SINGAPORE - A total of 596 personnel from the Defence Ministry and the Singapore Armed Forces received medals for their outstanding performance and service at the National Day Awards Investiture on Friday.

The ceremony for Mindef, held at its headquarters along Gombak Drive, was attended by Minister for Social and Family Development and Second Minister for Defence Chan Chun Sing, and Minister of State for Defence Maliki Osman.

Some 81 Commendation Medals, 114 Efficiency Medals and 415 Long Service Medals were given out to both military and non-military personnel.

In addition to the Long Service Medal, 14 recipients were also presented with the Commendation Medal and Efficiency Medal.

The Commendation Medal is awarded to individuals who have shown outstanding performance, while the Efficiency Medal is given to those who have performed work of special significance. Long Service Medals are given to individuals who have completed 25 years of public service.

Later this month, 30 senior SAF officers will receive the Public Administration Medal at the National Day Awards Ceremony, which will be officiated by President Tony Tan Keng Yam.