SINGAPORE: A total of 109 servicemen who contributed to haze-fighting and anti-terrorism efforts were honoured on Monday (Jan 25) with the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) Overseas Service Medal.

Of these, 76 were deployed to the Middle East in 2015. During that year, SAF sent these personnel to perform duties such as intelligence work, as well as facilitating the refuelling of aircraft for member countries taking part in operations there.

Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen, who presented the medals, lauded the soldiers' operational readiness for their missions.

“We join this fight because if we do not triumph over extremist terrorism, the danger and risks to our citizens here will only grow,” said Dr Ng. 

The remaining 33 recipients are from the Air Force. They were recognised for their two-week aerial fire-fighting work in Indonesia during the haze last year, a joint mission with the Singapore Civil Defence Force. 

Dr Ng said overseas missions add to SAF's standing as a credible defence force.

“The conduct and performance of our SAF personnel in these two missions have been exemplary and highly professional," said Dr Ng. "It has brought credit and raised the standing of the SAF wherever they serve.

"Many went beyond the call of duty and volunteered for these missions," he added. "Both personally and as a unit, I am sure that (they) have learnt many valuable operational lessons from these deployments that (they) should share with others.”