In this regard, the Ministry of Defence, being aware of this fact and making efforts to tackle it, needs skillful, knowledgeable and talented human resources, he added.

Quoting His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam's Titah at the 44th Anniversary of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) last year, the Deputy Minister said His Majesty pointed out on the importance of the need of transformation.

His Majesty quoted that the transformation is not only in structure, technique and ability but also from the point of leadership and mind. And if it is neglected, RBAF would become victims to the rapid changes around us.

The Deputy Minister further disclosed that in supporting that need, His Majesty had consented to introduce and award the Supreme Commander of RBAF Scholarship last August and again consented to introduce and award a new scheme which is the RBAF Scholarship in February this year.

Speaking at the Signing and Award ceremony of these two scholarships yesterday at the Officers Mess of the Berakas Garrison, the Deputy Minister highlighted that both kinds of scholarship are prestigious and portray His Majesty's wisdom, encouragement and generosity in identifying, attracting and nurturing top students to be future leaders that could contribute towards securing defence and security as well as the nation's future.

"This is also in line with His Majesty's Government's policy, where earlier this year a total of B$250 million had been allocated for the establishment of funds specifically for the implementation of various programmes to consolidate the human resource development," he further added.

Yesterday's ceremony was initiated with the signing of the Supreme Commander of RBAF Scholarships. Signing on behalf of MINDEF was Awg Hj Mustappa Hj Sirat, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Defence.

This was then followed with the signing of the RBAF Scholarship for five awardees. The Commander of RBAF, Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General Dato Paduka Seri Hj Awg Halbi Hj Md Yussof, signed on behalf of MINDEF.

The two scholarships, offered annually by MINDEF have been set up to identify, attract and groom promising Brunei students to be the next generation of leaders who will contribute significantly to the nation's defence and security as well as to the society and community at large.
The most prestigious scheme, the Supreme Commander of the RBAF Scholarship, was first introduced in 2005 and is awarded to the most outstanding 'O' and 'A' Level students.

Recipients will eventually pursue careers either as civilian or military officers in MINDEF or RBAF and to be eligible, each student must be a citizen of Brunei Darussalam and attain at least 8 grade 'A's for those from 'O' Level or at least 3 grade 'A's for those from 'A' Level as well as possess strong leadership qualities and have solid Co-Curricular activities.

The RBAF Scholarship, which is the second most prestigious scheme made it debut in 2006 where it is awarded to top 'A' Level students who will eventually pursue careers as military officers in RBAF.

In this scheme, students must be Brunei citizens, attain at least 1 grade 'A' and 2 grade Bs at 'A' Level, possess strong leadership qualities, have a solid Co-Curricular activities record and pass the Armed Forces Commissioning Board to be eligible for the scheme.
Out of the total 41 students who were eligible and had been invited to compete this year, 2 'O' level and 9 'A' level students have been awarded the Supreme Commander of the RBAF Scholarship.

The RBAF Scholarship meanwhile has been awarded to the 5 'A' level students out of a total of the eligible 37 students that had been invited to compete.

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin