MFA Press Statement: Official Visit of His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister's Office of Brunei Darussalam, 28 October to 4 November 2018

His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office of Brunei Darussalam, is concluding his official visit to Singapore for the 6th Singapore-Brunei Young Leaders’ Programme (YLP).

On 29 October 2018, Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) and Coordinating Minister for National Security Teo Chee Hean and Mrs Teo hosted His Royal Highness and Her Royal Highness Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah to a welcome dinner. DPM and His Royal Highness reaffirmed the special and close relationship between Singapore and Brunei, as well as the importance of the YLP as a key annual platform to expand bilateral cooperation and strengthen the ties between the younger leaders of both countries.

On 30 October 2018, Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen hosted His Royal Highness to a tour of the SAF’s Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Command (UAVC). His Royal Highness had a tour of the UAVC and tested the simulators at the UAVC. Minister Ng later hosted His Royal Highness to lunch. His Royal Highness and Minister Ng had a fruitful exchange on the strong and deep bilateral cooperation between Singapore and Brunei. 

On 31 October 2018, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong hosted His Royal Highness to lunch at the Istana. PM and His Royal Highness exchanged views on developments in Brunei, as well as regional issues. They also reaffirmed the importance of strengthening the important bilateral relationship between Singapore and Brunei, and of developing personal ties between the next generation of leaders in Brunei and Singapore through platforms like the YLP.

Later that day, Minister for Education Ong Ye Kung hosted His Royal Highness to a visit to the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD). His Royal Highness toured the SUTD campus and its facilities, and was briefed on SUTD’s curriculum and how the courses facilitate the development of well-rounded students who are workforce-ready.

On 1 November 2018, Minister for Trade and Industry Chan Chun Sing hosted His Royal Highness to a briefing on the Committee on the Future Economy, and Singapore’s Industry Transformation Maps. Minister Chan shared with His Royal Highness Singapore’s strategies to meet the challenges brought about by a rapidly changing global environment. There were good discussions on the common challenges faced by Brunei and Singapore, and the role of innovation in overcoming them. Later that day, Senior Parliamentary Secretary (SPS), Ministry of Education & Ministry of Manpower, Low Yen Ling hosted His Royal Highness to a visit to the Devan Nair Institute for Employment and Employability. SPS Low highlighted that Singapore’s SkillsFuture movement has provided a wide spectrum of skills training and learning opportunities to Singaporeans, and has enabled our labour force to remain relevant and employable.

On 2 November 2018, DPM Teo and Mrs Teo accompanied Their Royal Highnesses and two of their children, His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Muntaqim and Her Royal Highness Princess Muneerah Madhul Bolkiah for a morning stroll at Gardens by the Bay. DPM Teo and Mrs Teo then hosted Their Royal Highnesses to breakfast.

In the afternoon, President Halimah Yacob and Mr Mohamed Abdullah Alhabshee hosted Their Royal Highnesses to tea at the Istana. President and His Royal Highness noted that Singapore and Brunei shared many common interests, and agreed that both countries should work together to deepen bilateral ties.

The annual YLP is the key platform for young leaders from Singapore and Brunei to exchange views on bilateral cooperation and on regional and global developments. The YLP has also facilitated the strengthening of personal ties between the next generation of leaders on both sides. The 7th YLP will be held in Brunei in 2019.

Deputy Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister for National Security, Mr Teo Chee Hean, hosted His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, Brunei Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office of Brunei Darussalam, to a morning walk at Gardens by the Bay followed by breakfast at Mandarin Oriental on Friday, 2 November 2018. (Photo credit: MCI)

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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

SINGAPORE

2 NOVEMBER 2018