TANAH JAMBU, FRIDAY, 10 October 2025 - The Defence Academy of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (DA RBAF) held a Change of Command Ceremony, transferring leadership from the outgoing Commandant, Colonel Pengiran Haji Sharifuddin bin Pengiran Haji Yusof, to the incoming Commandant, Lieutenant Colonel (U) Azmie Iskandar bin Ariffin. The event was held at the DA RBAF Auditorium.
The ceremony was attended by the Deputy Commandant, Senior Officers, Officers and all DA RBAF personnel. It commenced with a recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah and was followed by the outgoing Commandant's farewell address.
In his remarks, the outgoing Commandant reminded all officers and personnel to always uphold discipline and integrity, describing them as essential soldierly values that must never be compromised. He highlighted the importance of team spirit, mutual respect, humility and selflessness while encouraging continuous learning and adaptability to future challenges.
He expressed strong confidence that the Defence Academy will keep producing officers strong in training as well as strategic thinking, inclusive leadership and resilience and remain a pillar of knowledge and leadership for future RBAF generations. He closed by stressing that success rests on unity and called for full support to the new Commandant to continue shaping knowledgeable, disciplined and visionary leaders.
The event then proceeded with the signing of the handover certificates, followed by an inaugural speech by the new Commandant, Lieutenant Colonel (U) Azmie Iskandar bin Ariffin.
The new Commandant underscored that leadership within the DA RBAF will be anchored in integrity and exemplary conduct, guided by the Malay Islamic Monarchy (MIB) Philosophy and measured through the RBAF Leadership Model. He reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to enhancing leadership readiness and cultivating a culture of excellence through sustained training, technological innovation and a steadfast focus on the welfare of all personnel.
He further advocated for the integration of the five principles of Maqasid Syariah as a daily guiding philosophy—calling upon all personnel to uphold religious obligations as a source of spiritual strength, maintain balance between professional and personal life, safeguard family well-being and preserve institutional assets to ensure sustainable operational readiness. He concluded by reiterating that his foremost priority remains the development of well-trained, disciplined, and high-calibre officers who embody strong moral and spiritual values.
Following his address, the new Commandant conveyed sincere appreciation to Colonel Pengiran Haji Sharifuddin for his dedicated leadership and valuable service. He also offered prayers for continued well-being and success for him and his family, under Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala’s protection. The ceremony concluded with the recitation of do’a, followed by a hi-tea reception and group photo session at the DA RBAF Ceremonial Hall.
