Singapore and Brunei Darussalam Reaffirms Defence Relations through 11th Defence Policy Dialogue

Permanent Secretary (Defence) Mr Chan Heng Kee and Brunei Darussalam Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence Brigadier General (BG)(Rtd) Dato Seri Pahlawan Haji Alirupendi bin Haji Perudin co-chaired the 11th Singapore-Brunei Darussalam Defence Policy Dialogue (DPD) this morning. During the DPD, Mr Chan and Dato Alirupendi noted the good progress made on joint initiatives between both defence establishments, and reaffirmed their commitment to undertake further bilateral defence cooperation in areas of mutual interest. Both sides also exchanged views on the regional and international security environment, and welcomed further cooperation on the ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting (ADMM) and ADMM-Plus. With 2026 marking the 50th anniversary of the establishment of defence relations between Singapore and Brunei Darussalam, Mr Chan and Dato Alirupendi reviewed a Milestone Update on Defence Relations that highlights key bilateral defence interactions and collaborations in the past years, and in the upcoming years ahead.

Dato Alirupendi, who is in Singapore from 2 to 6 February 2026, also called on Minister for Defence Mr Chan Chun Sing earlier this morning, with both sides reaffirming the close and long-standing bilateral defence ties between both countries. As part of his visit, Dato Alirupendi attended the Singapore Airshow 2026, and visited the Central Manpower Base (CMPB) and the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS).

Dato Alirupendi's visit to Singapore reaffirms the special and long-standing defence relations between Singapore and Brunei Darussalam. Both defence establishments interact regularly through high-level visits, professional exchanges, cross-attendance of courses, and bilateral exercises. These interactions have enhanced the professionalism and strengthened the ties between the two ministries.