Farewell Visit By Chief of Navy, Republic of Singapore Navy

Bolkiah Garrison, Friday 04 March 2011 – Rear Admiral (RADM) Chew Men Leong, Chief of Navy from the Republic of Singapore Navy made a farewell visit to the Deputy Minister of Defence, Yang Mulia Dato Paduka Haji Mustappa bin Haji Sirat on 4th March 2011 at the Ministry of Defence.

RADM Chew began his military career in 1985 when he was enlisted in the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF).  During his appointment, RADM Chew has made outstanding contributions which included the formation of the Maritime Task Force and the establishment of the Information Fusion Centre (IFC). He has also play a significant role during the operational deployment of his military team to the Gulf of Aden. His previous visit to Brunei Darussalam was in 2008 for an introductory visit to the Deputy Minister of Defence, the Commander of Royal Brunei Armed Forces and the Commander of Royal Brunei Navy.

Brunei Darussalam and Singapore has fostered bilateral defence relations through Exchange of Letters in 1981 and 1983.  Both countries has shared warm and close defence relations, with regular exchanges in training and courses, as well as exercises involving the three services.  The next exercise, code name Exercise Pelican was expected to be held in July this year in Brunei Darussalam. The regular interactions have continued to further enhance mutual understanding and friendship among officials between both defence establishments.

The meeting has discussed on bilateral defence cooperation between both countries which included military exercises, trainings and courses.  Both also talked about other interactions that the countries have at regional level such as ASEAN, particularly through ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM).

RADM Chew will be replaced by RADM Ng Chee Peng as Chief of Navy on 29 March 2011, as part of the leadership renewal process in the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF), according to the Government of Singapore.  RADM Chew will resume his duty in the administrative service.