SAF training in Brunei to progressively resume to pre-pandemic levels from August
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong visited SAF troops in Temburong during his trip to Brunei.
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong visited Singapore Armed Forces troops in Temburong, Brunei on Jul 15, 2022. (Photo: MINDEF)
SINGAPORE: The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) plans to progressively resume its training in Brunei to pre-pandemic levels from August, the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) said on Saturday (Jul 16).
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong visited SAF troops in Temburong, Brunei on Friday afternoon, the ministry said in a news release.
Mr Lee was accompanied by Chief of Army Major-General David Neo and they met with trainers from the Army.
In a Facebook post on Saturday, Mr Lee wrote: “Met some of our NSFs (full-time national servicemen) and regulars when I visited The Singapore Army personnel in Temburong.
“Glad that morale is high and that they are looking forward to the resumption of training. Wishing them a meaningful and safe time in Brunei.”
MINDEF said Singapore and Brunei have a close and long-standing defence relationship.
“In addition to the valuable jungle training which the SAF conducts in Brunei, the SAF and the Royal Brunei Armed Forces interact through frequent bilateral exercises, professional exchanges, visits and cross attendance of courses,” said the Defence Ministry.
“These exchanges have enhanced the professionalism and strengthened the ties between the two armed forces.”
Earlier this year, commanders of the Royal Brunei Navy, the Royal Brunei Air Force and the Royal Brunei Armed Forces made introductory visits to Singapore.
The Prime Minister and his wife Ho Ching are in Brunei from Thursday to Saturday for a working visit. They attended the 76th birthday celebrations of Brunei’s Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah in Bandar Seri Begawan on Friday.
They were also at an investiture ceremony held with the celebrations at the Istana Nurul Iman, where the Sultan conferred state decorations.
On Thursday, the Prime Minister’s Office said Mr Lee would receive The Most Esteemed Family Order (Darjah Kerabat Laila Utama), while Mdm Ho would receive The Most Distinguished Order of Paduka Seri Laila Jasa (Darjah Paduka Seri Laila Jasa) – First Class.
