Chief of the Royal Malaysian Navy, Admiral Zulhelmy bin Ithnain, visits Singapore, strengthening ties through high-level meetings and marking 40 years of Exercise Malapura.
SINGAPORE, 13 November 2024 – Chief of the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN), Admiral (ADM) Datuk Zulhelmy bin Ithnain, paid a courtesy call on Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen at the Ministry of Defence. During their meeting, Dr. Ng and ADM Zulhelmy reaffirmed the importance of maintaining strong ties between the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) and the RMN and discussed key developments in regional security.
ADM Zulhelmy, who was in Singapore for an introductory visit from 12 to 14 November 2024, also called on Chief of Navy Rear-Admiral (RADM) Sean Wat after inspecting a Guard of Honour. The two Chiefs explored further opportunities to strengthen the RMN-RSN relationship.
As part of his itinerary, ADM Zulhelmy visited RSS Singapura – Changi Naval Base, where he toured the Information Fusion Centre and was hosted onboard the Formidable-class frigate, RSS Supreme. He also attended the opening ceremony of Exercise Malapura 2024 with RADM Wat, marking the 40th anniversary of this flagship bilateral exercise between the RSN and the RMN. Exercise Malapura 2024 took place from 13 to 24 November 2024.
ADM Zulhelmy’s visit underscored the warm and long-standing bilateral defence relations between Singapore and Malaysia. The RSN and the RMN regularly interact through bilateral exercises, official visits, and professional exchanges. Beyond collaborative efforts to safeguard regional maritime security through the Malacca Straits Patrol, both navies also engage through exercises held under multilateral platforms, such as the Five Power Defence Arrangements, the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM), and the ADMM-Plus. These interactions have fostered mutual understanding and strengthened professional ties between the two navies.
Source: MINDEF
