Update on Development of SAF Digital and Intelligence Service
Ministry of DefenceSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns MP Christopher de Souza’s inquiry regarding the development of the SAF Digital and Intelligence Service (DIS) and its role in countering cyber warfare and cross-jurisdictional threats. Minister Dr Ng Eng Hen stated that the DIS provides early warnings, electronic defense, and psychological resilience to protect Singapore against hybrid operations and evolving security threats. Since its 2022 inauguration, the service has established operational commands and is building a Digital Ops-Tech Centre and Digital Ranges to enhance specialized training facilities. The DIS collaborates with other governmental agencies on national cyber defense while scaling its recruitment and development efforts to build a robust workforce. Minister Dr Ng Eng Hen noted that the DIS is projected to double its size by 2030 to ensure Singapore’s sovereignty in the digital domain.
Transcript
2 Mr Christopher de Souza asked the Minister for Defence (a) whether he can provide an update on the development of the SAF Digital and Intelligence Service (DIS); and (b) how DIS is fortifying Singapore's digital intelligence capability to help fight against cyber military warfare and protect our country amidst cross-jurisdictional cyberthreats.
Dr Ng Eng Hen: The establishment of the Digital and Intelligence Service (DIS) represents another milestone in Singapore Armed Forces (SAF)'s continuing transformation, to better protect Singapore against evolving and emerging security threats. In particular, from many recent examples including the war in Ukraine, it is clear that the nature of aggression against another country by state and non-state actors has changed, and can involve multiple fronts on air, land, sea and digital domains. Termed “hybrid operations”, these acts of aggression can take place even in peacetime.
In this context, the DIS complements the existing services of Army, Navy and Air Force to jointly and comprehensively protect Singapore's sovereignty and interests. However, some missions will be predominantly undertaken by the DIS, namely, to provide accurate, relevant and timely early warning and operational intelligence, ensure the connectivity of the SAF to operate as a networked force, Cyber and Electronic defence of the SAF's electronic networks and systems and strengthen the psychological resilience of soldiers and the SAF.
Nationally, the DIS will also work with other Governmental agencies to provide digital and cyber defence for Singapore.
The DIS was officially inaugurated by the President on 28 October 2022. Senior leaders of the DIS, led by the Chief of DIS, have been appointed. Organisational structures, manpower and capabilities are now being streamlined and built up to be able to meet their mission outcomes. Specifically, operational commands have been stood up. To raise, train and sustain their digital and intelligence workforce, recruitment and development efforts are being expanded and enhanced. A Digital Ops-Tech Centre and Digital Ranges are being built to enhance capabilities through better training and simulation facilities. The DIS is expected to double its size by 2030.