HIS Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, the Minister of Defence and Supreme Commander of Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) yesterday consented to bestow a title of The Most Exalted Order of “Paduka Keberanian Laila Terbilang” First Class – DPKT, which brings the title “Dato Paduka Seri” on the Chief of Defence Force, Singapore Armed Forces, Lieutenant General Neo Kian Hong yesterday.

The investiture ceremony for Dato Paduka Seri Lieutenant General Neo Kian Hong took place at the Istana Nurul Iman, prior to an audience with His Majesty.

The Ministry of Defence, in a press release stated that the medal was awarded to Dato Paduka Seri Lieutenant General Neo Kian Hong in recognition of his significant role in enhancing the relations between the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) and the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF). Under Dato Paduka Seri Lieutenant General Neo Kian Hong’s leadership, bilateral interactions and cooperation between the RBAF and the SAF have grown from strength to strength. Both armed forces engage regularly in a wide range of activities, which include professional exchanges, courses and bilateral exercises. These extensive interactions have enhanced the camaraderie and friendship between the personnel of the two armed forces.

Present during the audience were Jaya Ratnam, High Commissioner of the Republic of Singapore to Brunei Darussalam and Colonel Mark Tan, Commander of the 2nd Singapore Infantry Brigade, Singapore Land Force.

Also present at the ceremony was the Commander of Royal Brunei Armed Forces, Major General Dato Paduka Seri Haji Aminuddin Ihsan bin Pehin Orang Kaya Saiful Mulok Dato Seri Paduka Haji Abidin; Dato Paduka Haji Hamdan bin Haji Abu Bakar, Permanent Secretary at the Prime Minister’s Office; and Colonel (Rtd) Pengiran Dato Paduka Azmansham bin Pengiran Haji Mohamad, Permanent Secretary (Defence Policy and Development) at the Ministry of Defence.

The Singapore Chief of Defence Force also paid courtesy calls on the Deputy Minister of Defence, Dato Paduka Haji Mustappa bin Haji Sirat and the Commander of Royal Brunei Armed Forces at the Ministry of Defence, Bolkiah Garrison. Upon arrival at the Ministry of Defence, the Singapore Chief of Defence Force received a general salute and inspected the guard of honour comprising personnel from the Royal Brunei Land Force (RBLF).

The visit by Dato Paduka Seri Lieutenant General Neo Kian Hong underscored the deep understanding between both Brunei and Singapore. It also enhanced the warm and cordial defence relationship between the two countries, which has been established for a long time.

Dato Paduka Seri Lieutenant General Neo Kian Hong will soon be handing over the responsibilities of Chief of Defence Force Singapore Armed Forces, before his retirement at the end of this month. - Borneo Bulletin (6 March 2013)