SULTANATE

 

Sultan graces Sovereign’s Parade of 11th OCS intake
Khal Baharulalam

IT WAS a momentous occasion for 17 officer cadets of the 11th intake of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) Officer Cadet School as His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, the Minister of Defence and Supreme Commander of RBAF, graced their Sovereign’s Parade Ceremony at the RBAF Sungai Akar camp yesterday, after having successfully undergone the intensive 48-week military training.

His Majesty was greeted upon arrival by the Deputy Minister of Defence, Dato Paduka Awang Haji Mustappa bin Haji Sirat and the Commander of RBAF, Pehin Datu Pekerma Jaya Major General Dato Paduka Seri Mohd Tawih bin Abdullah.

All donned in their respective uniforms, the officers held their stance under the scorching sun. The monarch consented to receive the royal salute followed by the inspection of the Static Guard of Honour, mounted by personnel of the Royal Brunei Land Forces (RBLF).

At the royal dais, His Majesty received yet another royal salute before consenting to inspect the parade comprising 17 Officer Cadets of the 11th intake supported by 22 Officer Cadets of the 12th intake. This was carried out in a patriotic slow and fast march-past by the officer cadets before the monarch, who later consented to deliver a titah.

Four outstanding officer cadets stood proudly as their ruler and Supreme Commander conferred awards for having achieved the best in different aspects of the 48-week long training.

The most prestigious ‘Sword of Honour’ award was presented to 50578 OCdt (U) Mohd Qamarulariffin bin Haji Ramli, who excelled in all aspects of the training.

Recipients of the award are known to illustrate exemplary performance and leadership qualities.

50578 OCdt (U) Mohd Qamarulariffin holds a MSc in Mechanical Engineering from the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.

The second award, which was the ‘Best Overall in Academics’ was presented to 21735 OCdt Adibah binti Haji Mohammad, who has been known to perform exceptionally in all aspects of academia, also with a broad knowledge of current affairs. She has a Masters of Arts in International Law & International Relations from The University of New South Wales in Australia.

For the ‘Best Military Skills’ award recipient, 21736 OCdt Noria Fatriah binti Haji Abdul Mutalif was selected for her excellence in all areas of military skills. She holds a MA in Islamic Studies from Monash University in Melbourne.

The final award, ‘Best in Physical Training Endurance’ award, was presented to 21742 OCdt Nurulaini binti Haji Mohd Zain, who holds a Bachelor of Syariah. This award recognises the best achievements of an officer cadet in physical training.

After the conferment, a Doa Selamat was read by the Head of RBAF Religious Department (JA’MAAT) Captain Ariffin bin Amit.

After receiving the final royal salute before leaving the parade square, His Majesty proceeded to the Sungai Akar Officers’ Mess, where he received a pesambah entitled “Khazanatuz-Zamain” in the shape of an hourglass embedded in a circular capsule.

The hourglass symbolises the value of time, while the touch of capsule is meant to symbolise the movement of time through changes as well as globalisation.

The graduating officer cadets then presented to His Majesty their journey book, which contains documentation of their 48-week training.

Following that, His Majesty mingled with the graduating cadets and their family members, as well as instructors and officers of the OCS. The ceremony ended with a group photo session. - Borneo Bulletin (29 August 2014)


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