SINGAPORE, 29 May 2026 – The prestigious Shangri-La Dialogue Young Leaders’ Programme (SLD YLP) was held from 29 to 31 May 2026 alongside the 23rd International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) Shangri-La Dialogue 2026. The programme brought together 40 Young Leaders from all 11 ASEAN member states and beyond, representing the next generation of emerging strategists and leaders from diverse fields, including defence, civil service, academia, and media, to discuss pressing regional and global defence and security issues. Representing Brunei Darussalam and the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) was Major Mahmud Afifi Mohd Kifli, Deputy Chief Instructor, Defence Academy RBAF.
The programme featured a series of exclusive engagements, including a Commander’s Roundtable, and Ministerial and Presidential Roundtables, providing participants with the opportunity to engage directly in candid discussions with senior defence and security officials. Participants were also granted full access to the main plenary sessions of the Shangri-La Dialogue, as well as an exclusive reception hosted by the Australian High Commissioner to Singapore at the Australian High Commission.
RBAF’s participation reflects its commitment to contributing to critical discussions on regional and global defence and security challenges, while fostering meaningful dialogue, exchanging perspectives, and strengthening professional networks in support of defence diplomacy and regional strategic stability.
The programme also provided valuable opportunities for the Defence Academy RBAF to gain insights into contemporary approaches to professional military education, academic governance, institutional policies, and curriculum development, supporting its continued efforts to deliver a robust, relevant, and future-ready Professional Military Education.
