A COMMEMORATIVE EVENT IN BRUNEI DARUSSALAM HIGHLIGHTED FIVE DECADES OF CLOSE DEFENCE COOPERATION BETWEEN SINGAPORE AND BRUNEI.
SINGAPORE, 12 January 2026 — The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) and the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) commemorated the 50th anniversary of defence relations between Singapore and Brunei Darussalam.
To mark the milestone, Singapore’s Chief of Defence Force, Vice-Admiral (VADM) Aaron Beng, was in Brunei Darussalam to host a commemorative dinner attended by current and former defence leaders from Brunei. The Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Defence II of Brunei Darussalam, Yang Berhormat Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Retired) Dato Paduka Seri Awang Haji Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof, attended the dinner as the Guest of Honour.
In his remarks, VADM Beng highlighted the strong and enduring bilateral defence relationship between the two countries, noting that the partnership has enabled both armed forces to work closely together over the past five decades. He reaffirmed confidence that Singapore and Brunei Darussalam would continue to deepen their defence partnership, adapt to emerging challenges, and contribute to regional peace and stability.
As part of the commemorations, VADM Beng and the Commander of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces, Major General Dato Paduka Seri Haji Muhammad Haszaimi bin Bol Hassan, jointly launched the 50th Anniversary (SG–BRU 50) logo. The logo symbolises the close ties founded on mutual trust, recognition and loyalty, and will be worn by SAF and RBAF personnel during bilateral interactions throughout the year.
Bilateral defence cooperation has expanded in scope and complexity over the years. The Singapore Army and the Royal Brunei Land Force (RBLF) are conducting the 28th edition of Exercise Maju Bersama and the 25th edition of Exercise Rintis Bersama in Brunei Darussalam. Both armed forces also continue to engage through exercises such as Exercise Pelican and Exercise Airguard, as well as regular visits, cross-attendance of courses and professional exchanges.
SOURCE : MINDEF
