SINGAPORE - The Chief of Army of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) was on Thursday (Sept 14) conferred the Pingat Jasa Gemilang (Tentera) - or Meritorious Service Medal (Military).
Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen presented the prestigious military award to Lieutenant General Angus Campbell at an investiture ceremony held at the Ministry of Defence (Mindef).
Lt Gen Campbell received the award for his significant contributions towards strengthening defence ties between the Australian and Singapore Armies, said Mindef in a statement.
"He has promoted greater cooperation between both armies through bilateral exercises such as Exercise Trident and multilateral exercises such as the 2016 Asean Defence Ministers' Meeting (ADMM)-Plus Maritime Security and Counter-Terrorism Exercise, which remains the largest ADMM-Plus exercise conducted," the statement said.
"Lt Gen Campbell also strongly supported joint operational deployments such as the Singapore Armed Forces' (SAF) Defeat-ISIS coalition efforts together with the ADF, which has enhanced the interoperability between both armies, and deepened people-to-people ties."
Mindef added that his strong personal support for the Singapore Army's training in Australia, including Exercise Wallaby at Shoalwater Bay Training Area, has contributed significantly to the SAF's operational readiness.
Lt Gen Campbell also notably supported the elevation of bilateral relations to that of a Comprehensive Partnership, which allows the ADF and the SAF to undertake joint development of training areas.
This will provide more opportunities for training in tough and challenging terrain in Australia.
Lt Gen Campbell, who is in Singapore on a two-day visit, said he was "deeply honoured" to have received the award.
He added: "This award is recognition of the close ties between our two armies. The Australian Army looks forward to the continuation of a very strong relationship with the Singapore Army".
