TANAH JAMBU, Tuesday, 22nd March 2016 – A study evening organized by the Royal Brunei Navy (RBN) was held last night at the Defence Academy, Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) entitled, “The Evolving Nature of Maritime Security: The Royal Brunei Navy’s Efforts Towards Maritime Security Operations”.
Present as the guest of honour was First Admiral (Rtd) Dato Seri Pahlawan Abdul Aziz bin Haji Mohd Tamit, Deputy Minister of Defence. Also present was the Commander of RBAF Yang Dimuliakan Pehin Dato Pekerma Jaya Major General Dato Paduka Seri Mohd Tawih bin Abdullah, members of Defence Executive Committee, Services Commanders, Joint Force Commander, members of National Maritime Working Committee, Directors, Commandants, and RBAF officers.
The study evening highlighted the very dynamics of maritime security and how it poses substantial range of maritime security challenges, thus influencing the prosperity and stability of our nation. For that reason it is imperative for the RBN to remain vigilant and to adapt itself into a credible naval force that can overcome the challenges of maritime security.
In his opening speech, First Admiral Pg Dato Seri Pahlawan Norazmi bin Pengiran Haji Muhammad, Commander of RBN mentioned that these challenges will require a comprehensive ‘whole of government’ effort. This requires interagency collaboration and integration which is crucial in resolving these situations. He also added that maritime security is not one person’s responsibility but the nation’s responsibility which involves various stakeholders.
Additionally, the study evening pointed out the importance of leveraging on the use of information sharing, defence diplomacy and broadening their networking with regional partners and organizations. An example of this would include Brunei’s involvement in the Asean Defence Ministers Meeting – Plus Experts’ Working Group on Maritime Security which will be held in Auckland, New Zealand in May 2016.
The study evening enables the RBAF officers to get a better understanding of the obstacles faced by the individual RBAF units. It encourages the RBAF officers to engage in thought provoking questions to ignite a continuous flow of discussion. This is thought to improve confidence, judgement, communication skills, and problem solving abilities.
