SECOND MINISTER FOR DEFENCE ATTENDS BRUNEI DEFENCE EXHIBITION

Minister for Education and Second Minister for Defence Ng Eng Hen attended the Brunei Darussalam International Defence Exhibition (BRIDEX) 2009 on 12 Aug in Jerudong as part of a three-day visit to Brunei.

At the exhibition, Dr Ng viewed a Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) F-16 aerobatic display, a Chinook aerial display and a sail-past by the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) Landing Ship Tank, RSS Endeavour.

The inaugural participation by the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) at the defence and security exhibition was at the invitation of the Brunei Darussalam Ministry of Defence. About 40 countries are participating in the BRIDEX this year, which was first held in 2007.

Dr Ng was accompanied by Permanent Secretary for Defence Chiang Chie Foo and Chief of Air Force Major-General Ng Chee Khern.

As part of his visit, Dr Ng also 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 11 Aug.

The SAF's participation in BRIDEX 2009 underscores the strong defence ties between Singapore and Brunei. The Royal Brunei Armed Forces and the SAF regularly engage in a wide range of bilateral exercises and interactions, which have enhanced the professionalism and ties between the two armed forces.