HIS Royal Highness Prince General Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and General of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) yesterday graced the Sovereign’s Parade ceremony for 23 officer cadets who successfully underwent the 42-week military training at the RBAF Officer Cadet School (OCS).

His Royal Highness was greeted upon arrival by the Deputy Minister of Defence, Dato Paduka Haji Mustappa bin Haji Sirat and the Commander of RBAF, Major General Dato Paduka Seri Haji Aminuddin Ihsan bin Pehin Orang Kaya Saiful Mulok Dato Seri Paduka Haji Abidin.

His Royal Highness received the royal salute and inspected the Static Guard of Honour, mounted by personnel of the Royal Brunei Land Forces (RBLF).

His Royal Highness then proceeded to the dais and once again received the royal salute from the 23 Officer Cadets of the 10th intake alongside the 22 Officer Cadets of the 11th intake.

The most prestigious ‘Sword of Honour’ award was presented to 50382 OCdt (L) Mohd Aiezuddin bin Julaini, who excelled in all aspects of the 42-week long training.

Recipients of the award are known to illustrate exemplary performance and leadership qualities. Mohd Aiezuddin carries a Bachelor of Science in Psychological Studies from University of Glasgow.

The second award, which was the ‘Best Overall in Academics’ was presented to 21730 Ocdt (U) Umi Kalthsum binti Haji Ramli, who has been known to possess a certain degree of intellect and is in the duration of training to become a thorough and critical thinker. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Education with a Major in Chemistry from Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD).

For the ‘Best Military Skills’ award recipient, 21723 OCdt Afifah Hasanah binti Haji Ali Hassan has been selected for her excellence in all areas of military skills. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Pharmaceutical Studies from University of Bath.

The final award, ‘Best in Physical Training Endurance’ award, was presented to 50378 Ocdt Iqbal Arqan bin Haji Abdul Rahman, who holds a Bachelor of Art in Syariah and Law, Major in Fiqh and Usul from Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali (UNISSA). This award recognises the best achievements of an officer cadet in physical training.

A doa selamat was then read by the Head of RBAF Religious Department (JA’MAAT), Captain Ariffin bin Amit.

After receiving the final royal salute before leaving the parade square, His Royal Highness proceeded to the Sungai Akar Officers’ Mess, where he received a pesambah entitled “Rai’sul Amin” in the shape of a war helmet symbolising a noble and trustworthy leader. It also symbolises courage and faith that coincides with and supports the core values of the OCS – “Loyalty, Piety and Courage”.

The graduating officer cadets then presented to His Royal Highness their journey book, which contains documentation of their 42-week training.

Following that, His Royal Highness mingled with the graduating cadets and their family members, as well as instructors and officers of the OCS. - Borneo Bulletin (24 January 2014)