Chief of Defence Force (CDF) Lieutenant-General (LG) Melvyn Ong was conferred the Darjah Paduka Keberanian Laila Terbilang Yang Amat Gemilang Darjah Pertama (Most Exalted Order of Paduka Keberanian Laila Terbilang – First Class) by His Majesty Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah, the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, at Istana Nurul Iman this morning.

The Darjah Paduka Keberanian Laila Terbilang Yang Amat Gemilang Darjah Pertama is the highest Bruneian award to be conferred on foreign armed forces chiefs. The conferment of the award on LG Ong reflects the close and long-standing bilateral defence relations between Singapore and Brunei. "I am honoured to receive the award. The conferment of this award reflects the special relationship between the Singapore Armed Forces and the Royal Brunei Armed Forces," said LG Ong after the ceremony.

LG Ong, accompanied by his spouse, is in Brunei from 14 to 16 July 2019. As part of the visit, LG Ong was granted an audience with His Majesty and will be attending a Royal Banquet in honour of His Majesty later this evening.

The Singapore Armed Forces and the Royal Brunei Armed Forces interact frequently through a wide range of activities including high-level visits, cross-attendance of courses, professional exchanges, and bilateral exercises across all three Services, such as Exercise Maju Bersama, Exercise Air Guard and Exercise Pelican. Such interactions have fostered mutual understanding, enhanced interoperability and built strong rapport and camaraderie among the personnel of both armed forces.