BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN — Brunei has announced a series of senior appointments within its Ministry of Defence as the government moves to strengthen leadership across defence policy, administration, finance and development.

The appointments were approved by Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah and take effect on September 9. The changes include promotions and new responsibilities for several senior military and civilian officials.

Brigadier General Mohammad Sharif bin Dato Paduka Haji Ibrahim, previously Deputy Commander of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces, has been appointed Permanent Secretary for Policy and Administration at the Ministry of Defence.

Poh Kui Choon, formerly Deputy Permanent Secretary at the ministry, has been promoted to Permanent Secretary for Finance and Development.

Captain Norbahrin bin Haji Muamad of the Royal Brunei Navy has been appointed Deputy Permanent Secretary for Policy and Administration after serving as head of the Armed Forces Inspectorate Unit.

Senior engineer Wan Farhani binti Haji Suhaili, who had been acting director of development and works services, has also been appointed Deputy Permanent Secretary for Finance and Development.

The appointments are intended to strengthen the ministry’s administrative structure and provide experienced leadership across key areas of defence management.

The changes come as Brunei continues to emphasise stronger coordination across government institutions. The country’s wider administrative strategy calls for closer cooperation between ministries and a more integrated approach to national development.

Brunei has been seeking to improve government efficiency while preparing public institutions for changing geopolitical, economic and technological conditions.

The government has also highlighted the importance of national security, economic resilience and human-resource development as interconnected priorities.

The latest defence appointments could therefore help strengthen coordination between military leadership and the ministry’s policy, financial and administrative functions.

The changes also reflect the Sultan’s continuing approach of placing experienced officials in senior government positions as Brunei works toward the objectives of Wawasan Brunei 2035.