF will face.

    “I leave the SAF full of confidence in the next generation of commanders who will take over from me. They will carry on with the work. It was never about a single person in the SAF.”

    LG Ng said he has spoken with the various formation Chiefs, and they are ready to take over. His immediate replacement as CDF is Major-General Perry Lim, whose position as Chief of Army was filled by outgoing Chief Guards Officer Melvyn Ong.

    “The SAF is a strong organisation. I think they will have the strength and the vision to carry the organisation forward with or without me. In any case, I’m always with the SAF,” said LG Ng.

     

    Source: www.channelnewsasia.com

  • What’s The Hype Over Chief Of Defence Force Ng Chee Meng?

    What’s The Hype Over Chief Of Defence Force Ng Chee Meng?

    Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen had announced Lieutenant-General Ng Chee Meng’s (LG Ng) retirement from the Singapore Armed Forces.

    The latter will be stepping down as Chief of Defence Force on 18 August, a move that prompted speculation that the 47-year-old might be running in the upcoming General Election.

    Dr Ng commented that “Inevitably, there will be questions asked about LG Ng’s future plans, particularly, if he is entering politics. Given his tested leadership and proven capabilities, I would not at all be surprised, if indeed he is.”

    “But I have advised LG Ng, not to be distracted or entertain these queries but to instead focus on important national events ahead, particularly the National Day Parade. There will be a more appropriate time to address interests in his future plans.”

    Dr Ng has indirectly hinted LG Ng capability to be a potential candidate for the upcoming General Election, and also mentioned that interest in LG Ng’s future plans will most likely be “addressed” in the near future after the important national events.

    One thing I find ironic though is the fact that even though our Defence Minister had advised LG Ng “to not be distracted or entertained these queries but..focus on important national events ahead”, the announcement of LG Ng stepping down, in addition to Dr Ng’s very much publicised comments, grabbed local news headlines on 31 July and 1 August – be it through online, print or televised platform. (The Straits Times, TODAYOnline, AsiaOne).

    By placing all the mainstream media glare on LG Ng stepping down, isn’t the government ironically garnering attention and opening more probes to his possible foray into politics?

    The cameras were also angled to include LG Ng in the frame at opportunities that arose during the televised National Day Parade, though I cannot deny the fact his presence was required during those time.

    This left me thinking, why even mention his possible entry into the political scene? Or create so much buzz – put him in the top headlines, show his face repeatedly on TV when Dr Ng mention that he does not want LG Ng to be distracted by queries on his future plans? Since his retirement was on 18 August, the announcement could have also been made easily after the National Day.

    Placing him in the media limelight on the first day of the month which usually signifies a fresh beginning, linking him to the National Day Parade which is a happy event, hinting public interest in him, and briefly mentioning his leadership skills, etc. – Was this all a smart strategic move in advertising to sensationalize and evoke a sense of mystery around LG Ng?

    This suggests the usage of “Classical Conditioning” to associate a positive connotation to LG Ng, so that Singaporeans can put into memory his face and name through the many headlines and his National Day Parade involvement, and to leave an atmosphere of suspense to ponder what lies ahead for him.

    Is all these mainstream media publicity meant to hype up his possible presence and entrance into the general election?

    We shall just play along with the game of “let’s wait and see.” We’ll welcome more new candidates with green… oops, open arms, I mean!

     

    Source: www.theonlinecitizen.com

     

  • Chief Of Defence Force To Retire, Will He Join Politics?

    Chief Of Defence Force To Retire, Will He Join Politics?

    Chief of Defence Force, Lieutenant-General Ng Chee Meng, will retire from the SAF, fuelling speculation that he is likely to enter politics.

    LG Ng, who took over the helm in 2013, will step down on Aug 18.

    Taking over him is current army chief Perry Lim, who will hand over his top post in the army to Chief Guards Officer Melvyn Ong.

    Announcing LG Ng’s retirement on Friday, Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen said in a Facebook post that the 47-year-old is leaving the SAF “on a high, having brought the SAF through many challenges and changes successfully”.

    Dr Ng said: “Inevitably, there will be questions asked about LG Ng’s future plans, particularly, if he is entering politics. Given his tested leadership and proven capabilities, I would not at all be surprised, if indeed he is.”

    “But I have advised LG Ng, not to be distracted or entertain these queries but to instead focus on important national events ahead, particularly the National Day Parade. There will be a more appropriate time to address interests in his future plans.”

    Thanking the defence chief for his service in his 29-year-career, the defence minister also said that LG Ng will be awarded the Pingat Jasa Gemilang (Tentera) – Meritorious Service Medal (Military) – this year.

    LG Ng has been touted as a potential candidate for the People’s Action Party (PAP). Sources said he has been seen by the PAP as a suitable candidate with the potential to be an office-holder.

    If he does stand in the coming general election, which is expected to take place as early as September, he will be the highest-ranking military officer to do so. It will also mark the first time that a defence chief enters politics.

    Over the years, many have been plucked out from the military to join the PAP. They include labour chief Chan Chun Sing and Minister for Social and Family Development Tan Chuan-jin who entered politics in the last election in 2011.

     

    Source: www.straitstimes.com