At the Defence Technology Prize (DTP) 2025 Awards Ceremony, Minister for Defence Mr Chan Chun Sing underscored the urgency of adaptation in an evolving geopolitical landscape, challenging the defence sector to discard outdated assumptions and embrace a forward-looking approach. Speaking to an audience of innovators and defence professionals at the Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA) Auditorium, Mr Chan emphasised that the global order is shifting, demanding a re-evaluation of partnerships, alliances, and strategic frameworks.
“By now, you are all familiar that the geopolitics have changed—the way that we look at the world, and the assumptions we made about the partnerships, the global international and rules-based order,” Mr Chan said. “We must leave no stone unturned, and we must not make the wrong assumptions or use outdated assumptions.”
His remarks highlighted the need for Singapore’s defence sector to remain agile, anticipating and responding to emerging threats with precision and foresight. The Minister stressed that capability development must adopt a long-term perspective and a systems approach, ensuring that technological advancements align with broader strategic goals.
“Generations of people who have come before them have contributed to the foundations which now allow them to do what they do today, and for us to award them a prize,” Mr Chan added, recognising the collective effort behind Singapore’s defence innovation.
The DTP, established in 1989, celebrates individuals and teams whose technological contributions have strengthened the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF). This year’s awards recognised three teams for their outstanding achievements. The SAFTI City project management team received the DTP 2025 Team (Engineering) Award, highlighting their role in advancing Singapore’s defence infrastructure.
The ceremony served as a reminder that defence technology is not just about hardware and software, but about the people who drive innovation. By fostering a culture of continuous improvement, Singapore’s defence sector remains at the forefront of global security challenges.
As geopolitical tensions continue to reshape the international order, the DTP 2025 Awards Ceremony reinforced the importance of sustained investment in defence technology. The Minister’s call to action—rooted in adaptability and long-term vision—sets the stage for future breakthroughs, ensuring that Singapore’s defence capabilities remain uncompromised in an uncertain world.