Military-to-military ties deepened during his tenure

A significant reorganization of the SAF in 2022 established the Digital and Intelligence Service (DIS) as a full-fledged fourth branch.

- 

The DIS is charged with protecting Singapore's digital backbone and critical information technology infrastructure from cyberattacks and other emerging threats, while keeping the SAF's technology stack at the cutting edge.

Under his watch, the Ministry of Defence also expanded the concept of Total Defence in 2019 with a sixth pillar, digital defence, to emphasize the need for every Singaporean to be vigilant against cyber threats and disinformation.

It was the first time since Total Defence was introduced in 1984 that the framework—meant to ensure Singapore's resilience against all forms of threats—was changed and reflected the growing importance of the digital space to daily life.

Dr Ng used his tenure as defence minister to deepen Singapore's military-to-military ties with countries near and far, including major powers such as the United States and China.

In 2019, during the first Trump presidency, Singapore and the US updated and renewed a key defence pact which provides for the US security forces to use Singapore's air and naval bases, and another agreement to establish a fighter jet training detachment in Guam.

In the same year, Dr Ng and then Chinese Defence Minister Wei Fenghe signed an enhanced agreement to expand bilateral defence cooperation, which paved the way for new dialogues, academic exchanges, and joint exercises between the two countries.

Dr Ng also played a key role in strengthening defence cooperation with Singapore's neighbours, including Malaysia and Indonesia.