BACK
TO TOP
17 Jul 2025
The Public Sector Transformation (PST) Awards Ceremony on 8 July 2025 marked a proud milestone for the DSTA staff who were recognised for their collaboration in the public service, dedication to continuous learning and courage in pushing boundaries.
One Public Service Award
Of our winners, one of the teams clinched the One Public Service Award for their project which exemplified inter-agency collaboration.
The DSTA team that was part of the Nationwide Sensor Grid project that won the One Public Service Award.
This multi-agency effort included contributions from SCDF, DSTA, HTX, GovTech, DSO, NEA and the SAF.
As part of SCDF’s goal to implement a real-time, 24/7 nationwide sensor grid for earlier detection of hazardous materials, Programme Manager (Systems Engineering & C3 Centre) Lim Huay Ching and her team collaborated with SCDF, HTX, GovTech and DSO to develop the Hazardous Material Incident Management System HIMS2. This Command, Control and Communications system leverages a network of chemical sensors to enable real-time detection and monitoring hazardous substances. By doing so, it allows for quick resource deployment to safeguard public health, property and the environment.
Huay Ching shared, “This award is deeply meaningful as it serves as a reminder of what we can achieve when different teams and agencies work together with a shared purpose. It is also a recognition of how DSTA has contributed significantly in supporting the agency to implement early protective measure and reduce public safety risk.”
Dare to Do Award
Two teams received the Dare to Do Award for their ground breaking work in maritime autonomy and aerial refuelling. Demonstrating the courage to take risks, challenge norms and persevere through uncertainty, both teams embodied the spirit of innovation in the face of the unknown.
Zhen Hao represented the Maritime Security USV team, comprising of DSTA, DSO and RSN, to receive the Dare to Do Award.
Head Capability Development (Naval Systems) Chng Zhen Hao and his team worked closely with DSO and RSN to lead the development of Singapore’s first unmanned surface vessel for maritime security. With no global standards or reference projects to guide them, the team ventured into an unchartered territory to advance maritime autonomy and safety. Undeterred by setbacks, they developed a robust testing and validation approach, including simulations and sea trials, to ensure the vessel’s safety and reliability.
Zhen Hao shared, “This is a proud moment, not just for me, but for my team and the leadership who trusted us to take bold steps. It shows that in the Public Service, it is okay to challenge the norms - and when management supports that, great things can happen.”
Owyong represented the Multi-Role Tanker Transport Team, comprising of DSTA and RSAF, to receive the Dare to Do Award.
Programme Manager (Air Systems) Owyong Heng and his team developed the world’s first operational Automatic Air-to-Air Refuelling capability for Singapore’s defence needs. Collaborating with the RSAF and Airbus, the team harnessed computer vision technology to enable real-time control of the refuelling boom under dynamic flight conditions. This allows the aircraft to be refuelled automatically, safely and effectively.
Owyong shared, “The award is a reflection of the hard work and dedication of my amazing team, the RSAF, and our industry partner, Airbus. Together, we have developed a capability that reduces the operator’s workload, ensuring mission success over a prolonged period.”
Exemplary SkillsFuture @ Public Service Award
Two of our DSTA staff also received the Exemplary SkillsFuture @ Public Service Award for their spirit of continuous learning and skills upgrading of self and others.
Marcus was awarded the Exemplary SkillsFuture Award.
Development Programme Manager (Digital Hub), Marcus Loke, started his DSTA career as a radar engineer, but cross trained to an AI development role after completing his Master’s programme in Data Science. Today, Marcus leads the Language AI team to deliver solutions ranging from Large Language Models (LLMs) to Agentic AI in order to boost sensemaking capabilities in the SAF.
Marcus, sharing about his journey transitioning from an electrical engineering background with limited software experience, said, “After completing my Master’s, I applied what I had learnt to lead software teams in delivering AI capabilities for the SAF and mentored others to build their expertise in this area. This journey has proven that with hard work and a thirst to improve, success is achievable. It’s rewarding to see how continuous learning makes a real impact to defence.”
Similarly, Head (Quality Assurance & Compliance) (Land Systems) Alan Tay was also awarded the Exemplary SkillsFuture Award for deepening his expertise in emerging technology by pursuing a Graduate Certificate in Additive Manufacturing and Material Science & Engineering. With a Master’s in Mechanical Engineering, he continues to strengthen his technical skillsets to support innovation in defence.
Congratulations to all our winners!