CHAPTER 20 - Defending Our Nation

Summary

“We take pride in knowing that our inventions have met operational requirements in tough environments.”

— Tan Eng Hwa, EEE Pioneer

THERE IS NO DOUBT THAT Singapore is a tiny red dot on the global map. However, it is more important that there be no doubt about the sovereignty of our country. In order to do so, the Ministry of Defence (Mindef), Singapore Armed Forces (SAF), Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA) and Defence Science Organisation (DSO) National Laboratories play key roles to ensure the country's security. NTI pioneers have been contributing to the defence of Singapore via these organisations.

Lee Yeaw Lip's first job was with the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF). As project engineer, he ensured the smooth operation of helicopters and fighter aircrafts. He oversaw a team of technicians in charge of maintaining aircraft instruments and electrical components. His colleagues were Joshua Lee Yuan Horng, Heng Guan Teck, and Henry Tan Chin Tuan. They could be credited in part for the annual National Day aerial spectacle. Yeaw Lip's last RSAFrole was to look after supply chains, aircraft spares procurement, warehousing and urgent purchases. Later, at DSTA, Yeaw Lip ran the training facility for their engineers. DSTA's mission is to “harness and exploit science and technology, and provide technological and engineering support, to meet the defence and national security needs of Singapore”.

After graduation, RSAF scholar Henry Tan served at the Radar and Communication School at the Air Engineering Training Institute. The school trained RSAF technicians. Henry was subsequently transferred to the Aero-Systems Programme Office to participate in the F16 aircraft programme. His engineering expertise was instrumental to his appointment as the project engineer covering the avionics systems. He was also with the multi-million dollar Maritime Patrol Aircraft programme to equip a civil aircraft with sensors, communication systems and weapons. Henry remembered one thing with pride. “We were up to the challenge of meeting all operational requirements within the budget and timeline,” he said.

While Yeaw Lip and Henry helped to protect Singapore's airspace, Neo Lay Beng guarded Singapore's sea lanes. His lifelong career in the Navy Logistics helps to ensure that a maritime nation such as Singapore has freedom of access to the sea to ensure an unbroken supply of daily necessities.