Brigadier-General Cai Dexian (left) will take over from Major-General David Neo as Chief of Army from March 21 - MINDEF
SINGAPORE: Brigadier-General Cai Dexian will take over from Major-General David Neo as Chief of Army from March 21.
The change is part of the “continuing process of leadership renewal” in the Singapore Armed Forces, said the Ministry of Defence (Mindef) on Feb 25.
“Mindef expresses its deep appreciation to MG Neo for his sterling leadership and distinguished service to Mindef and the SAF,” the ministry said in a statement.
BG Cai, 40, joined the SAF in 2003 and was awarded the SAF Overseas Scholarship.
An armour officer by vocation, he has held various senior command and staff appointments within Mindef and the SAF.
These include commanding officer of the 48th Battalion Singapore Armoured Regiment, commander of the 8th Singapore Armoured Brigade, head of the Joint Plans and Transformation Department, director of personnel policy and commander of the 3rd Singapore Division.
Mindef said BG Cai drove many capability development and force transformation efforts for the SAF, such as establishing the Digital and Intelligence Service and developing the SAF 2040 long-term plan.
“BG Cai was also deployed to Afghanistan in 2012 as part of the SAF’s contribution to the international reconstruction efforts there,” added the ministry.
MG Neo, 47, joined the Singapore Army in 1996 and has served the SAF with distinction, Mindef said, adding that he was the first commando officer to be appointed Chief of Army.
He served his junior command tours in the Commando Formation and subsequently commanded the First Battalion Singapore Guards, 2nd Singapore Infantry Brigade and 3rd Singapore Division.
He also held key staff appointments in Mindef and the SAF, including head of the Joint Plans and Transformation Department, director of Joint Operations and deputy secretary (technology).
MG Neo has served as army chief since March 10, 2022.
“Under his stewardship, the Singapore Army maintained a high level of operational readiness, expanded its range of capabilities and enhanced its interoperability with government agencies,” Mindef said.
MG Neo also led the Army 2040 transformation plan, steering the operationalisation of new warfighting concepts, inter-service integration and acquisition of cutting-edge warfighting systems, as well as the development of workforce, innovation and digitalisation initiatives.
“During his tenure, MG Neo guided the Singapore Army to resume and expand local and overseas integrated, large-scale training and live-firing after the Covid-19 pandemic,” Mindef said.
“He also expanded collaboration with the militaries of major powers and regional countries.
“The Singapore Army also successfully executed several operations, such as the disposal of one of the largest wartime bombs unearthed in Singapore and the delivery of humanitarian aid for Gaza,” Mindef added.
Responding to a query from The Straits Times, Mindef said MG Neo’s immediate focus is on his current responsibilities as the Chief of Army and to ensure a smooth transition to BG Cai.
“As per past practice, chiefs of services who have just handed over command after their terms will be in Mindef to complete transition and other administrative matters,” said a Mindef spokesperson. - The Straits Times/ANN
Save 30% for ads-free and full access now!
