His Majesty The Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam yesterday afternoon consented to bestow state decorations and honorary medals to 306 individuals to senior government officers and uniformed personnel from various ministries and government departments, as well as those from the private sector and NGOs.

Also attending the investiture ceremony were His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister's Office, His Royal Highness Prince Hj Sufri Bolkiah, His Royal Highness Prince Hj Jefri Bolkiah, His Royal Highness Prince 'Abdul 'Azim, His Royal Highness Prince 'Abdul Malik and His Royal Highness Prince 'Abdul Mateen.

The ceremony was held in conjunction with His Majesty's 65th birthday celebrations.

The ceremony took place at the Balai Singgahsana Indera Kenchana of Istana Nurul Iman

In all, 81 recipients were conferred with the Darjah Seri Paduka Mahkota Brunei Yang Amat Mulia Darjah Ketiga (SMB) or the Most Honourable Order of the Crown of Brunei Third Class.

Four others received the Darjah Seri Ugama Islam Negara Brunei Yang Amat Bersinar Darjah Keempat (SUB) or the Most Illustrious Islamic Religious Order of the State of Brunei Fourth Class.

Two hundred and eighteen (218) recipients were conferred with the Darjah Setia Negara Brunei Yang Amat Bahagia Darjah Keempat (PSB) or the Most Blessed Order of the Star of the State of Brunei Fourth Class.

Three more were conferred with the Darjah Seri Ugama Islam Negara Brunei Yang Amat Bersinar Darjah Kelima (PUB) Most Illustrious Islamic Religious Order of the State of Brunei Fifth Class. - Borneo Bulletin (24th July 2011)