Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) Chief of Army (COA) Brigadier-General (BG) David Neo and Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) COA General (GEN) Tan Sri Zamrose Mohd Zain co-officiated at the closing ceremony of Exercise Semangat Bersatu (XSB) in Ulu Tiram Camp, Johor. Conducted physically from 18 to 25 March 2022, over 300 personnel from the 1st Battalion, Singapore Guards, and the 6th Battalion, Royal Ranger Regiment participated in the bilateral exercise. The soldiers participated in sports activities, combat training, cross-sharing of weapon systems, and culminated in a combined battalion mission exercise. The exercise provided opportunities for soldier interactions and professional exchanges, and enhanced cooperation between both armies.
BG Neo commended the soldiers for the successful conduct of XSB22 and highlighted that the exercise has strengthened cooperation and deepened friendships between soldiers from both countries. He said, “The successful battalion field exercise that GEN Zamrose and I just witnessed clearly demonstrated the high level of professionalism and cooperation between the commanders and soldiers of both armies … These touchpoints are invaluable in building personal bonds and friendship between our soldiers.”
To ensure the safe conduct of the exercise, participants from both armies were fully vaccinated and strictly abided by COVID-19 Safe Management Measures such as rostered routine testing and cohorting by functional groups. This year’s exercise marked the 26th edition in the series. First held in 1989, XSB provides a valuable platform for both armies to strengthen professional interactions, and underscores the warm and long-standing defence relations between Singapore and Malaysia. The SAF and the MAF interact regularly across a range of activities, including bilateral exchanges, cross-attendance of courses and multilateral activities under the ambit of the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM)/ADMM-Plus and the Five Power Defence Arrangements.
