Articles
Chief of Navy Makes Introductory Visit to Brunei Darussalam
16 January 2026
Chief of Navy Rear-Admiral (RADM) Sean Wat inspecting the Guard-Of-Honour at Muara Naval Base. He was accompanied by Commander of the Royal Brunei Navy (RBN), First Admiral Sahibul Bahari bin Haji Zainal Abidin.
Chief of Navy Rear-Admiral (RADM) Sean Wat was in Brunei Darussalam for an Introductory Visit from 12 to 15 January 2026.
RADM Wat (left) called on First Admiral Sahibul Bahari bin Haji Zainal Abidin (right).
RADM Wat (right) was presented the Honorary Command Badge of the RBN from First Admiral Sahibul Bahari bin Haji Zainal Abidin (left).
As part of his naval engagements, RADM Wat called on Commander of the Royal Brunei Navy (RBN), First Admiral Sahibul Bahari bin Haji Zainal Abidin. Both Chiefs reaffirmed the strong and long-standing ties between our navies. In recognition and appreciation of RADM Wat's efforts in enhancing the relationship between RBN and the Republic of Singapore Navy, First Admiral Sahibul Bahari presented him with the Honorary Command Badge of the RBN.
Both chiefs also reviewed the slew of interactions between our Navies, and looked forward to the conduct of our bilateral Exercise Pelican in the year.
During his visit, RADM Wat (far left) together with First Admiral Sahibul Bahari bin Haji Zainal Abidin (far right) witnessed the signing of the Fearless-class Patrol Vessel User Charter, which scopes and guides exchanges on the Fearless-class Patrol Vessels with the RBN, further strengthening bilateral cooperation between both navies. RADM Wat had the opportunity to meet with senior Bruneian defence officials, including his counterpart, to reinforce the strong relationship between our countries and Armed Forces.
RADM Wat (left) called on the Minister of Defence II, Yang Berhormat Pehin Datu Lailaraja MG(Ret) Dato Paduka Seri Awang Haji Halbi Bin Haji Mohd Yussof (right) at the Brunei Ministry of Defence.
He also called on Commander of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) Major General (MG) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Muhammad Haszaimi bin Bol Hassan (right).
During his visit, RADM Wat witnessed the commissioning of one of our Midshipmen, 2LT Jayden Lim, as part of the Sovereign's Parade Ceremony for the 24th Intake of Officer Cadets at the Defence Academy Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF).
RADM Wat (far right) in a group photo with 2LT Jayden Lim (centre) and his parents, as well as Commander RBN (far left).
RADM Wat (left) joining an engagement with 2LT Lim (centre) and His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, Crown Prince and Senior Minister in the Prime Minister's Office (right).
RADM Wat also congratulated 2LT Lim for achieving the Best Academic Award during the 24th Intake Commissioning Course of Officer Cadet School, Defence Academy Royal Brunei Armed Forces.
2LT Jayden reflected on his journey thus far:
Earning my commission from Officer Cadet School, Defence Academy Royal Brunei Armed Forces is both a great honour and a great responsibility, and this experience has given me invaluable insights into RBAF's operations, as well as a newfound appreciation for the closely-knit RBAF–SAF partnership. I am deeply grateful to the support I received from both the RBAF and the SAF throughout this course, and I look forward to serving my country as a Naval Officer of the Republic of Singapore Navy.— 2LT Jayden Lim
RADM Wat engaging with past and present Commanders RBN and their spouses during the commemorative dinner.
During his time in Brunei, RADM Wat also attended the commemorative dinner for the 50th anniversary of defence relations between Singapore and Brunei.
Photos courtesy of RBAF and NID.