Lieutenant General Simon Stuart, Chief of Army of the Australian Defence Force, received the Meritorious Service Medal (Military) from President Tharman Shanmugaratnam in recognition of his contributions to strengthening bilateral defence ties between Singapore and Australia.
Lieutenant General (LTGEN) Simon Stuart, Chief of Army of the Australian Defence Force (ADF), was awarded Singapore’s prestigious Pingat Jasa Gemilang (Tentera) or Meritorious Service Medal (Military) [MSM(M)] by President Tharman Shanmugaratnam. The award ceremony took place at the Ministry of Defence this morning, with Minister for Defence Dr. Ng Eng Hen presenting the medal.
LTGEN Stuart received the award for his significant contributions to enhancing the strong bilateral defence relations between Singapore and Australia. Under the Singapore-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, the two armies have deepened their cooperation under LTGEN Stuart’s leadership. This includes the joint development of training areas and facilities in Australia, broadening the scope for future training exercises for both the ADF and the Singapore Armed Forces.
Following the COVID-19 pandemic, LTGEN Stuart played a crucial role in the full-scale resumption of Exercise Wallaby in 2022 at the Shoalwater Bay Training Area. This allowed the Singapore Army to resume effective training in Australia. Additionally, LTGEN Stuart’s support for bilateral exercises such as Exercise Matilda has been mutually beneficial, strengthening people-to-people ties between the Australian and Singapore Armies.
Upon receiving the award, LTGEN Stuart expressed his gratitude, stating, “It is my honour to receive the MSM(M) from the Singapore Ministry of Defence today, which I graciously accept on behalf of the Australian Army. This medal reflects the enduring bonds between our militaries and the common perspectives we share throughout the region.”
LTGEN Stuart is visiting Singapore from June 6 to 8, 2024, for his introductory visit. Prior to the award ceremony, he inspected a Guard of Honour, called on Dr. Ng, and met with Chief of Army Major-General David Neo. As part of his visit, LTGEN Stuart also toured the Headquarters Singapore Artillery, where he was briefed on the organisation’s capabilities and the Singapore Army’s developmental efforts in the sense-strike domain.
Source – MINDEF
