Singapore and Brunei Darussalam Reaffirm Close and Long-Standing Defence Relations through 28th Edition of Exercise Maju Bersama

A field demonstration conducted by Singapore Army personnel during Exercise Maju Bersama. (Credit: Royal Brunei Land Forces)

Singapore Army personnel undergoing urban operations training as part of the exercise. (Credit: Royal Brunei Land Forces)

Chief of Army Major-General Cai Dexian (right) and Commander Royal Brunei Land Forces, Brigadier General Aldi bin Haji Hassan (left) co-officiating the closing ceremony of Exercise Maju Bersama. (Credit: Royal Brunei Land Forces)

The Singapore Army and the Royal Brunei Land Force (RBLF) successfully conducted the 28th edition of Exercise Maju Bersama from 22 to 29 January 2026 in Penanjong Garrison, Brunei Darussalam. About 240 personnel from Headquarters, 2nd Singapore Infantry Brigade (HQ 2 SIB), 1st Battalion, Singapore Infantry Regiment (1 SIR) and 1st Battalion RBLF took part in the bilateral exercise. This year’s exercise consisted of cross-sharing of weapon systems, urban operations and a combined field training exercise.

At the closing ceremony, Chief of Army Major-General (MG) Cai Dexian said, “Our bilateral exercises are the cornerstone of the relationship between RBLF and the Singapore Army. Exercise Maju Bersama provides valuable learning opportunities for our units to strengthen professional linkages, exchange best practices, and forge stronger interoperability. Most importantly, such exercises help to build strong friendships and mutual trust between our soldiers. Forged out of common experiences and tough training, these friendships serve as a strong foundation for our wider bilateral relationship, and often last a lifetime”.

This year’s iteration of Exercise Maju Bersama underscores 50 years of close and long-standing defence relations between Singapore and Brunei Darussalam. Apart from Exercise Maju Bersama, both armed forces also interact regularly through other bilateral exercises such as Exercise Pelican and Exercise Airguard, as well as regular visits, cross attendance of courses, and professional exchanges.