Commander of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) Yang Dimuliakan Pehin Datu Pekerma Jaya Major General (MG) Dato Paduka Seri Mohd Tawih bin Abdullah was conferred Singapore's highest military award, the Darjah Utama Bakti Cemerlang (Tentera) [Distinguished Service Order (Military)], by President Tony Tan Keng Yam at the Istana this afternoon.

Pehin MG Tawih received the award for his significant contributions in enhancing the excellent defence relations between the RBAF and the Singapore Armed Forces. Under his leadership, the long-standing friendship and cooperation between both armed forces have been strengthened through bilateral exercises, cross-attendance of courses and professional exchanges. Pehin MG Tawih has also forged closer ties between the RBAF Defence Academy and SAFTI Military Institute, which has further enhanced the professional development of officers from both armed forces.

Guests at the investiture included Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen, Minister of State for Defence Dr Mohamad Maliki Bin Osman, Permanent Secretary for Defence Chan Yeng Kit, Chief of Defence Force Lieutenant-General (LG) Ng Chee Meng, as well as senior government officials and military officers from Brunei and Singapore.

The visit by Pehin MG Tawih from 20 to 22 April 2015 underscores the close and long-standing defence relationship between Singapore and Brunei. As part of his visit, Pehin MG Tawih called on Dr Ng and LG Ng at the Ministry of Defence before the investiture earlier today.