In a world increasingly marked by geopolitical tensions and evolving threats, the Singapore Defence Technology Summit (SDTS) 2025 will feature over 40 eminent speakers from 14 countries to offer deep insights into the most pertinent challenges facing the global defence tech landscape. Hosted by the Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA), the SDTS will be held at Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore, from March 18 – 20.
Speaking at the opening dinner on 18 March, Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen highlighted the importance of SDTS and emphasised the dual imperatives of continual innovation while ensuring responsible use of technology. He said, “This difficult tension with new discoveries – new technology on one hand improving our lives while on the other potentially causing harm – is a recurrent theme in the progress of mankind…I hope that this summit, in addition to being a platform to share scientific and technological know-how, also provides an avenue for you to have a voice in the use and safeguards for new discoveries.”
DSTA’s Chief Executive, Mr Ng Chad-Son said, “This year’s SDTS is taking place at an important time with a confluence of many factors – global conflict, geo-political uncertainty, growing defence budgets, fast moving technology – all leading to disruptive innovation in defence technology. Hence, the conversations that take place and collaborations that are forged are vital as we navigate the way forward.”
This fifth edition of SDTS will bring over 600 thought leaders, policymakers and technology experts from government, industry and academia together to explore the roles of Technology and Partnership in Navigating an Uncertain Tomorrow. Deputy Prime Minister of Singapore, Mr Heng Swee Keat will be delivering a keynote address on 19 March at the event.
Discussions will centre on how geo-politics and evolving threats are impacting technology. Through thought-provoking discussions, the conversations will spotlight on agility in accelerating technology innovations, the game-changing role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in defence and security and other emerging technologies. Speakers will also discuss defence technology strategies to enable innovation and resilience.
Singapore’s DSTA taps Oracle cloud for MinDef
Singapore’s Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA) has signed a contract with Oracle for an Oracle Cloud Isolated Region that supports the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) and Singapore Armed Forces (SAF). The collaboration between DSTA and Oracle will enable MINDEF and the SAF to gain access to high-performance, air-gapped, and secure sovereign cloud computing, data management, and artificial intelligence (AI) services in a secured environment. The use of Oracle Cloud Isolated Region will transform the Command, Control, Communications and Computers (C4) functions of the SAF, and will modernise its digital capabilities with increased scalability and performance.
Under this agreement, the Digital and Intelligence Service can use Oracle’s air-gapped cloud services to accelerate innovation and deployment of AI for the SAF’s missions. Oracle Cloud Isolated Region is a sovereign air-gapped hyperscale Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI) region that offers the same services that are available in a public OCI region. Oracle Cloud Isolated Region is completely disconnected from the internet and provides MINDEF and SAF with a scalable, secure, and resilient environment to enhance insights and enable faster decision-making.
“The demand for secure and scalable cloud solutions is growing. It is more than just data storage and computing – it will be the foundation for a lot of innovation. Through this pilot collaboration with Oracle, we will harness advanced cloud and AI technologies to digitalise and transform our operations,” said Mr Ng Chad-Son, Chief Executive of DSTA.
“Oracle has safeguarded the world’s most sensitive data for decades. We are pleased to bring this expertise to support the Singapore defence community’s missions,” said Rand Waldron, Global DEFENSE CTO, Oracle. “Our air-gapped, isolated cloud regions bring the capabilities of our public cloud and defence ecosystem to the world’s most secure networks. Oracle is built to deliver the highest levels of security and performance for governments around the world.” Oracle delivers AI and a full suite of 150+ cloud services across dedicated, public, sovereign, and hybrid cloud environments anywhere in the world, including air-gapped infrastructure on classified networks.
RSAF, DTSA partner on Shield AI
The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF), Singapore’s Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA) and U.S.’ Shield AI have entered into a collaboration to co-develop Artificial Intelligence (AI) for autonomous flight operations using Shield AI’s Hivemind.
“Collaboration is at the heart of breakthrough technology. We believe true progress happens when innovators, technologists and operators come together – combining expertise, resources and creativity to drive transformative solutions. By working with Shield AI and RSAF, we want to drive AI innovation in drones – enhancing flight autonomy and overall effectiveness,” said DSTA’s Chief Executive Mr Ng Chad-Son.
Through this partnership, DSTA aims to harness Shield AI’s expertise in AI-enabled software on autonomous drones and aircraft to improve the RSAF’s warfighting capabilities.
“The Republic of Singapore Air Force is a fantastic U.S. partner and one of the most technologically advanced air forces in Southeast Asia,” said Mr Tseng, Shield AI’s President, Co-founder, and former U.S. Navy SEAL. “We’re excited to be working with them to bring cutting-edge autonomy to their operations. This partnership is a testament to their forward-thinking approach and the growing demand for intelligent, resilient autonomy at scale.”
