PM Lawrence Wong and Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah celebrate decades of military cooperation and shared training experiences
Singapore Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Lawrence Wong visited Brunei Darussalam from 9 to 10 October 2026 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Singapore-Brunei defence relations. On 10 October, Prime Minister Wong and His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, attended a Joint Parade at Muara Naval Base, followed by the launch of a commemorative gallery documenting five decades of defence cooperation.
The parade featured personnel and operational assets from the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) and the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF), representing the two countries’ longstanding military ties. In a social media post, Prime Minister Wong reflected on the development of the relationship since its establishment in 1976.
“Over the decades, this has grown into a close and substantial defence relationship, built on mutual trust, shared experiences and strong personal ties,” he said.
He added that personnel from both countries had trained and learned together, developing friendships over successive generations. The Joint Parade featured personnel and assets from the Army, Navy and Air Force, reflecting the experience gained through joint training and service.
Following the parade, Prime Minister Wong and His Majesty jointly launched a Commemorative Gallery showcasing key milestones in the bilateral defence relationship. Prime Minister Wong also attended a lunch hosted by His Majesty, where he had the opportunity to meet His Majesty, His Royal Highness Crown Prince Billah and His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Mateen.
Prime Minister Wong thanked Singaporean and Bruneian personnel who had contributed to the anniversary celebrations. He also expressed Singapore’s appreciation for its relationship with Brunei Darussalam, highlighting the intention to build on the partnership’s established foundations.
“Singapore deeply values our special friendship with Brunei Darussalam,” he said, adding that both countries looked forward to maintaining their ties in the years ahead.
During the visit, Prime Minister Wong also visited SAF personnel training in Temburong and interacted with them about their experiences in Brunei.
Separately, he witnessed the delivery of four Light Fire Attack Vehicles developed by Singapore company HOPE Technik and customised for Brunei’s operational requirements. The vehicles were delivered to the Brunei Fire and Rescue Department under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Prime Minister Wong was accompanied by Mrs Wong, Coordinating Minister for Public Services and Minister for Defence Chan Chun Sing, Minister of State Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim, Member of Parliament Rachel Ong, and officials from the Prime Minister’s Office, Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong served as Acting Prime Minister during his absence.
Source: MFA Singapore
