His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam consented to confer state decorations to 35 individuals during an Investiture Ceremony yesterday.
Senior military officer 613 Captain Sonny Iskandar bin Rasani described the conferment of the Most Honourable Order of Seri Paduka Mahkota Brunei Third Class (SMB) by His Majesty as a great honour and a humbling recognition.
He said the award was not only a personal honour but also reflected the support, commitment and sacrifices of fellow officers, personnel, colleagues and family members throughout his years of service.
He regarded the recognition as a reminder of the trust and responsibility entrusted to members of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces, further strengthening his commitment to serve His Majesty, the nation and the people with loyalty, professionalism and dedication.
Reflecting on his military career, Captain Sonny Iskandar said the various appointments and responsibilities he undertook had provided valuable experiences and lessons in leadership.
He noted that effective leadership was not solely about decision-making, but also about taking responsibility, earning the trust of personnel and remaining composed when facing challenges.
He also highlighted the importance of professionalism, resilience, teamwork and caring for those entrusted under a leader’s responsibility. Addressing younger military personnel, he encouraged them to take pride in serving His Majesty, the nation and the people, while upholding discipline, loyalty and dedication through their daily actions.
He also urged them to continue learning, remain humble and use challenges as opportunities for professional and personal growth.
Above all, he reminded them to uphold the trust placed upon them and perform their duties to the best of their ability, regardless of rank or appointment.
Meanwhile Acting Deputy Director of the Tourism Development Department Hajah Nur Fariza Munyati binti Haji Abd Aji described the conferment of the Most Blessed Order of Setia Negara Brunei Fourth Class (PSB) as a deeply meaningful recognition of her 19 years of service.
She expressed her deepest gratitude and Junjung Kasih to His Majesty for the honour, saying the award was not merely an individual milestone but a reflection of the trust placed in public servants to serve the monarch, government and nation.
She also acknowledged the collective efforts of colleagues, leadership and industry partners in contributing to Brunei Darussalam’s progress and development.
Reflecting on her career, Hajah Nur Fariza Munyati said some of the most meaningful experiences were those where policies translated into tangible improvements in people’s lives and strengthened national capacity.
She highlighted her involvement in human capital development, including establishing competency standards, enhancing the capabilities of local tour guides and creating clearer career pathways for young Bruneians in the hospitality and tourism sectors.
Seeing local workers develop confidence, pride and internationally recognised skills has been particularly rewarding, she said, adding that such efforts also support livelihoods and strengthen Brunei’s service culture regionally.
She viewed the recognition not as a final milestone but as a reminder to continue striving for greater achievements in support of the priorities under Brunei Vision 2035, particularly economic diversification, quality assurance and the development of a world-class hospitality culture.
She also expressed her commitment to mentoring young officers and industry professionals to help prepare a capable next generation to contribute towards a resilient and vibrant future for the country.
For Hajah Nur Fariza Munyati, service to the nation means carrying out one’s responsibilities with sincerity, integrity and unwavering loyalty to His Majesty and the country.
She added that true national service goes beyond routine duties, requiring individuals to ensure their work creates a lasting and positive impact on the community while building a strong and sustainable foundation for future generations.
One of the Most Eminent Order of Islam Brunei Fifth Class (PUB) recipients, Pengiran Hajah Ida Fariani binti Pengiran Haji Kamaluddin said the conferment was a great honour and a highly meaningful recognition following her years of service to the nation.
She noted that the honour also serves as a reminder to carry out the responsibilities entrusted to her with dedication, sincerity, honesty and integrity.
Pengiran Hajah Ida Fariani began her career at the Publications and Exhibition Division in 1999, where she was responsible for screening books before they were distributed to the public.
She subsequently served at the Dakwah Dissemination Division, the Secretariat for the publication of the Mushaf Brunei Darussalam and its Tafsir, as well as the Muallaf Development Division.
Among her most meaningful and memorable experiences was her involvement in the publication of the Mushaf Brunei Darussalam and its Tafsir, as well as the establishment of the Da’ie Youth Volunteer Group under the Islamic Da’wah Centre.
She said the conferment has further motivated her to improve the quality of her work and continue serving with dedication and tolerance, while giving her best commitment to dakwah activities without neglecting her responsibilities towards her family.
Meanwhile, Acting Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam (BIBD) Haji Mohammad Yusri bin Haji Wahsalfelah on receiving the PSB expressed gratitude to Allah the Almighty for His blessings and guidance throughout his journey.
“Additionally, Menjunjung Kasih Ke Hadapan Majlis Kebawah Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan dan Yang Di-Pertuan Negara Brunei Darussalam for this recognition.”
He regarded this not only as an honour, but as an amanah and a reminder of the responsibility that comes with serving others.
“I am especially grateful to my family, particularly my wife and daughter, for their constant understanding, encouragement and endless Doa. Their support has been very important throughout my career, especially in helping me carry the responsibilities that come with my current role.”
Their understanding, he added, allows him to dedicate the time, attention and energy required to remain focused on the objectives entrusted to him, while knowing that he continues to have their support and prayers behind him. He is also equally thankful to his colleagues, stakeholders and partners who have supported him throughout the years. He has been fortunate to work alongside a strong and dedicated team at BIBD whose professionalism, commitment and shared sense of purpose have contributed greatly to everything they have been able to accomplish together.
“Whatever progress we make is always the result of collective effort rather than the work of any one individual.”
This recognition encourages him to continue serving with humility, integrity and a stronger sense of responsibility.
“At the same time, I remind myself of the importance of Tawakkal – to put in our best effort, remain disciplined in pursuing the objectives entrusted to us, and ultimately place our trust in Allah the Almighty.”
Looking back on his years of service, it is difficult for him to single out one particular achievement as “the most meaningful moments are often those where you can see that the work has made a real difference to someone’s life”.
“As a national institution, our responsibility goes beyond banking. We must continue to create opportunities, strengthen financial inclusion, support entrepreneurship, develop our people and contribute to initiatives that improve the well-being and resilience of our communities.”
He further noted that he is particularly encouraged to continue strengthening BIBD’s contribution in areas such as entrepreneurship and inclusive social impact.
“Through initiatives supporting MSMEs and aspiring entrepreneurs, we can help create sustainable livelihoods and broaden economic participation. Through programmes such as Projek Teduh, we can continue working with government and community partners to address fundamental social needs and improve quality of life. From a broader perspective, we also see an important opportunity to further strengthen BIBD’s standing beyond Brunei Darussalam and bring the capabilities of our national Islamic financial institution to a wider international market.
“Central to this ambition is our continued focus on customer service excellence, supported by the development of innovative Islamic financial products and services that are grounded in Shariah principles, sustainable in their approach, and responsive to the evolving needs of customers.
“As the financial landscape continues to change, we must ensure that what we offer remains relevant not only today, but for future generations, while demonstrating that a Bruneian Islamic financial institution can compete, contribute and create meaningful value on the international stage.”
Ultimately, this recognition motivates him not to look back at what has been achieved, but to look forward at what more can be done.
He hopes to continue contributing alongside the BIBD team and its partners in support of His Majesty’s government’s aspirations and the long-term progress of Brunei Darussalam.
Asked on what “service to the nation” means to him, he noted that service to the nation means recognising that whatever responsibility we are entrusted with should ultimately contribute to something greater than ourselves.
It means carrying out that responsibility with amanah, integrity, humility and sincerity, whether we are serving customers, developing our people, supporting businesses or helping communities in need. “It is about asking not only what we can achieve as an organisation, but also what value that achievement creates for our people and for Brunei Darussalam.
“I believe service is not defined by a single position or achievement. It is a continuous responsibility. For as long as we are given the opportunity to serve, we should strive to leave our institution, our community and our country stronger than when that responsibility was first entrusted to us.”
SOURCE/AUTHOR : BORNEO BULLETIN/Lyna Mohamad
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
Comments (0)
No comments yet. Be the first to comment!
Leave a Comment