DR NG'S FIRST VISIT TO BRUNEI AS DEFENCE MINISTER

Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen is in Brunei for his introductory visit as defence minister since taking over the portfolio in May.

During his visit, Dr Ng had an audience with His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah and the Crown Prince of Brunei Darussalam His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah at the Istana Nurul Iman on 7 Jul. Dr Ng also met Bruneian Deputy Minister of Defence Dato Paduka Haji Mustappa bin Haji Sirat.

On 6 Jul, Dr Ng attended the 3rd Brunei Darussalam International Defence Exhibition (BRIDEX) where he viewed Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) assets on display, including the Republic of Singapore Air Force F-16 fighter aircraft aerobatic display and Chinook helicopter aerial display, as well as a static and mobile display of an Army Terrex Infantry Carrier Vehicle. He visited the Republic of Singapore Navy Formidable-class stealth frigate, the RSS Stalwart, which was also participating in the exhibition. In addition, Dr Ng visited the Royal Brunei Armed Forces Defence Academy.

During his visit, Dr Ng also took the opportunity to interact with SAF officer cadets who were undergoing their jungle confidence course in Brunei. He got to experience a bit of survival training when he hiked through the SAF training area with the officer cadets who showed him the jungle shelters they had built as part of their course.