The Commander of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF), Major-General (MG) Pehin Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi Bin Haji Md Yussof, was conferred Singapore’s highest military award, the Darjah Utama Bakti Cemerlang (Tentera) [Distinguished Service Order (Military)], by President S R Nathan at the Istana this morning.

2.       The Distinguished Service Order (Military) was awarded to MG Pehin Dato Halbi in recognition of the significant role he has played in enhancing the excellent defence ties between the RBAF and the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF).  MG Pehin Dato Halbi’s leadership has enabled the longstanding relationship between the RBAF and the SAF to grow from strength to strength.  Under MG Pehin Dato Halbi’s guidance, the broad spectrum of bilateral interactions and professional exchanges have also grown in scope and complexity, and the professionalism and camaraderie between the officers and men of the two armed forces further enhanced.

3.         Guests present at the investiture included Minister for Defence Rear-Admiral (RADM) (NS) Teo Chee Hean; Minister of State for Defence, Mr Cedric Foo; Senior Parliamentary Secretary (Defence), Associate Professor Koo Tsai Kee; Permanent Secretary (Defence), Mr Chiang Chie Foo; Chief of Defence Force Lieutenant-General (LG) Ng Yat Chung, and other government and military officials from both countries.

The Commander of RBAF, MG Pehin Dato Halbi reviews the Guard-of-Honour upon his arrival at the Istana.

President S R Nathan confers the DSO(M) on the Commander of RBAF, MG Pehin Dato Halbi.

President S R Nathan, accompanied by Minister for Defence RADM(NS) Teo Chee Hean (Left 1) and CDF LG Ng Yat Chung, chats with the Commander of RBAF, MG Pehin Dato Halbi.