Defence Minister Dr Ng Eng Hen highlights the importance of ASEAN collaboration in AI and Critical Underwater Infrastructure security.

Singapore’s Minister for Defence, Dr Ng Eng Hen, attended the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) Retreat in Penang, Malaysia, where he emphasized the importance of regional cooperation in addressing emerging security challenges.

During the meeting, ASEAN Defence Ministers discussed strengthening ASEAN unity and enhancing regional cooperation. Dr Ng highlighted the need for ASEAN to remain forward-looking, particularly in the domains of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Critical Underwater Infrastructure (CUI) security. Given the vulnerabilities of CUI and the potential impact of its disruptions, the Ministers agreed on the importance of increasing military awareness and capabilities in this area.

Singapore and Thailand jointly submitted a discussion paper proposing further collaboration among ASEAN militaries on CUI security. The proposal gained support, as militaries often play a crucial role in responding to disruptions in underwater infrastructure.

Additionally, the Defence Ministers released a Joint Statement on Cooperation in Artificial Intelligence in the Defence Sector. This statement acknowledges the broader ASEAN efforts in addressing AI-related challenges and emphasizes the need for its responsible and accountable use within defence operations.

The Ministers also welcomed Germany and Türkiye as observers in the ADMM-Plus Experts’ Working Groups, expanding international collaboration in regional defence discussions.

Following the meeting, Dr Ng reaffirmed the ADMM and ADMM-Plus as vital platforms for addressing regional security issues through strategic dialogue and practical cooperation. He stressed the importance of ASEAN unity in tackling transnational security threats and praised the progress made at the retreat.

On the sidelines of the meeting, Dr Ng engaged in bilateral discussions with Malaysia’s Defence Minister Dato’ Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin and Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, Mr Phumtham Wechayachai. Both discussions reaffirmed strong defence ties and explored ways to enhance cooperation both bilaterally and within multilateral frameworks such as the ADMM, ADMM-Plus, and the Five Power Defence Arrangements.

The ADMM continues to play a vital role in regional security by fostering trust and practical collaboration among ASEAN’s ten member states.

Source – MINDEF