Coordinating Minister for National Security, Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Defence II Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Awang Haji Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof yesterday emphasised that greater leadership brings greater responsibility during the closing ceremony of the 21st Executive Development Programme for Senior Government Officials in Public Policy and Management (EDP 21/2026) at the Officers’ Mess, Bolkiah Garrison.
He said, “Brunei Darussalam’s national philosophy, of Malay Islamic Monarchy reminds us that leadership is not principally about the authority one possesses, but the amanah (trust) that one carries: the obligation to exercise, that authority with justice, integrity and wisdom in service of Allah the Almighty, His Majesty, the people and the nation. Leadership is ultimately a trust, not an entitlement. The greater the trust placed in us, the greater our duty to discharge it with integrity, accountability and dedication.”
He noted that as uncertainty becomes a more enduring feature of the global landscape, the demands placed upon government have grown correspondingly more complex.
Adaptive governance, he said, “is therefore no longer merely desirable; it is essential if our public institutions are to remain responsive, resilient and capable, of acting with clarity, of purpose The value of the MINDEF EDP lies in preparing leaders, not merely to administer, established processes but to think strategically, across institutional boundaries, adapt confidently to changing circumstances, and exercise, sound judgement, when familiar assumptions, are tested.”
It is in this context, he continued, that the programme represents a significant investment in strengthening leadership capacity across government, extending beyond the professional development of personnel from the Ministry of Defence and the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF).
“The programme brings together senior officials from across Brunei Darussalam including the Royal Brunei Police Force, the Prime Minister’s Office and the Ministry of Education as well as participants from international partner countries. In doing so, it promotes a genuinely whole-of-government, and outward-looking approach. It strengthens professional networks, deepens mutual understanding, and builds the trust necessary for effective inter-agency, inter-ministerial, and international cooperation. Such coordination will become increasingly important, as we work collectively to advance the goals of Brunei Vision 2035.”
In particular, the Defence White Paper Update 2026, he said, “recognises that increasingly uncertain and rapidly evolving security environment, requires governance that is adaptive, integrated, and capable of continually reassessing decisions, investments and institutional practices.”
The minister noted that over more than two decades, the MINDEF EDP has developed 533 participants. Its enduring impact is reflected in the achievements of distinguished alumni who include serving Cabinet ministers, deputy ministers, commanders, ambassadors, and high commissioners.
The programme is further enriched by international representatives from the armed forces of China, Malaysia, and Singapore, alongside a civilian defence official from Oman. Their participation reflects the Ministry of Defence’s continued emphasis on defence diplomacy and sustained constructive engagement with regional and international partners.
Commending the cohort’s intellectual rigour and analytical discipline in their Policy Analysis Exercise Papers, the minister added, “Familiarity among officers, agencies and partner institutions facilitates cooperation, strengthens planning, and enhances the resilience, of our national, defence and security architecture. I therefore encourage, all participants to sustain these connections, beyond the programme, for they represent, one of its most valuable and enduring strengths.”
A total of 30 participants received certificates of completion during the ceremony. The commander of the RBAF, the deputy commissioner of the Royal Brunei Police Force (RBPF), high commissioners and ambassadors of participating nations, permanent secretaries, members of the Defence Executive Committee, representatives from the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy (LKYSPP) at the National University of Singapore, and senior MINDEF officials were also in attendance.
Remarks were also delivered by Acting Director of the Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Institute of Defence and Strategic Studies (SHHBIDSS) Dr Sabrina binti Dato Paduka Haji Mohd Daud and LKYSPP Vice Dean (Academic Affairs) Professor Suzaina Kadir.
Cohort representative Royal Brunei Navy Commander Pengiran Haji Khairul Anwar bin Pengiran Dr Haji Abu Bakar reflected on the lessons gained in evidence-based policymaking and public service delivery.
Facilitated by SHHBIDSS in collaboration with LKYSPP, the 14-week programme included workshops, scenario-based exercises, a three-day study visit to Malaysia, and policy presentations, reinforcing strategic leadership in support of the Defence White Paper Update 2026 and Brunei Vision 2035.
SOURCE/AUTHOR : BORNEO BULLETIN/James Kon
Venues
Audience Ceremony with Coordinating Minister for Public Affairs and Minister for Defence, Republic of Singapore
His Royal Highness receives in Audience Coordinating Minister for Public Affairs and Minister for Defence, Republic of Singapore
Congratulatory Messages on Occasion of Malaysia's 68th Anniversary of Independence Day
Congratulatory Messages on the Occasion of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam's National Day 80th Anniversary
Registration for National Level Musabaqah Al-Qur'an Memorisation and Its Understanding 1447 Hijrah
Course Closing Ceremony, Pengiran Anak Puteri Muta-Wakkilah Hayatul Bolkiah Religious School
Tahlil Ceremony in conjunction with 50th Anniversary of Brunei Arts and Handicrafts Training Centre
Congratulatory Messages on the occasion of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's 95th National Day
Inauguration Of Establishment of Johor Islamic Religious Council & Multaqa Ulama' Darul Ta'zim
Congratulatory Message on the Occasion of Republic of Korea's National Foundation Day
Doa Kesyukuran Ceremony in conjunction with Her Majesty Duli Raja Isteri's Birthday Celebration
Audience Ceremony with The Secretary of National Defence of the Republic of the Philippines
Khatam Al-Qur'an Ceremony in conjunction with Birthday Celebration of Her Majesty Duli Raja Isteri
Audience Ceremony with Spouse of the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines
Doa Kesyukuran Ceremony in conjunction with the Birthday Celebration of Her Majesty Duli Raja Isteri
Khatam Al-Qur'an Ceremony in conjunction with the Ruby Jubilee of the Islamic Da'wah Centre
Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic Audience Ceremony
Prizes Presentation, National Preliminary Musabaqah Al-Qur'an Reading Competition for Adults
Khatam Al-Qur'am Ceremony in conjunction with the 50th anniversary of Television Services, RTB
Congratulatory Message on the occasion of the Republic of Turkiye's 102nd Republic Day
Sales Festival in conjunction with the Farmers, Livestock Breeders and Fishermen Day Celebration
Message of Condolences following the Tragic Incident of a Turkish Military Cargo Plane Crash
RB awarded 2026 APEX Four Star Major Airline & 2026 APEX Best in Seat Comfort Award for East Asia
Meeting of the Steering Committee with the Sectoral Committees for the Diamond Jubilee Celebrations
Silver Jubilee Celebration, 25th Anniversary of Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mosque
His Royal Highness Prince Haji Sufri Bolkiah watches Fencing Event of Islamic Solidarity Games 2025
His Royal Highness Prince Haji Sufri Bolkiah presents the Gold Medals, Islamic Solidarity Games 2025
Certification Application for Religious Teaching, Al-Qur'an, and Lectures 1st Session of 2026
Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Home Affairs Republic of Singapore Audience Ceremony
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People's Republic of China Audience Ceremony
Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Home Affairs Republic of Singapore Audience Ceremony
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China Audience Ceremony
Launching of Guideline Book on Addressing Harassment at the Workplace in the Public Service
Messages of Condolences following the recent fire at Wang Fuk Court Residential Complex
Congratulatory Messages on the occasion of the National Day of the Kingdom of Thailand
Nine To Four Run in conjunction with 'Ke Temburong Bisai Programme: Borneo Bike Gathering Edition'
Message of Condolences following the Terrorist Attack at Bondi Beach, Sydney, Australia
Their Majesties will attend a Get-Together Ceremony with Citizens and Residents in United Kingdom and Ireland
Get-Together Ceremony with Citizens and Residents of Brunei in United Kingdom and Ireland
Doa Kesyukuran Ceremony in conjunction with the 42nd Anniversary of Kampung Sungai Besar Mosque
Message of Congratulations on the occasion of Republic of the Union of Myanmar's 78th Independence Day
Working Visit by Ministry of Religious Affairs Delegation for the Admission of Sanah 5 Students
Exhibition Match in conjunction with Peak x UNIKLEARN Pickleball Charity Championship 2026
His Majesty will be Taking Rest, Limited Presence at National and Official Ceremonies
Sovereign's Parade Ceremony of the 24th Intake of the Officer Cadet School, Defence Academy, RBAF
Discipline and Self-Resilience are the Core of the Success of 24th Intake of Officer Cadets
Sunat Hajat Prayer, Reading of Surah Yasin and Special Doa, Brunei Darussalam Students Overseas
Official Academic Visit by Muslim Scholars Association of Malaysia at Islamic Da'wah Centre
Commemorative Products Press Conference in conjunction with Diamond Jubilee Wedding Anniversary
Brunei-Cambridge G.C.E. 'O' Level and IGCSE Examination Results for October/November 2025 Session
Agreement Signing between Warisan Shipping Line and DP World Logistics Malaysia Sendirian Berhad
Message of Congratulations on Occasion of the Islamic Republic of Iran's National Day
Tahlil Ceremony and Appointment Letter Presentation, Jubli Perak Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mosque
Presentation of Appreciation Certificates and Apointment Letters, Selangan Mosque Takmir Committee
Distribution of His Majesty's Personal Gift of Dates, Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism
Urgent Treated Water Pump Valve Replacement Works at Bukit Barun Water Treatment Plant Stage 4 & 5
Enforcement of Control of the Capture, Importation of Small-sized and Egg-Bearing Lobsters and Crabs
Congratulatory Message on occasion of Appointment as the New Prime Minister of the People's Republic of Bangladesh
Religious Ceremony Awaiting the Results of the Sighting of the New Moon of Ramadhan 1447 Hijrah
Temporary Half Lane Road Closure at Jalan Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha and Tungku Highway
Doa Kesyukuran Ceremony in conjunction with His Royal Highness the Crown Prince's 52nd Birthday
Doa Kesyukuran Ceremony in conjunction with the Crown Prince's 52nd Birthday Celebration
Prohibition of Offering Ramadhan Buffet for Premises that have not obtained Halal Certificate
Flag Handover Ceremony to the National Contingent competing at the 6th Asian Beach Games
Brunei's Commitment to Fostering Peace, Promoting Social Harmony & Advancing Sustainable Development
Book Launching Ceremony, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Turkiye
Audience Ceremony with the Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations, FAO and Delegation
38th Session of Food and Agriculture Organisation Regional Conference Launching Ceremony
Signing of Agreement between Kedai Kampung & Agrodynamics Antarabangsa Brunei Sendirian Berhad
27/04/2026 Opening of the Final of the National Musabaqah Al-Qur'an Reading for Adults 1447 Hijrah/2026
Mass Sunat Hajat Prayer in conjunction with the World Day for Safety and Health at Work 2026
Final of National Level Musabaqah Al-Qur'an Reading for Adults 1447H/2026M, Final Night
Audience Ceremony with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Cambodia
Conferment of State Honorary Medals in conjunction with His Majesty's 79th Birthday Celebration
Establishment of Tilawah Al-Qur'an Scheme for Children as Foundation for Noble Morals and Personalities
Reading, Deepening Understanding and Expressing Internalisation of Al-Qur'an in Shaping Morals and Behavior
Appointment & Confirmation of Deputy Permanent Secretary (Policy and Management), Ministry of Health
Advance Party of Brunei Darussalam Haj Management Office meeting with Syarikat Holiday Inn Bakkah
Bilateral Meeting With His Excellency Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste
Flowmeter and Valve Replacement Works at the Agis-Agis Water Treatment Plant, Belait District
Bilateral Meeting with the President and the Vice President of the People's Republic of China
Customs Case, An Indonesian Woman possessing Cigarettes of Various Brands without a Valid Permit
His Royal Highness left Shenzhen after concluding Official Visit to the People's Republic of China
Long Service Medal Presentation in conjunction with His Majesty's 79th Birthday Celebration
Religious Ceremony while Waiting For the Result of the Moon Sighting for Zulhijjah 1447 Hijrah
Ensuring every Citizen possesses Homes that are Comfortable, Safe and of Reasonably High Quality
Establishment of the National Committee on Addressing the Impact of the Middle East Conflict
Special Titah in conjunction with the Reshuffle and Appointment of New Cabinet Ministers and Deputy Ministers 2026
His Majesty consents to Appoint and Promote the Deputy Director of Anti-Corruption Bureau as Director of Anti-Corruption Bureau
Swearing-In Ceremony for the Newly Appointed Judicial Commissioner of the Supreme Court for the Court of Appeal of Brunei Darussalam
Message of Condolences following the recent earthquake in Southern Mindanao, Republic of the Philippines
Courtesy Call by the Non-Resident Ambassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan to Brunei Darussalam
Talk Programme “Meneladani Tokoh Wanita Islam Zaman Rasulullah Shallallahu 'Alaihi Wasallam"
Congratulatory Message on the Occasion of the Republic of the Philippines' 128th Independence Day
1448 Hijrah New Year with the National Level Reading of End of Hijrah Year and Hijrah New Year Doa
His Majesty will attend the ASEAN-Russia Commemorative Summit in Kazan, Russian Federation
The Pillars to the Country's Stability, Prosperity and Resilience Must Always Be At a Strong and Secure Level
His Majesty Hope Goverment-Linked Companies Will Be Able to Contribute to a More Sustainable Economic Growth
Strengthening Religious Education and the Field of Da'wah or Propogation is Necessary
Gala Dinner in Honour of Heads of State and Government of ASEAN attending the ASEAN-Russia Commemorative Summit
Congratulatory Messages on the occasion of His Majesty King Charles III's 77th Birthday Anniversary
In Audience with the Outgoing Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to Brunei Darussalam
'Kampungku Cergas' Recreational Activity in conjunction with the National Family Day Celebration
'Quit2Win' Campaign becomes an Important Platform to Quit Smoking and Stop using Electronic Vape
BDFA Responsible for the Food Safety Services in the Tutong District and Temburong District
Maintenance Works of Mengkubau Water Treatment Plant & Cleaning Works of Bukit Ambok Water Tank
Doa Kesyukuran Ceremony in conjunction with His Royal Highness Prince 'Abdul Malik's 43rd Birthday
Giant-Sized Flag Hoisting Ceremony in conjunction with His Majesty's 80th Birthday Celebration
Kejohanan Bola Sepak His Majesty The Sultan's Cup : Memperkukuh hubungan persahabatan NBD, UK
Haj fare grant applications open; registration begins for National Maulidur Rasul celebration
Brunei Insurance & Takaful Represented in the 31st East Asia Insurance Congress (EAIC) Tokyo 2026
Maraburong Prison Phase 4 building handed overMaraburong Prison Phase 4 building handed over
Landmark Sukuk supports financial innovation and capital market development in Brunei Darussalam
Their Majesties attend funeral for late HRH Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Zariah
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