Second Minister for Defence Attends Brunei Defence Exhibition

Second Minister for Defence Chan Chun Sing (right) meeting with His Royal Highness, Bruneian Crown Prince Paduka Seri Pengiran Muda Mahkota Jeneral Pengiran Muda Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah.

Second Minister for Defence Chan Chun Sing attended the opening ceremony of the 4th Brunei Darussalam International Defence Exhibition (BRIDEX) 2013 this morning, as part of his three-day visit to Brunei. As part of the visit, Mr Chan delivered the keynote address at the BRIDEX Conference held yesterday. Mr Chan said that platforms like BRIDEX play "an essential role in allowing defence leaders to exchange views and interact on a pan-regional scale." Mr Chan also stressed the need for closer mutual collaboration by the international community to deal with the complex and transnational security threats of today. He highlighted three principles in order to forge a stronger regional security architecture: First, platforms have to be open and inclusive to all stakeholders. Second, disagreements between nations should be settled peacefully and in accordance with international law. Lastly, mechanisms should be in place to facilitate strategic dialogue and practical cooperation amongst key regional stakeholders, including military-to-military cooperation, in areas of shared interest. This will build trust and mutual understanding, laying the foundation for regional peace and security. At the exhibition, Mr Chan viewed a solo aerial display by the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF)'s F-15SG fighter aircraft, and interacted with RSAF personnel manning a RSAF F-15SG fighter aircraft static display. This is the first time the RSAF's F-15SG fighter aircraft is participating in a foreign defence exhibition.

Yesterday, Mr Chan met with His Royal Highness, Bruneian Crown Prince Paduka Seri Pengiran Muda Mahkota Jeneral Pengiran Muda Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah and Bruneian Deputy Defence Minister Dato Paduka Haji Mustappa bin Haji Sirat. While in Brunei, Mr Chan also met with Bruneian Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Hazair bin Haji Abdullah. Mr Chan also visited the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) officer cadets undergoing jungle training in Brunei.

Mr Chan, whose official visit ends today, is accompanied by Permanent Secretary for Defence Chan Yeng Kit. Second Minister Chan's visit to Brunei and the RSAF's participation in BRIDEX 2013 underscore the excellent defence ties between Singapore and Brunei. The Royal Brunei Armed Forces and the SAF engage in a wide range of bilateral exercises and interactions, which have enhanced the professionalism of the two armed forces, and bolstered bilateral ties. 

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Speech by Second Minister for Defence Chan Chun Sing, at the 4th Brunei International Defence Exhibition (BRIDEX) Conference