Singapore in mourning, country’s first defense chief Kripa Ram Vij dies at the age of 87

Singapore: Brigadier-General (BG) Kripa Ram Vij, Singapore’s first Defense Chief and Ambassador, has passed away. He was 87 years old. Vij breathed his last on Saturday. His death has caused a deep shock to the family members and the entire country. He is survived by wife, three children and five grandchildren. Vij was born in 1937 in Hazara district (now Pakistan). Vij also served as Singapore’s ambassador to Egypt from 1974 to 1979. He also served in Pakistan, Yugoslavia, Lebanon and Ethiopia.

Vij joined the Defense Ministry in 1966 and was instrumental in setting up the Singapore Armed Forces Training Institute (SAFTI). Vij was sent to Israel along with other senior officers to oversee the combat training given to the youth. After which Singapore adopted the Israeli model of national service. It is mandatory for the youth to take this training here. Vij served as the Director of the ‘General Staff’ from 1970 to 1974. He retired from the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) in 1974. After this, he served in several senior positions in the ‘Shipping Group Neptune Orient Lines’ from 1981 to 1995.

News channel Asia informed about Vij’s death on Sunday evening. His family said, “We will always remember his achievements and his valuable contribution to the country and community. He influenced many people. His humble and kind behavior will always inspire us.” Defense Chief Lieutenant-General Melvin Ong condoled Vij’s death, saying he was “deeply saddened”.

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Tags: defense ministry, Singapore