MG Dato Paduka Seri Haji Muhammad Haszaimi bin Bol Hassan is awarded the Distinguished Service Order (Military) for his role in strengthening Brunei-Singapore defence relations.

Singapore – August 5, 2024: Major General (MG) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Muhammad Haszaimi bin Bol Hassan, Commander of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF), has been awarded Singapore’s highest military award, the Darjah Utama Bakti Cemerlang (Tentera) [Distinguished Service Order (Military)]. The award was presented by President Tharman Shanmugaratnam at the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) today.

MG Dato Haszaimi received this prestigious award in recognition of his substantial contributions to the strong and longstanding defence relationship between the Royal Brunei Armed Forces and the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF). His leadership has been pivotal in fostering closer ties through professional exchanges, high-level visits, cross-attendance of courses, and bilateral exercises such as Exercise Pelican, Exercise Maju Bersama, and Exercise Airguard. During his tenure, Exercise Airguard and Exercise Pelican were notably enhanced with dedicated helicopter missions and the inclusion of new maritime security vessels.

Currently visiting Singapore from July 31 to August 2, 2024, MG Dato Haszaimi has participated in a series of significant engagements. Before the award ceremony, he met with Singapore’s Minister for Defence, Dr. Ng Eng Hen, and Chief of Defence Force Vice Admiral (VADM) Aaron Beng, following an inspection of the Guard of Honour. During their meeting, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to further deepening defence cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

As part of his visit, MG Dato Haszaimi toured the Digital Ops-Tech Centre, where he was briefed on the Digital and Intelligence Service. His itinerary also includes a visit to the Special Operations Command Centre tomorrow, highlighting his interest in Singapore’s technological and strategic advancements.

The award reflects the enduring partnership and mutual respect between the armed forces of Brunei and Singapore, emphasizing the importance of collaborative defence efforts in ensuring regional security and stability.

Source – MINDEF