A total of 54 officer cadets – 34 males and 20 females – were commissioned during the Sovereign’s Parade ceremony at the Parade Square of the Defence Academy, Royal Brunei Armed Forces (DA RBAF) in Kampong Tanah Jambu.
Among those awarded during the ceremony was Officer Cadet Dayangku Noor Umiatul Afiqah binti Pengiran Zainal Abidin, who received the prestigious Sword of Honour.
Holding a Master of Science in Biodiversity from Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Dayangku Noor Umiatul Afiqah’s accomplishment is owed to her outstanding performance in various realms, encompassing basic military training, academic pursuits, physical prowess and overall leadership.
The Sword of Honour, the highest accolade bestowed by His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam to an officer cadet, symbolises unparalleled excellence.
It signifies the pinnacle of achievement for an individual who has excelled across all facets of training and leadership.
In her reflection on this esteemed recognition, Dayangku Noor Umiatul Afiqah said, “Receiving this accolade is both an honour and a reminder of my responsibility to lead with integrity and serve with dedication. It motivates me to continually strive for excellence and inspire others to do the same.”
When asked about the influences that led her to pursue a military career, the officer cadet shared that her father played a pivotal role, underscoring the profound impact of familial guidance on her journey to become a military officer.
“My father has been the driving force behind my entry into the military field. He introduced me to the world of discipline and leadership, given his background as a former military personnel.”
She proceeded to provide insightful guidance for individuals contemplating a military career, underscoring the significance of readiness to face both physical and mental challenges.
She advocated for wholehearted commitment and an unwavering dedication to excellence in every pursuit.
“Remember, it’s not just about personal fulfilment; it’s about serving a greater purpose, our nation.”
The ceremony also saw the commissioning of officer cadets from the Singapore Armed Forces such as Officer Cadet Muhammad Akid bin Ayub.
Holding a diploma in pharmaceutical sciences from Republic Polytechnic in Singapore, the officer cadet reflected on his decision to pursue Officer Cadet School (OCS) Brunei, stating, “I embarked on the OCS journey with the intention of challenging myself and doing it for my family.”
Expressing his belief in the constant pursuit of self-improvement, he emphasised the opportunity to make his parents and his country proud.
He saw himself not only as an individual representative but also as a reflection of his family and nation.
Describing his OCS experience as enlightening and fruitful, he highlighted the valuable lessons gained about himself and the army.
Moreover, the holistic nature of his training, encompassing physical, emotional, and spiritual dimensions.
“I was able to learn a lot more about myself and about the fundamentals of the army. I was also able to train myself not only physically but emotionally and spiritually as I followed the culture of Brunei which prioritised Islamic teaching,” he shared.
Forging lifelong friendships and immersing himself in the culture and language of Brunei have allowed him to adapt better and communicate effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds, he added.
The experience heightened his versatility in communication and nurtured a more inclusive mindset towards various cultures. Additionally, it strengthened his connections with friends, particularly during the shared challenges they encountered.
“While I am grateful and elated to have finished my OCS course, there is a sense of desolation in leaving behind this significant chapter of my life and moving forward.
“Saying goodbye to friends with whom I shared tough times over the past year is undoubtedly the most challenging aspect of concluding the course.
“Looking back at the start of this course, I have unquestionably grown into a better version of myself. I am thankful for the personal growth, and I believe that the lessons I learnt from Brunei will stay with me throughout my life.” – Adib Noor
