20 Oct 2022
Four teams and an individual from DSTA were awarded the Defence Technology Prize (DTP) 2022 for their outstanding contributions and efforts to strengthen Singapore’s defence and security.
At the award ceremony on 20 October 2022, Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen highlighted the important role that the Defence Technology Community (DTC) plays in building the SAF’s capabilities.
Citing DSTA’s efforts in delivering command and control (C2) systems to support multi-ministry task forces during the pandemic, he said: “With many agencies, many programmes, many responses, how do you put it together so that things work. DSTA provided them with that backbone of the C2 system. The generic and cardinal insight is that in the fog of battle, without situational awareness of a comprehensive and effective C2 system, it is very difficult to impose order and security, and efficiency. …It is a considerable source of comfort and satisfaction that the ability of MINDEF organisations and the SAF in C2 were reaffirmed.”
Dr Ng also commended the winners for their contributions, adding that they exemplify qualities such as boldness, innovativeness, and persistence that will help our nation overcome any challenge.
Director (InfoComm IT Infra) Wong Chia Sern received the DTP 2022 Individual (Engineering) Award for his instrumental role in the design, implementation and operation of large-scale, secure and resilient networked systems for MINDEF and the SAF.
Over the years, Chia Sern’s work has helped ensure robust and secure connectivity, as well as interoperability of current and future systems including apps, mobile devices, notebooks, networks and data centres. Beyond harnessing commercial technologies, he has also delivered customised solutions to address MINDEF and the SAF’s unique requirements.
For their outstanding achievements and contributions, three DSTA teams – the Next Generation Army Command and Control Information System (CCIS) Team, the Ship Defence Capability Team, and the Airborne System Team – received the Team (Engineering) Awards. In addition, the Autonomous Underwater Vehicle Team received the Team (R&D) Award for their innovations.
The Next Generation Army CCIS Team, consisting of members from DSTA, the Army, ST Engineering, and NCS Pte Ltd, delivered an advanced system that reduces battle procedure planning efforts and shorten the decision-making process significantly. With a timely distribution of critical data across the forces and smart algorithms and automation, the system is able to reduce the cognitive load imposed on operators.
The team also leveraged cloud technology to enhance collaboration and information sharing, developed smart applications for greater mission effectiveness, as well as implemented unique cybersecurity solutions for tactical operations.
With members from DSTA, DSO National Laboratories (DSO), and the RSN, the Ship Defence Capability Team delivered a ship defence capability with indigenous enhancements and technology insertions, which has enhanced the protection of naval assets significantly.
The Airborne System Team delivered a unique airborne system with cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence and precision engineering, which has helped augment the RSAF’s fighting capabilities. The team consisted of members from DSTA, RSAF, DSO, ST Engineering, and the Future Systems and Technology Directorate.
Leveraging the combined tech expertise from DSTA, DSO, and ST Engineering, the Autonomous Underwater Vehicle Team designed and developed an autonomous underwater vehicle with innovative technology. The delivery of this breakthrough solution within a short period of time has strengthened MINDEF and the SAF’s underwater capabilities successfully.
Congratulations to all winners!