His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, Minister of Defence and Supreme Commander of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) yesterday consented to officiate the Sovereign Parade Ceremony for the 1st Intake Officer Cadets.

The function took place at the Parade Square of the RBAF Officer Cadet School (OCS) in Sungai Akar Camp.

His Majesty was greeted on arrival at the OCS Parade Square by Deputy Minister of Defence, Pehin Datu Singamanteri Colonel (RTD) Dato Seri Paduka Hj Mohd Yasmin Hj Umar, and Commander of RBAF, Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General Dato Paduka Seri Hj Halbi Hj Md Yussof.

Prior to the arrival, His Majesty inspected the Static Guard of Honour mounted by 26 personnel from the First Battalion of the Royal Brunei Land Forces (1st Bn RBLF) before being accorded the Royal Salute and inspecting the 1st Intake Officer Cadet Parade compromising 32 Officer Cadets - of which 29 are male Officer Cadets and three female Officer Cadets.

Also joining the parade were 19 Officer Cadets from the 2nd Intake that also compromised 16 male Officer Cadets and three female Officer Cadets who are due to complete their training in January 2010. The parade was commanded by 770 Captain Ismael Dato Setia Hj Samid.

Following the inspections, the event proceeded with a march past before returning to position. After the march past, His Majesty consented to deliver a titah, followed by the conferment of awards to the best Officer Cadets in every category for the 1st Intake of RBAF COS.

The first award recipient was the Best Sword Award winner, 18778 Officer Cadet (U) Wan Muhd Azem Hj Md Aminuddin.

The award is one of the most prestigious ever given to an Officer Cadet bestowed by His Majesty.

The Sword of Honour also signifies the pillar of utmost brilliance for the Officer Cadet, who fulfilled the conditions and criteria to qualify for it, such as attaining apex achievements in terms of basic military training, academia, physical programmes and all other aspects of the second phase training.

The Officer Cadet must also possess strong and exemplary characteristics as an officer, in terms of steadfast leadership as well as demonstrating an upbeat personality from the beginning until the end of his training at the RBAF Officer Cadet School.

The subsequent awards were for the Best Overall Award in Academic to 21347 Officer Cadet Lizawati Hj Suhaili, Best Military Skills Award to 15697 Officer Cadet (L) Zainul Ariffin Ahmad, and the Best in Physical Training Award to 16778 Officer Cadet (L) Mohd Izzat Dato Paduka Hj Mohd Murad.

Later, His Majesty received three chants of 'Daulat Kebawah Duli Tuan Patik' from the parade of the 1st and 2nd Intake Officer Cadets. A doa selamat was then read by the Head of RBAF's Religious Department, Lieutenant Colonel (U) Hj Abdur' Rahim Hj Abd Karim.

After the parade event, His Majesty proceeded to the Sungai Akar Officers' Mess for some light refreshments. There, His Majesty consented to receive a 'scroll' as a pesambah.

The 'scroll' is a roll of parchment written and decorated for the purpose of transferring information or merely used as an ornament. In the history of Brunei, it is used as a communication tool for His Majesty to deliver the titah. The scroll represents knowledge, information as well as experiences gathered from the Officer Cadet School.

His Majesty the Sultan also consented to cut a birthday cake commemorating His Majesty's 63rd Birthday Anniversary presented by the RBAF Officer Cadet School.

Later, His Majesty was introduced to all the 1st Intake Officer Cadets with their family members before signing a newsletter produced by the Officer Cadets. The newsletter entailed a collection of activities and trainings conducted throughout the 42-week of course.

Prior to leaving the event, His Majesty consented to receive the 'Junjung Ziarah' from the Officer Cadet School's instructors and newly commissioned RBAF officers. There was also a group photo session at the end. - Borneo Bulletin (24th July 2009)