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Dr Lai Kin Seng, Head of Applied Physics Laboratory, Emerging Systems Division
 With over 16 years of research experience, Kin Seng's areas of specialisation are in non-linear optics and laser technology. Among his achievements include leading DSO's high power laser development programme to obtain three US patents and winning the Defence Technology Prize (DTP) as a member of the Laser Team in 2004.
Kin Seng feels that DSO is unique compared to other research and academic institutions, and the many interesting facets of his work are what motivates him to stay on as a researcher. "There have been many memorable moments over the years, with me and my team exploring various research and technologies. We have built the highest power 2-micron solid state laser, worked on breakthrough results for long-range laser propagation trials, won the DTP, and travelled to many parts of the world to share our key achievements at international conferences," he says.
Delighted and honoured to be conferred his DMTS title, he credits this achievement to the unwavering passion of his team and the support of management. "Great results, especially in the DSO context, are never achieved alone. I would like to thank my dedicated team members who share my passion and commitment, for doing something we feel will ultimately make a difference to our nation's security. I am also grateful for the strong support and trust in us from management."
Kin Seng also believes in giving back, and is an avid mentor to students of all ages, from secondary school to the postgraduate university level. He is currently also an adjunct lecturer at NTU, teaching advanced Master's level courses in laser physics, spectroscopy and modern optics.
For budding researchers, Kin Seng has this piece of advice: "Let your own creativity flow, and never stop learning! Be open in your thinking, do not be bogged down by mindsets, and be open to others' ideas as well. There is no such thing as a stupid idea."
He leaves this final food-for-thought by quoting renowned scientist Einstein: "I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious."
Dr Loke Weng Keong, Head of Medical Countermeasures (Chem) Laboratory, Defence Medical & Environmental Research Institute
 Since 1994, Weng Keong has been pioneering biomedical research in DSO to counter the threats of chemical agents and toxins. An expert in the Chemical Defence community both locally and internationally, he and his diverse team of chemists, biochemists, biologists, molecular biologists, pharmacologists and engineers have rapidly bolstered the development of novel diagnostic test kits, antidote solutions and occupational health monitoring capabilities, among other achievements.
He is also an active member of several national committees and government body agencies, working with the likes of the Singapore Civil Defence Force, Ministry of Health, National Environmental Agency and the National Research Foundation.
"I am pleasantly surprised, honoured and grateful with the new appointment," says Weng Keong, on hearing the news that he was to become a DMTS.
On what he feels contributed to this achievement, Weng Keong shares: "It is truly rewarding to see many of my staff staying on with me to earn their long service awards and moving forward in their careers. The trust they placed in me, and the company they provided in those pioneering years, is my greatest motivation to plough on, and create a strong, respected and productive medical countermeasures research area in Chemical Defence."
He says he is also glad to have "created and maintained a wonderful bunch of multi-disciplinary co-workers in the 'Mind Can Conquer' (MCC) laboratory, who continue to push the boundaries of what is possible." More recently, Weng Keong and his team were in the news for developing a lab-on-chip that detects nerve gas, a feat accomplished in a short time span of two years.
For the technology leaders of tomorrow, he leaves behind this nugget of advice: "Have perseverance, an equal amount of self-respect and respect for others, and most importantly, strive for continuous improvement to be Second-to-None."
Dr Lum Kai Yew, Deputy Director of TL@NUS (on secondment)
 Kai Yew joined DSO in 1990, working in the areas of flight and marine control, tactical guidance and satellite technology. His expertise lies in the field of control sciences, and he is currently on secondment to Temasek Laboratories at the National University of Singapore (TL@NUS), where he is Deputy Director and Principal Research Scientist.
At TL@ NUS, his research group has spearheaded theories and algorithms for application in control for flight and marine vessels, and his work is globally reviewed and recognised, having authored and co-authored papers published in international journals and conferences. He also teaches nonlinear dynamics and control within NUS's Electrical and Computer Engineering Department, bridging defence-related research to the faculty level.
Kai Yew has always had interest in science and technology as a career, and his DMTS title conferment reaffirms his conviction in treading this path. "I would like to see the DMTS title as a vindication of my career choice, and the recognition of my contribution as a researcher to defence science and technology," he states.
On the challenges of his research at TL@NUS, Kai Yew says: "The work here is quite different from what would normally take place in DSO, as TL conducts basic research. While less specific in terms of requirements on outcome, basic research requires us to be able to discover new results than those already known to the academia. Our work is peer reviewed, published in open literature, and therefore has to stand up to public scrutiny and criticism. The challenge is also to produce research outcomes that would ultimately be useful to DSO."
For Kai Yew, the road to technical achievement begins with building a solid foundation, and understanding science and technology by its first principles. The next step is to maintain an inquisitive mind, a keen interest in new ideas, including those of others, and being able to extrapolate from the known to the unknown. "There is no end to technical achievements, way beyond the DMTS or whichever title, as technical leadership depends on whether one is able to continually produce new results, be it in theory, products, or systems," he rounds off.
Ngo Yuen Choo, Distinguished Member of Technical Staff, Cryptology, Networks Division
 Yuen Choo has established herself as an outstanding cryptologist and an expert within the fields of communication, information and computer security.
In the span of her 24-year career at DSO, she has developed proprietary encryption algorithms which have been put into operation, and also led cryptopgraphic analysis work which have enhanced the SAF's information security capabilities.
She remains modest despite her myriad of achievements, and finds great joy in delighting her users and customers. "It is wonderful to see all the hard work and sacrifices bear fruit, and for our work to be commended by our customers and even our vendors."
On her DMTS conferment, Yuen Choo adds: "I feel very encouraged and fulfilled, as it is recognition of my contributions and achievements."
And her magic formula for success? "The willingness to take up challenges, to try and learn new things, a passion for problem-solving, and finally, persistence," she says.
She also lists experience, the support of DSO management and the SAF, and her team-mates from the Cryptography lab for contributing to her DMTS conferment. "Firstly, I have built up much experience over the years, with opportunities to explore, learn and develop. Secondly, the trust and support given by management and our customers, who entrusted us with projects that required a large amount of resources, but had low probabilities of success at the beginning. Thirdly, I'm appreciative of the inspiration from the people I have worked with and the teamwork that I have enjoyed."
Dr Geoffrey Tan, Programme Manager, Guided Systems Division
 Buffeted by a strong mechanical engineering background, Geoffrey's research specialisation is in the field of weapon system design and testing. Since 1997, he has been responsible for leading his team to build up DSO's capabilities in this area.
Part of his success, he says, has been to identify an important niche area that needed to be filled, and persevering through the uncertainties of high risk R&D. "One must have the humility to accept that you can, and will be wrong at times, and learn from your mistakes and grow."
Geoffrey is appreciative of the support from what he describes as "an excellent task-oriented, goal-focused, uncomplaining team" in GS division. "Well, uncomplaining most of the time," he adds with a laugh. He is also thankful for management's backing and encouragement in his endeavours.
Speaking on what propels him forward, he says: "Self-drive and self-motivation are doubly important when times are difficult. Constant information-gathering is also important. To keep ahead of the pack, you need to read widely and develop a network of sources and resources."
Another one of his secrets is regular physical exercise. "I find it an excellent opportunity to better reflect on problems and formulate strategies. It may not work for everyone, but at the very least, you get to enjoy health benefits too!"
He is humbled to be awarded the DMTS title, and says: "I am honoured, especially since we have many talented people in DSO."
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