Brunei Darussalam and Singapore agreed to establish a training programme for civil servants from the Sultanate towards increasing their capacity and cooperation under relevant sectors, through work placements in government agencies of the republic.
On expanding education cooperation, a scholarship will be introduced to open up opportunities for Brunei students with excellent performance to pursue studies from secondary level until higher education in Singapore.
These were discussed during His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah ibni His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office’s courtesy call to Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong at the Istana on Thursday.
His Royal Highness was greeted upon arrival by the prime minister.
During the courtesy call at the West Drawing Room, His Royal Highness and the prime minister also exchanged views on expanding bilateral cooperation between Brunei Darussalam and Singapore including cooperation in the downstream industry, exploring strategies to protect the environment and sharing experiences on post-COVID-19 pandemic recovery.
After the courtesy call, His Royal Highness and the prime minister attended the luncheon hosted by the prime minister at the Banquet Hall.
Earlier, His Royal Highness, Her Royal Highness Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah binti Pengiran Haji Salleh Ab Rahaman, Yang Teramat Mulia Pengiran Anak Muneerah Madhul Bolkiah, Yang Teramat Mulia Pengiran Muda Muhammad Aiman and Yang Teramat Mulia Pengiran Anak Faathimah Az-Zahraa’ Raihaanul Bolkiah joined a morning outdoor activity at the River Wonders.
Upon arrival at the River Wonders, Their Royal Highnesses were greeted by Singaporean Senior Minister and Coordinating Minister for National Security Teo Chee Hean; Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Lawrence Wong and spouse; Minister for Social and Family Development, Second Minister for Health and Minister-in-Charge of Muslim Affairs Masagos Zulkifli bin Masagos Mohamad; and Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Second Minister for Education and Second Minister for Foreign Affairs as Minister-in-Attendance Dr Mohamad Maliki Osman.
Their Royal Highnesses visited several areas in the River Wonders including the Amazon Flooded Forest, the Squirrel Monkey Forest and Panda Exhibit. This was followed by a breakfast.
Prior to departure, Yang Teramat Mulia Pengiran Anak Muneerah Madhul Bolkiah, Yang Teramat Mulia Pengiran Muda Muhammad Aiman and Yang Teramat Mulia Pengiran Anak Faathimah Az-Zahraa’ Raihaanul Bolkiah exchanged gifts with the Senior Minister and Coordinating Minister for National Security.
The visit provided the opportunity for closer interactions between the younger generation of leaders of Brunei and Singapore, which clearly reflects the special and long-standing relations between both countries. In addition, the visit looked to increase knowledge of animals, flora and fauna, awareness on the environment and nature, as well as the preservation of endangered animals.
River Wonders is a park that houses over 7,500 animals from 240 species of land and water habitats as well as wildlife from around the world.
-- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin