Singapore and Brunei Armies Wrap Up 26th Exercise Maju Bersama

The Singapore Army and Royal Brunei Land Force (RBLF) concluded the 26^th iteration of Exercise Maju Bersama from the 18^th to 25^th of January. Taking place in Brunei’s Penanjong Garrison, around 200 personnel from the 1^st Battalion Singapore Infantry Regiment (1 SIR) and RBLF’s 3^rd Battalion were involved in the annually held bilateral exercise. This year, among the exercises covered were the cross-sharing of weapons systems, company-level urban operational competencies, and ended with a joint, integrated assault on a simulated urban objective by both forces. Following that, the exercise’s closing ceremony which was officiated by chiefs of both armies, the Singapore’s Chief of Army, Maj Gen David Neo, and RBLF Commander, Brig Gen Shanonnizam Sulaiman. Highlighting the significance of the drills, Maj Gen Neo said, “This year marks the 26th edition of the exercise, a testament to the steadfast commitment from both our nations to regional peace and security, and the deepening of this longstanding and special relationship. Since its inception in 1995, the exercise has served as an important platform for our armies to strengthen professional linkages and build friendships amongst our soldiers. Through technical exchanges, joint exercises and social interactions, soldiers across all ranks not only learn from each other, but build bonds that last a lifetime.” Exercise Maju Bersama demonstrates the close and well-established defence partnership between Singapore and Brunei, supplying both forces with a platform to improve mutual understanding and refine interoperability via professional interactions. Aside from this exercise, Singapore-Brunei ground forces engage consistently through high-level visits, professional exchanges and courses in addition to other bilateral as well as multilateral exercises. “This year marks the 26th edition of the exercise, a testament to the steadfast commitment from both our nations to regional peace and security, and the deepening of this longstanding and special relationship. Since its inception in 1995, the exercise has served as an important platform for our armies to strengthen professional linkages and build friendships amongst our soldiers. Through technical exchanges, joint exercises and social interactions, soldiers across all ranks not only learn from each other, but build bonds that last a lifetime.” adj/dl/gm (Pix: Singapore MINDEF)