His Majesty Sultan of Brunei Attends Closing Ceremony of 28th Advanced Command and Staff Course in the UK
Shrivenham, The Gulf Observer: His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, on Friday graced the Closing Ceremony of the 28th Advanced Command and Staff Course (ACSC) at the United Kingdom Defence Academy in Shrivenham.
The ceremony took place at the Cormorant Hall Lecture Theatre, Joint Services Command and Staff College, and marked the culmination of a rigorous academic and professional training programme for military officers from around the world.
In a titah (royal address), His Majesty congratulated the graduating cohort and acknowledged the complex global landscape in which they will now serve. He remarked that the graduates return to their respective services at a time of “unprecedented turbulence and uncertainty,” and reminded them that their futures and professional responsibilities are both “real and demanding.”
His Majesty encouraged the graduates to apply the knowledge and values they have acquired throughout the course, to reflect deeply, challenge constructively, and perform their duties with excellence—especially in the face of threats to national and international security.
“As you step forward into the next chapter of your lives, remember that success is not merely defined by where you go next, but how you approach the journey ahead,” His Majesty stated. He advised graduates to carry with them the skills acquired, the lessons learned, the friendships and international networks forged, and the meaningful experiences lived at the UK Defence Academy.
Upon arrival at the Cormorant Building, His Majesty was warmly received by His Royal Highness 920 Major (U) Prince ‘Abdul Mateen; Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, Chief of the Defence Staff; General Sir James Hockenhull, Commander of UK Strategic Command; Major General Peter Rowell, Commandant and Chief Executive of the Defence Academy; Air Commodore Ian Sharrocks, Director of the Joint Services Command and Staff College; Professor Kate Utting, Head of the Defence Studies Department at King’s College London; Colonel Rory Shannon, Course Director of the ACSC; and 964 Major (U) Muhammad Izdihar bin Haji Imbran, a graduate of the 28th ACSC.
His Majesty was accompanied by Her Royal Highness Princess ‘Azemah Ni’matul Bolkiah.
The presence of His Majesty at the prestigious event reflects Brunei Darussalam’s continued commitment to international military cooperation and the professional development of its armed forces through global partnerships.
