Building Handover Ceremony for SHHBIDSS

By Md Zamzam Siran

BOLKIAH GARRISON, Thursday 21 June 2012 - The New Building for Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Institute of Defence and Strategic Studies (SHHBIDSS) was officially handed-over to its enduser. The keys were presented first from the Contractor Haji Adinin & Sons Sdn Bhd represented by their manager, Haji Mohd Noor Al-Sufri Bin Haji Adinin to the Client - Directorate of Development and Work Services (DDWS), Ministry of Defence represented by Hj Abd Mateen bin OKML Hj Md Yusof. Then from DDWS to the enduser SHHBIDSS represented by the Director, Hj Muhammad Shahrul Nizzam bin Umar. Also present to witness the ceremony were the consultant team for the project, officers and staff from Directorate of Development and Work Services (DDWS), Ministry of Defence and SHHBIDSS.

The new building for the Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Institute of Defence and Strategic Studies is envisaged to be a state-of-the-art smart, modern and contemporary institutional premise with energy efficient in mind. The 2 storey building which cost around $3.52 million, completed by the main contractor, Haji Adinin and Sons (B) Sdn Bhd, has commenced work since March 2010. The design team comprises of OWMP International as Architect and lead consultant, Sepakat Setia Perunding Sdn Bhd as M&E and C&S Consultant and HZ Associates as Quantity Surveyor.

This exciting new addition to the Bolkiah Garrison is designed to function and to accommodate as one of the main research and training centre in areas of defence, security and strategic studies for the country. In order to facilitate its vision and mission, with gross floor area 2400 square metre, it is equipped with amenities such as:-

-   A "sunken" Smart Conference Hall – it can accommodate up to 75 people and it is equipped with internet and e-conference facilities, AV equipment and projector screens.
-   Library
-   Lounge room
-   Board meeting room – for minimum twenty five (25) people
-   Syndicate rooms
-   Smart classrooms
-   Support Services Division Office
-   Research Division Office
-   Training & Scholarship Division Office
-   Glass-covered atrium with bridges and stairs

These newly completed facilities are divided into 2 zones which are for private use and public use. Public zones located at the front for easily accessible by the users or international delegates for conducting any seminars or presentation of research papers. All access for internal and surrounding areas were fitted with state-of-the-art monitoring and security system, hence protecting the use of data especially for the limited users.

ARCHITECTURE – Character and style

Structural glass exterior systems, deep over hanged and features wall provide striking architectural statement. The form on plan and shape represent a unifying architecture with an emphasis on blending in with the surrounding buildings such as the MINDEF Headquarters Building as well as the natural setting and context.

GREEN BUILDING FEATURES FOR BRUNEI

To support the Department of Energy’s vision in order to reduce CO2 emission in the country, the architect has explained that the building was designed to include several green building features. For example, all internal corridor and circulation area are naturally ventilated with glass skylight; therefore, the air-conditioned areas will be utilized for the offices, classroom and other internal spaces. The 12 metres height solid features wall that facing the afternoon sun, embedded with the building name. It is symbolized as a shield or defensive element. This architectural element was creating deep shadows along the circulation area. Therefore, temperature in the internal atrium space is expected to be lower than other public areas, thus minimize the air condition consumption in the long run. The use of inverter type air condition system, movement sensor electrical switches also formed as part of the energy saving features.

The layout of the building is uniquely designed and planned to encourage interaction and cross-pollination of ideas of its occupants in a secure and control environment. A section of the building which is integrated yet distinct within the building is also meant to be accessible to visitors, guest and foreign dignitaries attending research, seminars, presentations, trainings and briefing. In essence, the two (2) storey building, which encompasses a gross area of 2400 square meters, comprises two distinct components linked by a midsection glass-covered atrium, as well as by flying bridges and stairs.

HISTORY OF THE CENTRE

The establishment of the Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Institute of Defence and Strategic Studies (SHHBIDSS) was officially announced by His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzadin Waddaulah Ibni Al-Mahrum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Khairi Waddien, Sultan Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, in His Majesty’s Titah during the 45th Anniversary of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces on 31st May 2006. The institute was formally formed, with the appointment of its first Director, in April 2007.

VISION AND MISSION

The vision of the Institute is to be a leading think tank in regional defence, security and strategic studies whilst its mission is to study, discuss and disseminate defence, security and strategic issues relevant to Brunei Darussalam and its surrounding environment.

ROLES AND FUNCTIONS

SHHBIDSS has the following roles and functions:

1. To conduct policy relevant research on defence, security and strategic issues.
2. To promote international cooperation on defence, security and strategic issues with like-minded institutions and organizations.
3. To provide a platform for scholars, officials and others in their private capacities to discuss and research defence security and strategic studies.
4. To convene national, regional and international seminars, meetings, conference and other cooperative activities on defence, security and strategic studies.
5. To establish linkages and exchange information, insights and experiences in defence, security and strategic studies with similar institutions and organizations around the world.
6. To publish and disseminate its research outputs and other activities in various forums and media; and
7. To facilitate in human resource development for Brunei Darussalam’s Ministry of Defence and Royal Brunei Armed Forces.