1st ASEAN Navy Training Experience Exchange Program
23 Dec 21
The ASEAN Navy Training Experience Exchange Program (ANTEEP) is an initiative by the Vietnam People's Navy that was recently endorsed at the 15th ASEAN Navy Chiefs Meeting in August 2021 as a means for ASEAN navies to exchange professional expertise and experience in various areas such as navigation, communication, seamanship, and damage control. The 1st ANTEEP was conducted on 16 Dec and hosted by the Vietnam People's Navy.
Participants for the 1st ANTEEP met via video teleconference to share their practical knowledge and experience in damage control training. ME5 Jesvinder Singh and ME3 Sugumaran from the Navigation and Sailor Skills School (NSSS) at our Naval Military Expert Institute represented the RSN to share about our Damage Control Trainer and how training is calibrated and progressive within the RSN. They also shared about Damage Control innovation projects that were ongoing in the RSN.
"It was a very interesting and eye-opening experience. I learnt about the different equipment that they use for damage control as well as how their damage control training is structured. I also gained a better appreciation of how my ASEAN training counterparts overcame restrictions posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and continued to meet training requirements." - ME3 Sugumaran, Instructor at the Fire Fighting Damage Control Wing, NSSS
Meeting of Medical Minds at the WPNS Naval Medicine Seminar
20 Dec 21
Naval medical practitioners from 22 countries met virtually over on 14-15 Dec 2021 to share their knowledge and insights for military medical operations at this year's Naval Medicine Seminar, part of the biennial Western Pacific Naval Symposium (WPNS).
One focus of this year's seminar was how navies had adapted to the COVID-19 pandemic over the last two years. Our medical officers from the Navy Medical Service (NMS) shared their experience on enabling the RSN to "Deploy Clean, Remain Clean, Return Clean". NMS was represented by COL(DR) Shalini Arulanandam, SLTC(DR) James Kwek, MAJ(DR) Mark Lim and MAJ(DR) Zebedee Wong, who presented on behalf of NMS.
"The Naval Medicine Seminar was a good opportunity for RSN and other International Navies to discuss best clinical practices in our responses to maritime disasters and the COVID-19 pandemic", shared MAJ(DR) Zebedee Wong, "It was a privilege to be able to share our RSN experience, and also learn from our medical counterparts all over the world."
Strengthening Ties with Chinese Navy
23 Nov 21
Our Chief of Navy RADM Aaron Beng and the new Commander of the People's Liberation Army Navy Admiral Dong Jun held an introductory call over video teleconference on 23 Nov. The two leaders reaffirmed the warm and friendly bilateral relations, and discussed ways to strengthen friendships and enhance maritime cooperation.
Both navies continued to maintain regular interactions through passage exercises and interactions between senior leadership in spite of the COVID pandemic. These interactions foster mutual understanding and trust between the two navies.
Strengthening Maritime Cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region
16 Nov 21
Chief of Staff - Naval Staff, RADM Edwin Leong took part in the 7th Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) Conclave of Chiefs in Paris, France. IONS includes 24 coastal nations along the Indian Ocean, and eight observer nations. Hosted by the French Navy from 15 to 16 Nov, the Conclave discussed and reaffirmed IONS navies' efforts towards cooperation in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, information sharing, maritime and environment security, and commitment to an important maritime security architecture to the region.
Promoting Cooperation and Strengthening Ties Amongst Western Pacific Navies
27 Oct 21
Our Chief of Navy RADM Aaron Beng participated in the 17th Western Pacific Naval Symposium (WPNS) held virtually on 26 and 27 Oct 2021. Chaired by the Philippine Navy, this year's symposium saw the participation of chiefs and representatives from 20 member and eight observer navies. Conducted virtually due to COVID-19, the symposium was a useful platform to discuss maritime issues of common interests and to build trust and confidence.
Reaffirming Close and Longstanding Navy Ties
25 Oct 21
Photo courtesy of the Royal Thai Navy.
Chief of Navy RADM Aaron Beng met with newly appointed Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Navy ADM Somprasong Nilsamai via video teleconference on 25 Oct 2021. The meeting reaffirmed the close and longstanding ties between the two navies, and underscored the mutual understanding and cooperation built through professional exchanges since the first bilateral Exercise Singsiam in 1981. Both navy chiefs had fruitful discussions on ways to strengthen bilateral relations, deepen mutual understanding, and enhance maritime cooperation between the two navies.
Chief of Navy, RADM Aaron Beng, at the US 24th International Seapower Symposium
17 Sep 21
Our Chief of Navy, Rear Admiral Aaron Beng, joined more than 140 delegates, including heads of navies and coast guards from more than 100 nations at U.S. Naval War College in Rhode Island, US from 14-17 September 2021 for the 24th International Seapower Symposium.
At the symposium, RADM Beng spoke on how COVID-19 impacted on navies and maritime security, and reiterated the need for navies and maritime agencies to continue to work together. "While the bulk of the global attention is on COVID-19 and its direct impact on shipping, we also see that other long-term threats to safe and secure seas continue." He added, "In Southeast Asia, we have seen how the pandemic has exacerbated piracy, smuggling and trans-border illegal migration. Navies and coast guards must redouble our efforts and keep up cooperation in combating maritime security threats."
During his visit to the United States, RADM Beng also called on US Secretary of the Navy, Mr Carlos Del Toro.
Chief of Navy, RADM Aaron Beng, Speaks at the 4th International Maritime Security Symposium (IMSS) Organised by the TNI AL
24 Aug 21
This morning, Chief of Navy, RADM Aaron Beng spoke at the 4th International Maritime Security Symposium (IMSS) organised by the TNI AL and attended by Chiefs and representatives from 25 navies.
RADM Beng's speech, titled "A Blueprint to Strengthen Information-Sharing to Enhance Regional Maritime Security", touched on the increasing complexities of maritime threats such as terrorism and piracy, especially during the pandemic, and suggested ways to improve information sharing for greater regional maritime security cooperation. This included (a) enhancing technology and infrastructure to make information-sharing secure, convenient, and useful, (b) strengthening operational linkages of existing information-sharing mechanisms beyond traditional maritime enforcement agencies, and (c) enhancing trust amongst like-minded partners.
On behalf of KASAL ADM Yudo Margono and the TNI AL, the Indonesian Defence Attaché to Singapore KOL Benny Arfan presented a token of appreciation to RADM Aaron Beng at MINDEF after the session.
Building Collective Resilience Between Navies
15 Jul 21
On 15 Jul 2021, Chief of Navy RADM Aaron Beng participated in the 4th Indo-Pacific Multilateral Maritime Virtual Key Leaders Engagement (KLE), alongside 13 other navies. Hosted by Commander Pacific Fleet (COMPACFLT) ADM Samuel Paparo, commanders spoke on how they looked forward to resuming physical interactions as COVID-19 pandemic comes under control, to maintain the personal relationships and mutual trust amongst navies.
Introductory Call by German Navy Chief
25 May 21
Our Chief of Navy RADM Aaron Beng and the Chief of German Navy VADM Kay-Achim Schönbach conducted their introductory meeting via video-teleconference on 25 May 2021. The two leaders reaffirmed the growing bilateral relationship between both navies. Both navy chiefs discussed ways to strengthen the bilateral relations and deepen cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
Both navies regularly interact through high-level visits and dialogues, professional exchanges on submarine training, and cross-attendance of courses. Since Feb 2020, the German Navy also attached an International Liaison Officer to Singapore's Information Fusion Centre. These interactions enhance interoperability and foster mutual understanding between the two navies.
Maintaining Warm Relations with the Philippines
07 May 21
Our Chief of Navy RADM Aaron Beng and the Chief of Navy Philippine Navy VADM Giovanni Carlo J Bacordo conducted their introductory meeting via video teleconference today. The meeting underscored the warm and good bilateral relationship between the two ASEAN navies. Both navy chiefs spoke on ways to strengthen bilateral relations and deepen mutual understanding between the two navies. They also discussed means to enhance maritime security cooperation through the attached International Liaison Officer in Singapore's Information Fusion Centre!
Strengthening Relations and Cooperation Between Navies
29 Apr 21
Our Chief of Navy RADM Aaron Beng and the Commander of the People's Liberation Army (Navy) (PLAN) ADM Shen Jinlong had an introductory call over video teleconference this morning.
The two leaders reaffirmed the warm and friendly relations between both navies. Both navy chiefs also discussed ways to strengthen friendships and enhance mutual understanding, including cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
Earlier in February, a passage exercise was conducted between RSN and PLAN ships in the southern reaches of the South China Sea within international waters – testament to the good relations established. We look forward to meeting up with our Chinese friends at the International Maritime Security Conference in July and future naval exercises at sea!
Affirming Warm Ties
22 Apr 21
Our Chief of Navy RADM Aaron Beng and the Chief of the Royal Malaysian Navy ADM Tan Sri Mohd Reza bin Mohd Sany spoke over a teleconference this afternoon and reaffirmed the warm and long-standing bilateral relationship between our navies. Both navy chiefs also committed to strengthening cooperation through bilateral Exercise Malapura and multilateral architecture such as the Five Power Defence Arrangements.
Reaffirming Ties with a Close Partner
16 Apr 21
Our Chief of Navy RADM Aaron Beng and the Chief of the Indonesian Navy (KASAL) ADM Yudo Margono reaffirmed mutual commitment to strengthen cooperation and enhance interoperability between both navies over a video teleconference call earlier today. The call included a virtual gift exchange.
During the call, RADM Beng and ADM Yudo expressed mutual appreciation that both navies continued to work closely together to ensure maritime security in our region, despite the challenges posed by COVID-19. Our ships also conducted a passage exercise in 2020. The two navy chiefs looked forward to continued engagements between the two navies.
Strengthening Close Ties with Brunei
24 Mar 21
Our Chief of Navy RADM Aaron Beng had a fruitful video teleconference with Commander of the Royal Brunei Navy (RBN) FADM Spry bin Haji Serudi.
This was their first meeting since FADM Spry took over as Commander in December 2020. RADM Beng and FADM Spry reaffirmed the strong and long-standing bilateral relationship that both our navies had built upon generations of people-to-people ties across all levels. Both navy chiefs also discussed ways to further strengthen cooperation and enhance interoperability between the RSN and RBN.