SINGAPORE, MONDAY, 06 MAY 2025 – The Royal Brunei Navy (RBN) successfully participated in the International Maritime Defence Exhibition (IMDEX) Asia 2025 and the 9th International Maritime Security Conference (IMSC), held in Singapore from 5 to 9 May 2025.
The RBN delegation was led by Captain Haji Norbahrin bin Haji Muamad, RBN, Head of Inspectorate Cell, as Head of Delegation, accompanied by Lieutenant Adi Fakhri bin Johari, RBN, Fleet Navigating Officer. Representing the younger generation of naval leadership, Lieutenant Commander Nabil bin Mohd Jalil, RBN, Commanding Officer of KDB AS-SIDDIQ, participated in the Future Leaders’ Programme, while Warrant Officer 1 Mohammad Nasri bin Ladis, RBN, took part in the Senior Enlisted Leaders Programme.
All delegates actively represented the RBN across a series of official engagements. The programme featured high-level participation in the IMDEX Asia Opening Ceremony and IMSC plenary sessions, where maritime leaders, defence policymakers, industry experts, and naval professionals discussed pressing regional and global maritime security challenges. Themed “Safe and Secure Seas”, the 9th IMSC underscored the importance of a rules-based maritime order and explored practical avenues for enhancing multilateral cooperation in addressing contemporary maritime threats.
As part of the leadership and professional development programmes, RBN personnel engaged with counterparts from various navies in a dynamic series of discussions, workshops, and seminars centred on maritime leadership, innovation, and operational excellence. These included participation in the IMSC Conference, the Warrior Expert Leader Seminar, and leadership exchanges that promoted mentorship, shared learning, and the strengthening of interoperability among partner navies.
In parallel with the conference, the RBN delegation conducted targeted visits to several key defence industry exhibitors within the IMDEX Asia 2025 Exhibition Hall. These engagements facilitated direct interaction with developers and manufacturers of next-generation naval technologies, including E-navigation systems and autonomous maritime solutions, in alignment with RBN’s ongoing capability development priorities.
Notably, KDB DARUSSALAM also took part in IMDEX Asia 2025, representing the Royal Brunei Navy’s operational presence and commitment to international maritime engagement. The ship hosted a reception onboard for foreign delegates and naval counterparts, providing a distinguished setting for professional interaction and defence diplomacy. This engagement further strengthened bilateral and multilateral ties through camaraderie, dialogue, and shared maritime values.
In addition, the RBN delegation attended a series of official and hosted events throughout the week, including the Official Welcoming and Opening Dinners, the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) Evening Reception at Changi Naval Base, and multiple networking engagements. These occasions provided valuable opportunities to strengthen professional networks, promote mutual understanding, and reaffirm Brunei Darussalam’s active role in enhancing regional maritime collaboration.
The Royal Brunei Navy’s continued involvement in IMDEX Asia and the International Maritime Security Conference reflects its enduring commitment to advancing maritime dialogue, supporting collective security, and contributing to a safe, secure, and rules-based maritime domain in the region.
