Prestigious military award conferred on Brunei air chief

The Pingat Jasa Gemilang (Tentera), or Meritorious Service Medal (Military), was presented to him by Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen on Wednesday afternoon, the Ministry of Defence (Mindef) said in a press statement.

Get the full story from The Straits Times.

Here is the statement from Mindef:

The Commander of the Royal Brunei Air Force, Brigadier-General (BG) (U) Haji Wardi Bin Haji Abdul Latip, was conferred Singapore's prestigious military award, the Pingat Jasa Gemilang (Tentera) [or Meritorious Service Medal (Military)], by President Tony Tan Keng Yam. Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen presented the award to BG (U) Wardi at an investiture held at the Ministry of Defence this afternoon.

BG (U) Wardi was conferred the award in recognition of his significant contributions in fostering excellent defence ties between the Royal Brunei Air Force (RBAirF) and the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF). Under BG (U) Wardi's leadership, the long-standing friendship and professional cooperation between the RBAirF and the RSAF have grown from strength to strength.

He promoted greater interoperability between the two Air Forces through his strong support for the Exercise Air Guard series, which will celebrate its 20th anniversary in October this year. The RBAirF and the RSAF also stepped up professional cooperation and exchanges, which have further enhanced the mutual understanding and camaraderie among the personnel of both Air Forces.

On receiving the award, BG (U) Wardi said, "I am greatly humbled and honoured to be receiving the award. I would like to offer my sincere gratitude to the Singapore Armed Forces as well as the RSAF for this honour."

BG (U) Wardi, who is in Singapore for a visit from 6 to 8 May 2014, also called on Dr Ng and Chief of Air Force Major-General Hoo Cher Mou before the investiture. He visited the Divisional Air Defence Group earlier today.