SINGAPORE: Brigadier-General ( BG ) Cai Dexian will become Singapore’s new Chief of Army on Mar 21, the Ministry of Defence ( MINDEF ) announced on Tuesday ( Feb 25 ).
He takes over from Major-General ( MG) David Neo, who has served in the position for close to three years.
” This change is a part of the Singapore Armed Forces ( SAF ) continuing process of leadership renewal,” said MINDEF.
BG Cai, the present chief of 3rd Singapore Division, joined the military in 2003 and was awarded the SAF Overseas Scholarship.
The 40-year-old, who is an armour agent by profession, has held various positions with MINDEF and SAF, including chief of the 8th Singapore Armoured Brigade, captain of the 48th Battalion, head of the Joint Plans and Transformation Department, and chairman of officers plan.
According to MINDEF, “BG Cai led some work for the SAF to develop capabilities and power change, including the creation of the Digital and Intelligence Service and the SAF 2040 long-term plan.”
In addition, he was sent to Afghanistan in 2012 as part of SAF’s support of international restoration work.
MG Neo, the current Chief of Army, has been in charge since March 10, 2022.
” Under his leadership, the Singapore Army maintained a high level of operational preparation, expanded its range of capabilities, and enhanced its connectivity with government firms”, MINDEF noted.
The 47-year-old even led the Army 2040 conversion plan. He played important functions in the “operationalisation of new warfighting ideas, inter-service connectivity, acquisition of cutting-edge warfighting techniques, as well as labor growth, development and digitalisation initiatives”, said MINDEF.
Prior to his appointment, MG Neo, the second army officer to hold the position of military commander, oversaw the SAF’s efforts to the country’s COVID-19 campaign.
CNA has asked MINDEF about MG Neo’s upcoming strategies.  ,