President Halimah Visits SAF Training in Brunei

President Halimah (fourth from left) accompanied by Chief of Army Brigadier-General (BG) Goh Si Hou (third from left), observing officer cadets (OCTs) executing a combat swim as part of the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF)'s training in Brunei.

President Halimah Yacob was in Temburong, Brunei this morning to visit officer cadets from the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) undergoing training. She was accompanied by Senior Minister of State for Defence Dr Mohamad Maliki bin Osman, Chief of Army Brigadier-General (BG) Goh Si Hou and other senior SAF officers.

During her interaction with the troops, President Halimah commended the officer cadets for their commitment toward National Service and encouraged them to remain resilient as they underwent the gruelling training in the jungle environment. President Halimah also emphasised the importance of training leaders who care for their soldiers and lead with purpose.

Sharing her thoughts on the visit, President Halimah said "I am glad to see how overseas training, such as this in Brunei, build the confidence and competence of our soldiers by exposing them to different stressors than that experienced in Singapore. I hope that these officer cadets will become leaders and role models whom the soldiers can look up to." She also noted how the SAF's training in Brunei was conducted in a realistic and safe manner.

Singapore and Brunei share a close and long-standing defence relationship. In addition to SAF troops training in Brunei, both militaries also interact through frequent bilateral exercises, professional exchanges, visits and cross-attendance of courses. These exchanges have strengthened the friendship and professional ties between the two armed forces. 

President Halimah (third from right) examining the various types of edible plants in Temburong, as part of the SAF's jungle and survival training.

President Halimah interacting with OCTs who are undergoing jungle and survival training in Brunei.