Aaron Beng

Aaron Beng Yao Cheng 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).

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.

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

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

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

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. He was promoted as Vice-Admiral on 1 July 2023.

Awards and decorations

 * Pingat Pentadbiran Awam (Gangsa) (Tentera).png Public Administration Medal (Military) (Bronze) in 2017
 * Pingat Pentadbiran Awam (Emas) (Tentera).png Public Administration Medal (Military) (Gold) in 2023
 * [[File:Singapore Armed Forces Long Service and Good Conduct (10 Years) Medal ribbon with clasp.png|80px]] 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 ribbon.png Singapore Armed Forces Long Service and Good Conduct (20 Years) Medal
 * Singapore Armed Forces Good Service Medal ribbon.png Singapore Armed Forces Good Service Medal
 * Singapore Armed Forces Overseas Service Medal ribbon (from 1999).png Singapore Armed Forces Overseas Service Medal
 * National Order of Merit - Officer (France).png Ordre national du Mérite (Officier) in 2022
 * US Legion of Merit Commander ribbon.png Legion of Merit (Degree of Commander) in 2023
 * Pita (Ribbon) Bintang Jalasena Utama.png Bintang Jalasena Utama (Navy Meritorious Service Star, 1st Class) in 2023
 * Panglima Gagah Angkatan Tentera.png Courageous Commander of The Most Gallant Order of Military Service (P.G.A.T.) in 2023
 * Royal Brunei Navy Command Badge