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NUS President Tan Eng Chye and NPS President Retired U.S. Navy Vice Adm. Ann E. Rondeau, Ed.D. signed the new partnership agreement during a ceremony held in Singapore, July 23. Senior leaders in attendance included the Singapore Minister for Defence Chan Chun Sing, MINDEF Permanent Secretary (Defence Development) Melvyn Ong, TDSI Board Chairman and Chief Defence Scientist Tan Peng Yam, Dean of the NUS College of Design and engineering professor, Teo Kie Leong, as well as Lisa S. Liao, U.S. Embassy Chargé d’Affaires and U.S. Navy Capt. Manuel Picon, Defense Attaché. “Over the years, the Naval Postgraduate School has always held a special place in our Singapore defense ecosystem,” said Chan. “For generations, many of our defense personnel have gone to the Naval Postgraduate School and brought back networks and knowledge to help build our own defense ecosystem.” The joint program is designed to equip defense professionals with cross-disciplinary knowledge and system-level competencies, with a particular emphasis on digital systems engineering, emerging technologies and strategic systems thinking. With rapid technological change reshaping the character of warfare, both institutions emphasized the urgency of adapting defense education to reflect the evolving global security environment. “This momentous milestone reflects the strength of the enduring collaboration between our institutions,” said Rondeau. “We talk about integration, we talk about systems thinking, which is about working these things together with respect for all different points of view to create solutions to problems. Our bonds are deep, and the joint degree we are establishing today is not only a new initiative but also representative of what we are going to become.” Chan emphasized that the new joint degree would enhance the preparation of defense engineers by focusing on digital systems engineering and systems thinking, vital in today’s evolving technological and security landscape. He added that the collaboration reflects the enduring defense ties between Singapore and the U.S. is rooted in mutual trust and a shared focus on peace, stability and technology. Chan noted that many of Singapore’s defense engineers emerged from this partnership – dating back more than 50 years, helped strengthen the nation’s military. Singapore’s collaboration with NPS began in the early 1970s, with more than 700 Singaporean graduates throughout the partnership including current TDSI professor, Lui Pao Chuen, a 1973 NPS graduate in operations research. Lui rose to become Singapore’s Chief Defence Scientist and was inducted into the NPS Hall of Fame in 2002. Another NPS-TDSI partnership milestone came in 2001 with the establishment of the dual degree program, with an inaugural cohort of 27 graduates. To date, more than 300 Singaporean military officers and 68 U.S. officers have earned degrees, opening avenues to greater collaboration. “This undertaking is a testament to our vision and commitment to advancing defense education and research at the highest standards,” said Tan. “I am pleased that NUS will be furthering our relationship with NPS, a leading institution for military and defense-related fields, through this joint program.” For both nations, collaboration extends beyond academic credentials. As a maritime nation located at the heart of the Indo-Pacific, Singapore plays a vital role maintaining open sea lanes and upholding a stable order. U.S. Navy Adm. Samuel J. Paparo, commander, U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, welcomed the development. “In today’s contested environment, success requires more than just platforms and presence — it depends on people,” said Paparo, also an NPS alumnus. “This joint degree program enhances the intellectual and operational capabilities between our nations, preparing defense leaders who can integrate technology smartly, think critically about complex challenges, and work together to maintain the partnerships that underpin regional security, stability and prosperity.” Rondeau highlighted the deeper significance of the collaboration, calling the NPS-TDSI program one of NPS’ proudest traditions for its role in building long-term bonds among U.S. and Singaporean officers across careers and continents. She emphasized that the joint degree strengthens the human dimension of learning by advancing trust and peace through shared values, integration and mutual understanding. The International Graduate Programs Office at NPS oversees the educational outreach to allied and partner nations. To date, NPS’ international military alumni network exceeds 7,000 graduates from 128 countries. IGPO Deputy Director Mowafiq W. Alanazi, Ed.D., emphasized NPS’ long-standing connection with the TDSI program. “We are stronger together,” said Alanazi. “This joint degree program with NUS stands as a testament to NPS’ status as a global leader in military education. We look forward to welcoming many more Singaporean students in the near future to our growing defense-diverse student body of allied militaries.” Concluding his remarks at the ceremony, Chan said, “I look forward to the continued partnership between NUS and NPS, and to seeing how our engineers apply their skills to strengthen our national defense.” With the launch of this new joint degree, NUS and NPS reaffirm their shared commitment to cultivating operationally informed, technologically proficient defense leaders, ensuring deterrence through strength, innovation and enduring friendship. The Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) is located in Monterey, California, and provides defense-focused graduate education, including classified studies and interdisciplinary research, to advance the operational effectiveness, technological leadership, and warfighting advantage of the U.S Naval service. Established in 1909, NPS offers master’s and doctorate programs to Department of Defense military, DoD civilians, and international partners, to deliver transformative solutions and develop innovative leaders through advanced education and research. • Learn more about International Graduate Programs at NPS: https://nps.edu/web/igpo