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New Paper
11 hours ago
- Politics
- New Paper
Father and son to lead NDP 2025 mobile column to celebrate commitment to defence across generations
The 2025 National Day Parade (NDP) marks several firsts for Lieutenant-Colonel (NS) Alex Chan. He has participated in previous parades in a back-end capacity, overseeing security matters, but he will now be front and centre - as the commander of the mobile column. The mobile column serves as a showcase of the Republic's military and civil defence assets. For NDP 2025, 170 assets from the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF), Home Team and the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) will be on display, along with more than 800 people from participating agencies. NDP 2025 will also see LTC Chan, who is chief of staff for the SAF's 8th Singapore Armoured Brigade, participate in the parade for the first time with his son, 10-year-old Keith Chan. The pair will be leading the mobile column in a Leopard 2SG main battle tank. "It's definitely an honour to participate this year, especially together with my son," said LTC Chan, 48, whose day job involves him overseeing back-end support at Alexandra Hospital. Keith, a pupil at St Anthony's Primary School, said he was "super excited" to be taking part in the parade with his father as well as to have the opportunity to see the different vehicles up close. The pair's participation is in line with one of the mobile column's four thematic segments for 2025, titled From Generation To Generation, which emphasises the continued strengthening of Singapore through generational commitment to defence. The mobile column will feature stories of men and women from the SAF and Home Team across generations, said Major Teo Wei Kok, chairman of the NDP 2025 mobile column, noting that veterans would also be appearing. Major Teo Wei Kok said that the mobile column will feature stories from across generations. ST PHOTO: BRIAN TEO "We want to honour the sacrifice and contributions of past and current servicemen and women, while inspiring future generations to take up the mantle and continue building upon the strong foundations of Singapore's defence and security forces," he added. Among those participating with their family is Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Stella Tay, who will appear in a video featurette during the mobile column with her 11-year-old daughter, Shermaine Goh, and her son, Edward Goh, nine. Deputy Superintendent of Police Stella Tay will appear in a video featurette together with her son Edward Goh and daughter Shermaine Goh. ST PHOTO: BRIAN TEO "It's a very rare chance to be able to bring the children to work so that they experience what I do," said DSP Tay, 38, who is with the Singapore Police Force's Public Transport Security Command. "I hope that I can be a good role model to them," she added. With his father also part of the police force, Edward aspires to follow in both his parents' footsteps to become a police officer. DSP Tay said she just wishes for her children to have a positive impact on others, whatever their careers. "Whatever they want to be, just contribute back to society," she said. The mobile column's other thematic segments highlight the SAF's capabilities to protect Singapore and the coordinated defence capabilities of the SAF and Home Team, as well as their contributions to global security and ability to conduct a wide spectrum of operations. MAJ Teo noted that 2025 marks the 18th mobile column - the mobile column first appeared in the 1969 NDP and is typically held during milestone years, with the previous iteration held in 2019 to mark Singapore's bicentennial celebrations. Singapore commemorates 60 years of independence in 2025, as well as the 60th anniversary of the SAF. For the first time, the mobile column will include air and maritime elements, in addition to the drive-past along St Andrew's Road. "We will see an aerial fly-past, and at Marina Bay we'll see a maritime display with vessels from the navy, the Home Team as well as the Maritime and Port Authority," said MAJ Teo. While the mobile column has typically showcased the army and Home Team's vehicles and artillery, the MPA is included as it is an important partner in ensuring the Republic's maritime security, he added. MAJ Teo also recognised some 200 people who work behind the scenes to support operations for the mobile column, such as road marshals and the logistics team. "Without them working tirelessly behind the scenes, there will be no mobile column," he said. Assets appearing in the mobile column for the first time include the army's Hunter Armoured Engineer Vehicle and TPQ-53 Weapon Locating Radar, the navy's Combatant Craft Underwater, the police's Tactical Strike Vehicle, and the Singapore Civil Defence Force's second-generation Medical Support Vehicle. Selected vehicles will also enter the Padang show stage during the drive-past, giving spectators a closer look at these vehicles. On Aug 10, some of these assets will travel from the city centre along five routes to various heartland celebration sites to give more people a chance to see them up close. Details of the routes and heartland sites will be released at a later date.
CNA
3 days ago
- Science
- CNA
SCDF unveils Blue Dolphin, its latest marine rescue vessel
SINGAPORE: The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) unveiled its latest marine rescue vessel, the Blue Dolphin, on Wednesday (Jun 25), marking a significant upgrade to Singapore's maritime emergency response capabilities. The second-generation vessel will serve as SCDF's primary response asset for major incidents at sea, including fires, rescues, and chemical, biological or radiological emergencies. It will be based at the West Coast Marine Fire Station. It is approximately 3m longer than its predecessor, the Red Dolphin, which was commissioned in August 2019. Both vessels have a top speed of 30 knots, or about 56kmh. The Blue Dolphin houses three fire monitors, capable of discharging up to 4,800 cubic metres of water per hour – equivalent to nearly two Olympic-sized swimming pools. Both vessels also have a crew capacity of four navigational crew and 10 marine specialists. The new vessel was jointly developed by SCDF, Penguin Shipyard International, Home Team Science and Technology Agency and Defence Science and Technology Agency. Key upgrades include an integrated command post that can receive information from onboard cameras, detectors and operation logs. The vessel is also equipped with a chemical, biological and radiological (CBR) system, upgraded with advanced sensors. These sensors can analyse infrared signatures emitted by various chemicals and detect most chemical warfare agents and toxic industrial chemicals from up to 5km away within line of sight. The CBR system also enables the vessel to conduct hazardous material monitoring operations – a process that demarcates hazardous boundaries of an incident site to assess whether responders should wear personal protective equipment (PPE). A virtual anchoring system enhances navigational precision and minimises operator fatigue during extended missions. Meanwhile, upgraded search-and-rescue tools include a launch-and-recovery mechanism for a rigid hull inflatable boat. The boat is also fitted with a firefighting system that can help with missions in shallow coastlines. The increase in size of the vessel allows for more spacious PPE and rescue rooms, improving operational flow, SCDF said. In addition, the extra space allows for a heli-winch for heli-evacuation operations In line with sustainability goals, the Blue Dolphin also has an integrated solar panel charging system and is powered by biofuel-compatible engines. EVOLVING MARITIME LANDSCAPE The commissioning ceremony for the vessel, held at the Republic of Singapore Yacht Club, was officiated by Minister for Law and Second Minister for Home Affairs Edwin Tong. His wife christened the vessel in a symbolic ceremony. Religious leaders from the Inter-Religious Organisation were also present to bless the new vessel. SCDF's marine division's capability is critical amid a rapidly evolving maritime landscape, said Mr Tong. The cruise industry has expanded with more cruise ships calling port in Singapore. The Disney Cruise Line, for example, will launch its maiden voyage from the Singapore Cruise Centre at the end of 2025. "This means larger vessels, with more passengers, will appear in Singapore waters," he said. Additionally, Tuas Mega Port has commenced its first phase of operations. By 2040, it will be one of the largest container ports in the world, making Singapore one of the busiest waterways globally, he said. "At the same time, the maritime industry is shifting towards greener operations. The use of alternative fuels such as LNG, ammonia and methanol brings new challenges for maritime response," he added. The Blue Dolphin represents SCDF's first step in its commitment to strengthening their capabilities in safeguarding Singapore's waters, he said. GROWING FLEET SCDF's marine division has expanded rapidly since its inception with only two vessels in 2012, Mr Tong said. Excluding the newest vessel, the SCDF has six mission-centric boats today. They include a rapid response fire vessel for swift deployment, a heavy marine rescue vessel for mass casualty evacuation and a heavy marine fire vessel which is capable of sustaining firefighting operations continuously for 96 hours. Mr Tong said there are plans to add three new vessels by 2030, bringing the total fleet size to ten. Additionally, the new Marine Division Headquarters at Brani will be ready by early 2026, and a new Marine Fire Post will be built at Punggol's Northshore Crescent by 2028. Assistant Commissioner Ryan Ong, the commander of SCDF's marine division, said the Blue Dolphin is the first of four vessels that the SCDF is developing over the next few years to bolster its capabilities to safeguard Singapore's waters. "The Blue Dolphin is equipped with advanced navigational and firefighting systems so that we are able to respond to maritime emergencies with greater efficiency and safety," he said.
AsiaOne
5 days ago
- Automotive
- AsiaOne
NDP 2025: Mobile column to make return to Padang after 5-year hiatus, Singapore News
Leopard tanks rolling down St Andrew's Road, F-16 fighter jets soaring over the Padang, and patrol crafts gliding through Marina Bay - these are just some of the sights to expect as the iconic mobile column makes its return to the National Day Parade (NDP). Marking its first appearance at the Padang since NDP 2019, this year's NDP show will feature over 170 assets and 800 participants from the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF), Home Team and the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore. It is also the first time that the mobile column — traditionally a drive-past of military assets and vehicles — will include an aerial flypast across Padang and a maritime display concurrently at the nearby Marina Bay. Speaking to reporters on Saturday (June 21) Major Teo Wei Kok, chairman of NDP 2025 mobile column committee, said that the purpose of this "stately, grand display" remains the same since it was introduced in the NDP in 1969. "This year's mobile column aims to showcase our ability and commitment to defend and to take charge of our defence and security of our own nation," he said, adding that one of the segments will display the SAF and Home Team's recent abilities to "operate beyond our shores". These include humanitarian missions in quake-hit Myanmar and in war-torn Gaza. Maj Teo said that unlike past parades, this year's expanded mobile column with land, air and sea assets on display concurrently means "complex coordination" between different agencies. "At the same time, it reflects what we do in our daily tasks," he said. "Our team is ready to deal with and handle the situation." Close-up view of assets Another first in this year's parade, according to the Ministry of Defence (Mindef) in a media release, is that the mobile column will be "closer" to spectators in Padang. Selected assets, such as the light strike vehicle and terrex infantry carrier, will enter the show stage during the drive-past, they added. "This will offer spectators in various sectors of the seating gallery a close-up view of the assets," said Mindef. The mobile column will also travel from the city centre along five routes to various Heartland Celebration sites on Aug 10, said Mindef. This year's mobile column will bring together the children of servicemen and women with those from earlier generations of SAF and the Home Team. Mindef said that the segment, named "From Generation to Generation", will feature a film that will be played to those watching at the Padang and at home, which "features stories of men and women from the SAF and Home Team across generations". "We want to honour the sacrifice and contributions of past and current servicemen and women, while inspiring future generations to take up the mantle and continue building upon the strong foundations of Singapore's defence and security forces," they added. For Lieutenant Colonel (NS) Alex Chan, 48, this year's NDP will be extra special. The national serviceman, who will be leading the Army in the mobile column, will be taking part alongside his 10-year-old son, Jinghoi for the first time, where they will be saluting to the 27,000-strong crowd at the Padang and the millions watching at home. Calling it an honour to participate alongside his son, LTC (NS) Chan hopes the experience will help Jinghoi better understand his father's role in the Army. "He has always been curious about what I do, and he misses me whenever I have to stay in camp for training," he said. "He also wonders why I had to stay in-camp for so long, sometimes for up to three weeks if there is an overseas exercise." Jinghoi, a student at St. Anthony's Primary School, added: "I feel tired to be under the hot sun, but after all, it's still fun." [[nid:719012]] chingshijie@
CNA
27-05-2025
- Health
- CNA
Humanoid robots to assist Home Team frontliners by mid-2027, says Singapore's HTX
SINGAPORE: Singapore's Home Team Science and Technology Agency (HTX) is looking to give Home Team officers an extra hand by mid-2027 with the help of humanoid robots. These robots will be deployed in high-risk situations like fighting fires, helping out in post-disaster search and rescue operations, and handling hazardous materials. HTX is aiming for them to be remotely controlled by 2027 and then operate autonomously by 2029 with the help of AI. Some of these robots, which are currently undergoing trials, were exhibited at the opening of HTX's AI TechXplore event that began on Monday (May 26). The agency was showcasing its latest projects as well as research and development (R&D) work in the AI field. "This initiative marks a fundamental shift in the development of robotics capabilities in the Home Team – from today's pre-programmed systems to tomorrow's GenAI-powered intelligent platforms that can move, think, and act autonomously to protect and save lives," said Minister for Digital Development and Information Josephine Teo, who spoke at the event. HTX also launched a new S$100 million (US$78 million) robotic research facility that will focus on developing humanoid robotic capabilities of the Home Team. The facility, known as the Home Team Humanoid Robotics Centre (H2RC), will be up and running by next year, according to the agency. It is designed to provide specialised settings for training and validating AI-enabled robots that will take over high-risk tasks from humans. ADOPTION OF ROBOTICS Professor Louis Phee, vice president of innovation and entrepreneurship at Nanyang Technological University (NTU), said that while humanoid robots will be assigned with the riskier tasks in missions such as firefighting, existing challenges in hardware and software need to be overcome. Such tasks require smooth movements in the robots' hardware, as well as the use of large language models trained in the Singapore context, he added. This will allow a robot to properly communicate with other humanoid robots and human beings, Prof Phee told CNA's Singapore Tonight programme. "Imagine if you buy a robotic system from Europe, that robotic system may not be able to understand how Singaporean(s) speak. But with our own … specific Singaporean large language models … that's where the humans and the humanlike robots can better connect and understand each other," he added. He said widespread integration of humanoid robots into daily life requires a delicate balance between giving such robots full autonomy and ensuring the safety of humans. When asked how ready Singapore's society is to accept such robots, he pointed to the country's manpower shortage and how it embraces technology. He compared it to the field of surgical robotics where attitudes have shifted from patients demanding a human surgeon years ago, to patients now preferring a robot due to higher accuracy. "So, it will take time," he added. USING AI TO BOOST EFFICIENCY Apart from robotic assistance, HTX said it will also look at more than 300 AI use cases that help streamline communication and workflows for responders, with the first to be operational as early as the end of the year. One tool that reduces the risks to first responders is an AI system that will take real-time audio and video recordings of a crisis, such as a fire. The system will then use AI to provide analysis and recommendations for teams that are enroute to the incident, speeding up response times. HTX said this analysis tool could potentially boost first responders' productivity by 30 per cent. The agency also announced that Home Team officers will have access to an AI chatbot that runs on a localised language learning model (LLM). The AI chatbot, called Phoenix, has been trained by HTX's partner Mistral AI on knowledge specific and relevant to Singapore's local context, as well as 10 major languages spoken in Singapore, such as Mandarin, Bahasa Melayu and Tamil. "It understands things like our terminology, our hierarchy, our internal SOPs (standard operating procedures) and laws and rules," said Arka Ray, lead engineer at HTX's Q Team. "And all of these things are conveyed naturally by the training that we do so that the officer can just do what they need to do best, which is the analysis," she added. She said this allows Home Team officers to get more accurate responses from the chatbot, compared to other LLMs that have not been trained on relevant local data. The agency will progressively deploy Phoenix to Home Team officers, and as an application programming interface (API) for AI developers to build operational applications.
Straits Times
26-05-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
Home Team humanoid robots to be deployed by mid-2027, $100m to be invested: Josephine Teo
The humanoid robots will perform high-risk tasks such as firefighting, hazmat operations, and search and rescue missions. ST PHOTO: JASON QUAH Home Team humanoid robots to be deployed by mid-2027, $100m to be invested: Josephine Teo SINGAPORE – Home Team officers will work together with their robot counterparts when the latter are deployed as soon as by mid-2027. The humanoid robots will perform high-risk tasks such as firefighting, hazardous materials (hazmat) operations, and search and rescue missions. Initially, the robots will be controlled remotely by human operators, but are expected to be powered by artificial intelligence (AI) and deployed autonomously from 2029. During autonomous deployment, AI will allow the machines to respond to different scenarios, with humans supervising and intervening only when necessary. On May 26, four of these robots, which are being developed by the Home Team Science and Technology Agency (HTX), were showcased at the opening of the AI TechXplore exhibition. The two-day science and technology exhibition, held at Fusionopolis One, highlights HTX's efforts to leverage AI to enhance Home Team operations. The exhibition was held alongside the HTX career fair, Careers@HTX. Three of the robots on display are about 1.7m tall, while the fourth is half a metre shorter. HTX engineers built an exo-suit for operators to wear to control the smaller robot. Information from the exo-suit is transmitted to the robot, allowing it to replicate the operator's movements in real time. The operator also wears a virtual reality headset that allows him or her 'to see' through the robot's cameras to perform various tasks . The event also saw the launch of Phoenix, HTX's large language model that was trained in-house and is familiar with the Singapore and Home Team context, and conversant in all four official languages in Singapore . Phoenix will be the brain of the Home Team's AI capabilities. Speaking at the event, Minister for Digital Development and Information Josephine Teo said $100 million will be invested in the new Home Team Humanoid Robotics Centre (H2RC), which will be dedicated to developing humanoid robots intended for public safety. It is the first such facility in the world, and is slated to become operational by mid-2026. It will feature zones for data collection, AI model training and robotics development, and will house high-performance computing resources. Mrs Teo said: 'Criminals are exploiting technology in ways never before imagined. As a result, law enforcement agencies, too, must understand how the technologies are being misused. 'But that on its own is not going to be enough. We must also have the capabilities to use the technology to fight crime, to do better for our people. ' The minister added that H2RC will push the frontiers of AI. She said: 'This initiative marks a fundamental shift in the development of robotics capabilities in the Home Team – from today's pre-programmed systems to tomorrow's Gen AI-powered intelligent platforms that can move, think, and act autonomously to protect and save lives.' Mr Ang Chee Wee, chief AI officer and assistant chief executive for digital and enterprise at HTX, said the facility is a significant step forward for HTX's AI strategy, as advances in robotics open up new possibilities for front-line support. He said: 'By putting humanoid robots in realistic environments, we can evaluate how AI can complement our officers, enhance safety, and support the long-term operational needs of the Home Team.' The Home Team has used multiple robots over the years, with one of the earliest iterations of a patrol robot being used at large-scale events in 2018. The pace of development and deployment quickened after the formation of HTX in end-2019, which helped develop the Rover-X robotic dog and the more recent cyborg cockroaches sent to Myanmar to assist in search and rescue efforts after an earthquake. Drones are now also a common sight at large public events such as the recent political rallies, and help with both crowd control and other police operations. The advent of humanoid robots looks set to further shape the security scene in Singapore, with security provider Certis announcing on May 19 that it, too, has received its first humanoid robot. Dr Daniel Teo, director of the Robotics, Automation and Unmanned Systems Centre of Expertise at HTX, said he is looking forward to further harnessing the potential of robots for the Home Team. He said: 'Public safety operations require robotic systems that are adaptable and resilient. These AI-driven robots have a huge potential to enhance the safety and effectiveness of front-line officers.' David Sun is The Straits Times' crime correspondent. He has a background in criminology and is a licensed private investigator. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
