Singapore and Brunei Successfully Conclude 26th Edition of Exercise Maju Bersama

Chief of Army, Major-General (MG) David Neo and Commander Royal Brunei Land Force (RBLF) Brigadier General (BG) Haji Mohammad Shanonnizam bin Sulaiman co-officiating the closing ceremony of Exercise Maju Bersama 2024 (XMB).

The Singapore Army and Royal Brunei Land Force (RBLF) successfully conducted the 26th edition of Exercise Maju Bersama from 18 to 25 January 2024. Chief of Army, Major-General (MG) David Neo and Commander RBLF, Brigadier General Haji Mohammad Shanonnizam bin Sulaiman co-officiated the closing ceremony of the exercise at Penanjong Garrison, Brunei this morning.

Close to 200 personnel from the 1st Battalion Singapore Infantry Regiment (1 SIR) and the 3rd Battalion RBLF participated in the annual bilateral exercise. This year’s iteration featured professional exchanges, including the cross-sharing of weapon systems and company-level urban operational competencies, and culminated in an integrated assault executed by both armies on a simulated urban objective.

At the closing ceremony, MG Neo highlighted the significance of Exercise Maju Bersama. He said, "This year marks the 26th edition of the exercise, a testament to the steadfast commitment from both our nations to regional peace and security, and the deepening of this longstanding and special relationship. Since its inception in 1995, the exercise has served as an important platform for our armies to strengthen professional linkages and build friendships amongst our soldiers. Through technical exchanges, joint exercises and social interactions, soldiers across all ranks not only learn from each other, but build bonds that last a lifetime."

Exercise Maju Bersama underscores the close and long-standing defence relations between Singapore and Brunei, and provides both armies a valuable platform to foster mutual understanding and enhance interoperability through professional interactions. Apart from Exercise Maju Bersama, the Singapore Army and the RBLF interact regularly through high-level visits, professional exchanges and courses, and other bilateral and multilateral exercises.

An SAF soldier sharing on the MATADOR (Man-Portable, Anti-Tank, Anti-DOoR) during the professional weapons exchange session.

Personnel of the RBLF and 1st Battalion, Singapore Infantry Regiment (1 SIR) participating in a team building exercise.

Soldiers of 1 SIR approaching the objective during the combined field training exercise.

Soldiers from the RBLF and 1 SIR during the combined field training exercise.

26th XMB personnel at the opening ceremony.