Aaron Beng Yao Cheng (; 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).
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 Junior College 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 is the first Chief of Navy to serve as Chief of Defence Force. He was promoted as Vice-Admiral, the first person to hold this rank, on 1 July 2023.
Personal life Beng is married to Sharon Koh.
Awards and decorations Meritorious Service Medal (Military) in 2026 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 Courageous Commander of The Most Gallant Order of Military Service (P.G.A.T.) in 2023 The Most Exalted Order of Paduka Keberanian Laila Terbilang, 1st Class (D.P.K.T.) Royal Brunei Navy Command Badge
References