Aaron Beng

Aaron Beng Yao Cheng PPA(E) PPA(G) (Chinese: 孟耀诚; born 1981) is a Singaporean vice-admiral and Chief of Defence Force. Prior to his appointment as Chief of Defence Force, he served as Chief of Navy between 2020 and 2023. He is the first naval officer to serve as Chief of Defence Force, and the first to hold the rank of Vice-Admiral in the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF).

Aaron Beng
Vice Admiral Aaron Beng in 2024
Born	1981 (age 43–44) Singapore
Allegiance	Singapore
Service / branch	Republic of Singapore Navy
Years of service	2000–present
Rank	Vice-Admiral
Commands	Chief of Defence Force Chief of Navy Chief of Staff – Naval Staff Head, RSN Strategy Office Director of the Defence Policy Office, Ministry of Defence Fleet Commander Squadron Commander, Formidable-class frigate Squadron Commanding Officer, RSS Intrepid
Alma mater	Yale University (BS) Naval War College

Early life and education

Beng was born in Singapore in 1981. His father, Arthur Beng Kian Lam, was the Member of Parliament (MP) for Fengshan SMC between 1984 and 1988 for the ruling People's Action Party.

Upon his graduation from Hwa Chong Institution in 1999, Beng was awarded the President’s Scholarship and the Singapore Armed Forces Overseas Scholarship^[1] to study at Yale University, where he majored in economics and electrical engineering sciences, and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree.^[1]

Military career

Beng enlisted into the SAF in 2000.^[1] He was Commanding Officer of the frigate RSS Intrepid and subsequently Commanding Officer of the Frigate Squadron.^[1] He was also Director of the Defence Policy Office.^[1]

Beng was appointed Fleet Commander in March 2019, before his appointment as Chief of Staff – Naval Staff in November 2019.^[2] He was appointed Chief of Navy on 23 March 2020, where he served until 10 March 2023.^[3][1]

Beng was appointed Chief of Defence Force on 24 March 2023. He was the first Chief of Navy to serve as Chief of Defence Force.^[4][5][6] He was promoted as Vice-Admiral, the first person to hold this rank, on 1 July 2023.^[7][8]

Personal life

Beng is married to Sharon Koh.^[9][10]

Awards and decorations

• Public Administration Medal (Military) (Bronze) in 2017
• Public Administration Medal (Military) (Gold) in 2023
• Singapore Armed Forces Long Service and Good Conduct (10 Years) Medal with 15 year clasp
• Singapore Armed Forces Long Service and Good Conduct (20 Years) Medal
• Singapore Armed Forces Good Service Medal
• Singapore Armed Forces Overseas Service Medal
• Ordre national du Mérite (Officier) in 2022
• Legion of Merit (Degree of Commander) in 2023
• Bintang Jalasena Utama (Navy Meritorious Service Star, 1st Class) in 2023^[11]
• Courageous Commander of The Most Gallant Order of Military Service (P.G.A.T.) in 2023^[12]
• Royal Brunei Navy Command Badge^[13]