TANAH JAMBU, Monday, 14 September 2026 – The RBAF Command and Staff Course (CSC) 16/2026 today hosted a Distinguished Speaker Programme featuring His Excellency Michael Hoy, Australian High Commissioner to Brunei Darussalam, at the Defence Academy, Royal Brunei Armed Forces (DA RBAF).
During his opening address, His Excellency reflected on the longstanding ties between Brunei Darussalam and Australia, and Australia’s foreign policy, using four R’s: Region, Rules, Relationship and Resilience. He reaffirmed Australia’s commitment to ASEAN and the Indo-Pacific Region, and emphasised the importance of rules in protecting the interests of both larger and smaller states. He observed how enduring bilateral and multilateral relationships help strengthen national resilience and expand the space for sovereign choice.
A lively dialogue followed, during which participants sought His Excellency’s perspectives on Australia’s support for ASEAN centrality alongside its participation in minilateral arrangements such as AUKUS. The discussion also explored opportunities to deepen Australia–Brunei cooperation across defence, energy, food security and education.
His Excellency highlighted the growing interdependence between both countries and the importance of having a dependable partner in navigating regional uncertainty. This cooperation was recently reinforced by the Joint Statement on Energy and Food Security issued in April earlier this year, reflecting both countries’ commitment to maintaining secure and resilient supply chains.
The session was moderated by Major Nicholas Loh of the Singapore Armed Forces, a participant of CSC 16/2026. The Distinguished Speaker Programme is a key component of the Command and Staff Course curriculum, providing officers with direct access to the insights and experiences of distinguished practitioners in security, defence, diplomacy and public service.
