Azlan Othman
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 stressed on the importance for the Officer Cadet School (OCS) to remain relevant to produce high-calibre Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) leaders, with emphasis placed on military training and leadership.
In a titah during the Sovereign’s Parade for the 20th intake of officer cadets, held at the Parade Square of the Defence Academy, RBAF in Kampong Tanah Jambu yesterday, His Majesty said the OCS should also place emphasis on embracing spiritual values, ensuring army personnel possess strong discipline based on the basic values of RBAF and Malay Islamic Monarchy (MIB) philosophy.
“With the 81 new officer cadets today, Alhamdulillah, the OCS has now produced 606 army officers from 20 intakes,” His Majesty said, adding that after completing the year-long training, they are now ready to shoulder the responsibility as officers and young leaders of the RBAF.
The monarch thanked parents and guardians for their support and prayers for the success of their children while in training, noting that the OCS is an important platform to shape characteristics of military officers at RBAF.
“The OCS of the Defence Academy is now able to accept the enrolment of officer cadets from friendly nations, particularly from the region, allowing them to pursue officer cadet training in the Sultanate. This opportunity will not only enhance the existing defence diplomacy, but will also boost the OCS of Defence Academy RBAF’s profile, both regionally and internationally,” His Majesty said.
The monarch also expressed gratitude for RBAF’s continued contribution and commitment, serving as an institution always ready to fulfil the trust of upholding peace and security in the nation.
“This is proven with the RBAF, along with other government and non-government agencies, playing a core role in curbing the spread of COVID-19. I hope such noble efforts can be contributed continuously,” His Majesty said.
His Majesty – accompanied by His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office, and His Royal Highness 920 Major (U) Prince ‘Abdul Mateen – was welcomed upon arrival by Minister of Defence II Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof and RBAF Commander Major General (U) Dato Seri Pahlawan Haji Hamzah bin Haji Sahat.
The monarch received a royal salute and inspected the parade, commanded by 1071 Captain Muhammad Azmi bin Abdul Latif. The ceremony proceeded with a march-past by officer cadets and continued with the presentation of awards to the 20th intake’s best officer cadets.
The awards presentation preceded with a Sword of Honour presentation to Officer Cadet Awangku Mohammad Qamarussalihin bin Pengiran Mohammad Saifuddin, who holds a Bachelor of Arts in Syariah Islamiah from Al-Azhar University, Egypt.
The Sword of Honour is bestowed by His Majesty to an officer cadet who has excelled and secured the highest overall achievements in basic military training (academically and physically) and in all training and leadership aspects.
His Majesty presented the Best Academic Award to Midshipman Nurharzelah @ Nurfazelah binti Yakub, who holds a Master of Science in Management and Technology from Universiti Teknologi Brunei (UTB). She received the award based on her overall academic results throughout the course.
The Best Military Skills Award was given to Officer Cadet (U) Dayangku Rabiatuladawiah @ Dayangku Sarimah binti Pengiran Radzuan, who holds a Bachelor in Mathematics from Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD). The conferment of this award was based on her excellent achievements in all areas of military skills.
Meanwhile, the Best in Physical Training Award was presented to Officer Cadet Aabed Zul-Fadhlee bin Haji Abdul Hamid, who holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering from UTB, in recognition of his outstanding physical training achievements.
Daulat Kebawah Duli Tuan Patik was called out three times from the parade, before the event continued with a Doa recited by Acting Director of RBAF Religious Department (JAMA’AT) Commander Haji Ainolnizam bin Haji Ibrahim.
The monarch received a pesambah from the newly-commissioned officer cadets, centring around the theme Qaidah Marunah which translates to resilient leader.
The ceremony continued with the Majlis Junjung Ziarah with the newly commissioned officer cadets and their families, before concluding with a group photograph session.
A total of 81 officer cadets – 50 male and 31 female – were commissioned yesterday, 46 of whom were commissioned as Royal Brunei Land Force officers; 19 as Royal Brunei Navy officers; and 16 as Royal Brunei Air Force officers.