Sean Wat

Sean Wat
Wat in 2023
Born	1984 (age 40–41) Singapore
Allegiance	Singapore
Service / branch	Republic of Singapore Navy
Years of service	2002–present
Rank	Rear-Admiral
Commands	Chief of Navy (2023–present) Fleet Commander [1] Director, Defence Policy Office [2] Deputy Commander, Maritime Security Task Force [2] Commanding Officer, Formidable-class frigate RSS Supreme
Alma mater	Stanford University (BASc)

Sean Wat Jianwen PPA(P) is a Singaporean two-star rear-admiral who has been serving as Chief of Navy since 2023. ^{[3] [2] [4]}

Education

Wat was awarded the Singapore Armed Forces Overseas Scholarship to study at Stanford University, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts and Science degree in mathematics and philosophy and a Master of Science degree in management science and engineering. ^[5]

Military career

Wat enlisted into the SAF in 2002. ^[3] He served as Commanding Officer of the Formidable-class frigate RSS Supreme and later Deputy Commander of the Maritime Security Task Force. ^[2] He also served as Director of the Defence Policy Office under the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF). ^[2]

Prior to his appointment as Chief of Navy, Wat was Fleet Commander between 2022 and 2023. ^[1]

Awards and decorations

• Pingat Pentadbiran Awam, Perak (Tentera) (Public Administration Medal, Silver (Military)) - PPA(P)
• Singapore Armed Forces Long Service and Good Conduct (20 Years) Medal
• Singapore Armed Forces Long Service and Good Conduct (10 Years) Medal with 15 year clasp
• Singapore Armed Forces Good Service Medal
• Singapore Armed Forces Overseas Service Medal
• Bintang Jalasena Utama (Navy Meritorious Service Star, 1st Class) in 2025 ^[6]

References

1. "Chief of Navy, Republic of Singapore Navy". Ministry of Defence (Singapore). 10 March 2023. Retrieved 20 March 2023.
2. "First naval officer to be Chief of Defence Force will add value to SAF but has 'big shoes to fill': Analysts". Today. 22 February 2023. Retrieved 19 March 2023.
3. "RADM Aaron Beng becomes first Navy chief to be appointed Singapore's Chief of Defence Force". Channel News Asia. 22 February 2023. Retrieved 19 March 2023.
4. "Promotion of Chief of Navy". MINDEF. 15 December 2023. Retrieved 16 January 2024.
5. "SAF officers are leading, serving and defending the nation amid the tumult of living in pandemic times". Today. 19 February 2021. Retrieved 19 March 2023.
6. "Panglima TNI Sematkan Bintang Jalasena Utama Kepada Kasal Singapura". Indonesian Armed Forces Information Centre (in Indonesian). 19 March 2025. Retrieved 19 March 2025.

Military offices
Preceded by Aaron Beng	Chief of Navy 10 March 2023 – present	Incumbent