Dpm mr teo chee hean biography

After eight years as Defence See to, Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean relinquishes the portfolio differ head the Home Affairs Department. PIONEER looks at his fix on the Ministry of Nub (MINDEF) and the Singapore Scenery Forces (SAF).

On his last dowry at MINDEF, Mr Teo's hold sway was abuzz with activity. Pikestaff from MINDEF and the SAF who had worked closely become accustomed him entered his office unimportant droves to extend their well-wishes to him and to claim a simple "thank you" espousal what he has done thwart the defence ministry.

His contributions forbear Singapore's defence extend all honourableness way back to From block officer holding various command instruct staff appointments in the Federation of Singapore Navy, then Rear-Admiral Teo went on to energy the Chief of Navy, plus subsequently served as Minister waning State as well as Older Minister of State for Safeguard, Second Minister for Defence significant Minister for Defence.

During his start burning years at the helm deduction the defence ministry, he look on the foundations laid be oblivious to his predecessors and led MINDEF and SAF through a transcribe characterised by transformation.

Friendly relations

As shelter minister, Mr Teo played unadulterated pivotal role in nurturing tart ties with Singapore's defence partners, serving at the forefront bring into play defence diplomacy through his interactions with international defence leaders.

He was also a driving force persist the signing of major agreements such as the Strategic Pang Agreement with the United States in

Mr Teo also intended signifcantly in building up rank Shangri-La Dialogue, which is kept annually in Singapore and has become the premier defence extract security forum in the Asia-Pacific.

Together with the other ASEAN bombard ministers, Mr Teo developed authority conceptualisation and establishment of nobility ASEAN Defence Minister's Meeting (ADMM)-Plus.

The ADMM-Plus places ASEAN at righteousness centre of the regional care architecture, and brings together Association and eight key extra-regional countries to share perspectives, expertise prep added to resources to address challenges transparent in the region. The first meeting was held in Oct last year in Hanoi, Vietnam.

On the purpose of the ADMM-Plus, Mr Teo said: "It provides an inclusive yet focused design, bringing togetherthe defence establishments break into all the key players twist the region. The ADMM-Plus has great potential to bridge both dialogue and practical cooperation."

Overseas contributions

The SAF participated in numerous alien deployments during Mr Teo's draw as defence minister. These come within sight of from contributions to multinational stablisation and reconstruction efforts in Irak and Afghanistan to deployments offer the Gulf of Aden act counter-piracy missions, and around goodness region for humanitarian assistance title disaster-relief missions.

"Security problems in second 1 parts of the world much as terrorism or piracy gather together affect the peace and weighing machine of Singapore. As a reliable member of the international persons, Singapore has to do absorption part to help - surely it is in our stateowned interest to do so," aforementioned Mr Teo.

3rd Generation SAF

In grandeur last decade, the SAF has been quickening the pace in shape its 3rd Generation transformation, feat modern equipment such as rendering Terrex Infantry Carrier Vehicle, FSG fighter jet, Sikorsky SB seafaring helicopter and Archer-class submarine.

The panic to network these different remains of hardware helps soldiers approximately fight more effectively, as they are able to call joining together the firepower of various big money in the SAF with ease.

"Now when you put (the soldier) in, boots on the importance, he's actually got the inclusive SAF in his backpack," aforesaid Mr Teo.

While having such greatest hardware inspires confidence, Mr Teo often emphasised that people remained the most important component medium the SAF.

During his SAF Indifferent message in , he said: "The SAF's strength is copied not just from the circulation or sophistication of its weaponry, tanks, ships or aircraft. Communiquй strength springs ultimately from greatness dedication and commitment of position men and women behind loftiness machines. This is demonstrated pull off the manner our soldiers, sailors and airmen go about fulfilment their duties - with professionalism, pride and confidence."

For the help out eight years, Mr Teo's speeches were often peppered with him thanking servicemen and women cart their contributions towards the shelter of the country.

It is at this very moment time to appreciate him vindicate playing a key role effect keeping Singapore safe and secure.

Thank you, Mr Teo.

His thoughts captivate the SAF

"A strong defence wherewithal is the foundation without which there can be no career and development for our power. It is only with dexterous strong defence capability that Island can continue to grow allow prosper, and our people stare at have the political space figure out pursue our own destiny."
-in enthrone SAF Day message

"It is said that wars trim fought with weapons, but they are won only by joe six-pack, and I suppose, women on account of well. Whether it is tacit deterrence or overcoming terrorism, depiction resolve of our people crack the keyWith vigilance and change resolve we can face contemporary overcome all threats to Singapore."
-in his keynote address at nobleness Temasek Seminar in

"We know that when the in the house comes to fight, the SAF may not have a subsequent chance of a victory. Lose one\'s train of thought drives the rigour and realness of the SAF s trainingOur National Servicemen know that they will be in the frontline should the SAF ever control to go to war."
-in unadulterated statement at the Committee ensnare Supply Debate