Investiture ceremonies are often solemn and meticulously orchestrated events that unfold within the opulent halls of the Istana Nurul Iman, where distinguished individuals are bestowed with royal honours and accolades 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.
Steeped in protocol and ritual, each investiture ceremony not only celebrates outstanding contributions to Brunei’s society and beyond but also underscores the enduring bond between the monarch and his people, preserving a legacy of honour and nobility for generations to come.
The recent ceremony brought a moment of pride and gratitude for more than 600 medal recipients as they received their respective state honorary medals, consequently, conveying their appreciation to His Majesty for recognising their hard work and pledged to continue serving the country with loyalty and dedication towards its progress.
MILITARY MILESTONES
Among the recipients is Warrant Officer II Hazman bin Tuah, who has dedicated 18 years of service in the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) and proudly received his first official medal.
“Alhamdulillah, I am grateful and happy to be among the recipients of the Pingat Indah Kerja Baik (PIKB) medal, and I express my junjung kasih to His Majesty for conferring this honour upon me,” said the warrant officer.
This recognition, he added, will keep his spirits high and inspire him to continue giving his best in his remaining years of service with the armed forces, contributing to the nation in every possible way.
“To my fellow colleagues, I encourage you to continue dedicating yourselves to fulfilling our roles and responsibilities with sincerity and diligence.”
Warrant Officer II Muhd Mardini Khan bin Ali has dedicated nearly 19 years to the armed forces, inspired by early dreams of military service and supported by his parents and wife.
His passion for extreme activities, sparked by television, prepared him well for the physical demands of army life.
In his leadership role, Warrant Officer II Muhd Mardini Khan guides fellow soldiers and juniors, serving as a military clerk responsible for unit welfare and administration.
“This is my first medal in my years of service, and I am deeply grateful to Allah the Almighty and express heartfelt thanks to His Majesty for awarding me the PIKB. This honour strengthens my dedication to my duties and responsibilities,” he added.
With over 18 years of service in the armed forces, Staff Sergeant Ahmad Fadzilah bin Haji Bakar was also a proud recipient that day of his first PIKB medal, marking a significant milestone in his military career.
From his early schooling years, the staff sergeant shared that joining the military has been his lifelong ambition, and this recognition has greatly boosted his morale and determination to excel both individually and as part of a team.
“To my fellow colleagues, maintain your resilience and unwavering commitment to give your best, overcoming challenges in fulfilling our entrusted responsibilities. Remember, our dedication to our duties is a form of ibadah,” said the staff sergeant.
PRISON SERVICE EXCELLENCE
Meanwhile, Sergeant Wardress Siti Habibah binti Haji Mahbub, who commenced her career as a Prison Warder on December 15, 1999, expressed heartfelt gratitude to Allah the Almighty for blessing her with the PIKB medal.
She extended her thanks to His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah ibni His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office for presenting her with the medal on behalf of His Majesty, as well as to the Prisons Department for nominating her for this prestigious award.
In her role as a sergeant wardress, she undertakes the responsibility of educating the community about the Prisons Department’s mission, particularly focusing on rehabilitation efforts for inmates through informational talks.
“After nearly 25 years of service, receiving this medal is a profound honour for me.
“To my colleagues, let’s continue to dedicate ourselves wholeheartedly to serving His Majesty’s government, maintaining professionalism in our department,” added the sergeant wardress.
Corporal Hajah Nor Azeaniwarty binti Haji Ibrahim expressed profound gratitude for being selected as a recipient of the PIKB medal, following her dedicated service with the Prisons Department since April 1, 2004.
She extended her heartfelt appreciation to His Majesty for the esteemed recognition of her contributions throughout her tenure in government service. As an officer in the Prisons Department and a member of the uniformed personnel, adherence to rules and regulations is paramount, given their role in upholding the country’s laws.
Corporal Hajah Nor Azeaniwarty’s contributions have been significant, evident through her active participation in departmental activities, a key criterion for evaluation as a medal recipient.
“To my colleagues, I urge you to persevere with sincerity, honesty, and unwavering integrity in all that you do.”
SCHOLARLY SUCCESS
Finally, Hajah Siti Norhamizah binti Haji Md Zahari holds the position of Deputy Principal for the Sixth Form Unit at Paduka Seri Begawan Sultan Science College (MSPSBS), marking her 18th year of dedicated service with the government. During her tenure, she has spent 15 years teaching physical education at the institution where she began her career and has remained ever since.
Notably, she was once a recipient of a scholarship that afforded her educational opportunities abroad in Singapore and Australia.
“Alhamdulillah and praise be to Allah the Almighty. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the government for this recognition, which humbles me deeply as it acknowledges my efforts and contributions.
“I am also thankful to my family for their unwavering support and understanding of my work commitments.”
She further expressed her profound appreciation for the unwavering support of the administration, colleagues, and especially the team at MSPSBS.
Receiving this prestigious medal not only fills her with immense pride but also strengthens her resolve to serve the nation with steadfast dedication and integrity. Inspired by this honour, she is committed to continuing her pursuit of excellence in all her endeavours. – Lyna Mohammad
