212 officers graduate from Goh Keng Swee Command and Staff College

SINGAPORE: 212 officers graduated from the Goh Keng Swee Command and Staff College (GKS CSC) on Thursday.

The graduates from three courses — the Combined 43rd Command and Staff Course (CSC), 13th CSC (National Service) and the inaugural CSC (Executive) — received their certificates from Defence Minister, Dr Ng Eng Hen, at a ceremony held at the Istana.

The courses prepare officers for senior command and staff appointments in the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF); and are the highest level of formal military education offered in Singapore for regular and NS officers.

Dr Ng highlighted the importance of continual professional education and how the SAF is updating this effort, especially for commanders, through the GKS CSC in partnership with academic institutions such as the Nanyang Technological University (NTU).

He said, "Through these avenues, we strengthen the abilities of our officers and commanders to tackle their missions well, whether it is non—conventional security threats, civil—military relations or increasingly, media operations. I am therefore heartened that all of you are committed to upgrade yourselves and we have a total of 39 officers who have applied for the SAF—NTU Masters programme."

Dr Ng also presented awards to five top graduates.

In the 43rd CSC, Lieutenant Colonel James Yin Kah Ho won the Top Army Graduate Award; while Major Chan Siak Soong Quentin won the Top Navy Graduate Award; and Major Loh Woon Liang won the Top Air Force Graduate Award.

Awards were also presented to Captain (NS) Ng Yong Kiat Francis, who topped the 13th CSC (National Service); and Military Expert 6 Koh Cheok Wei, who topped the 1st CSC (Executive).

— CNA/fa