Commander of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces Makes Introductory Visit and Receives Prestigious Military Award

The Commander of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces Major General (MG) Dato Seri Pahlawan Haji Muhammad Haszaimi bin Bol Hassan (middle) was presented the Meritorious Service Medal (Military) by Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen (left) at the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF).

The Commander of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) Major General (MG) Dato Seri Pahlawan Haji Muhammad Haszaimi bin Bol Hassan was conferred Singapore's prestigious military award, the Pingat Jasa Gemilang (Tentera) or Meritorious Service Medal (Military) [MSM(M)], by President Halimah Yacob. Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen presented the award to MG Dato Haszaimi at an investiture held at the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) this afternoon.

As the former Commander of the Royal Brunei Land Forces (RBLF) from 2020 to 2022, MG Dato Haszaimi was conferred the award for his significant contributions in enhancing the defence ties between the Singapore Army and the RBLF. Under his leadership, the Singapore Army and the RBLF have strengthened bilateral relations through professional exchanges and the cross attendance of courses. Both Armies also worked well together at multilateral fora such as the ASEAN Chiefs of Army Multilateral Meeting. These interactions have yielded significant professional benefits and forged camaraderie between personnel from the Singapore Army and the RBLF.

On receiving the award, MG Dato Haszaimi said, "I am profoundly honoured to receive the MSM(M) today. On behalf of the Government of His Majesty of Negara Brunei Darussalam, Ministry of Defence and Royal Brunei Armed Forces, I would like to express my utmost gratitude and appreciation to the Government of the Republic of Singapore for recognising my contributions and conferring me with this prestigious medal. I trust that our long-standing special friendship and cooperation will remain strong and continue to grow in areas of mutual interest."

MG Dato Haszaimi is in Singapore from 9 to 15 June 2022 for his introductory visit. He also attended the 19th Shangri-La Dialogue. Prior to the investiture, MG Dato Haszaimi called on Dr Ng and Chief of Defence Force Lieutenant General Melvyn Ong after inspecting the Guard of Honour at MINDEF. As part of his visit programme, MG Dato Haszaimi visited the Republic of Singapore Air Force's Air Defence and Operations Command yesterday. MG Dato Haszaimi also visited the Counter-Terrorism Information Facility and went on board the Republic of Singapore Navy's Formidable-class frigate RSS Formidable at the Changi Naval Base yesterday.

MG Dato Haszaimi (left) calling on Dr Ng (right) this morning.

MG Dato Haszaimi inspecting the Guard of Honour at MINDEF earlier today.