Learn more about Singapore’s defence innovations at the SG Defence Exhibition.
Celebrating its 50th Anniversary this year, the Defence Technology Community (DTC) is a 5,000-strong group comprising organisations such as the Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA) and DSO National Laboratories, among others.
At this free exhibition you will discover the start of the DTC, as well as the major defence technologies that were developed, or adapted for the Ministry of Defence’s needs, by the engineers and scientists.
Grab an Event Passport card from the information counter when you enter – there’s freebies!
This exhibition is said to be the largest and first of its kind showcasing Singapore’s defence capabilities. I have to agree. They must have spared no expense – I’ve not seen one so polished after attending so many open houses and showcases over the years.
It’s a shame that this only lasts 5 days – I hope the exhibits get a permanent home somewhere.
Virtual Reality headsets were used to bring visitors into the Multi-Mission Range Complex (MMRC).
A transparent display is used to showcase the transparent ceramics armour technology, and it’s pretty cool.
Oh wait – this isn’t a defence technology.
You won’t find large displays of platforms here – it’s crazy to bring them into Marina Bay Sands, but instead there are more hands-on, interactive exhibits. Try on the backpacks!
It’s also interesting to see consumer technology adapted for military use.
Don’t expect to see tanks and planes here. But each service has something new on display. For land: The Unmanned Ground Vehicle – proudly supported by ST Engineering.
For air: Unmanned Aerial Vehicles – the Skyblade family.
For sea: The Littoral Mission Vessel (LMV), designed by Saab and ST Marine, with DSTA as the overall manager and systems integrator.
Visitors will be able try their hand steering a LMV when the demo is available.
Island Air Defence – see how different technologies come together to form a cohesive multi-layered air defence system.
The exhibition also commemorates 35 years of the PRIDE movement. That is, PRoductivity and Innovation in Daily Efforts, not the Pride that the rest of the world’s familiar with – what a hilarious acronym?!
It even has a mascot waving the PRIDE banner… called TEAMY the BEE. Things like this itself…
Anyway, one of the coolest things exhibited is the Rapidly Deployable Maritime Container (RDMC), which apparently can be deployed within 10 minutes with just two people.
Kinda looks like the Medicube from Descendents of the Sun kdrama, huh?
No Song Hye-kyo inside but you’ll be glad to know that the RDMC was used last year in Operation Surya Bhaskara Jaya.
The DTC has also contributed to Singapore beyond defence – remember during SARS all the temperature scanners popped up? It all started with hacking a military thermal camera and within a week the Infrared Fever Screening System (IFss) is born. Now we see it all over the world!
Learn all about the various types of rocks and granite that lurks beneath the ground. Maybe from the map you can figure out where the secret Underground Ammunition Facility is hidden…
The DTC is also responsible for the The Float @ Marina Bay, and had a hand in Singapore’s space aspirations.
X-Sat – Developed and built by the Nanyang Technological University in collaboration with DSO National Laboratories.
TeLEOS-1 – Singapore’s first Commercial Earth Observation satellite – another DSO project.
In the last section, Imagining Our Future, have a look at some nice doodles from DTC staff. You can add your own ideas and dreams for the future of Singapore’s defence. No wishing for shorter National Service!.
Freebies at the event
If you complete the Event Passport Activity Card, you can redeem a free umbrella and personalised ‘access card’ that gives you “FULL ACCESS GRANTED – TOP SECRET” status. Hilarious.
SG Defence Exhibition
Celebrating Defence Technology Community’s 50th Anniversary
Marina Bay Sands Expo & Convention Centre, Hall A
4 – 8 November 2016
11am – 8pm
Free Admission
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Thanks for posting this article 🙂
I would like to add
Transparant ceramic armour technology is a defence technology that can be used in the windows of military vehicles as it is transparant to allow light to pass through, while being bulletproof at the same time.
PRIDE besides being an acronym, the literal meaning is also true, as to take pride in your work.
The NS duration is as such to ensure the soldiers are being well trained and experienced enough for their roles and duties.
hi, I was the lighting designer for the exhibition, I am revamping my website and I am hoping to use the photos in this article. Will link back to this article with credits given, do let me know if this is all right. Thanks!