Brunei's BISAM 2015 Welcomes Debut Participation of USA, China, Thailand and Philippines
TUTONG
Wednesday, January 21, 2015
HIS Royal Highness Prince General Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office, yesterday opened the 11th Brunei International Shooting Skill at Arms Meet (BISAM) at the Binturan Shooting Range Complex in Penanjong Garrison.
This year’s event boasts the largest participation with 18 contingents, comprising 478 of the finest marksmen and shooters from 16 countries.
The Crown Prince, who is also the General of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF), showcased his exceptional marksmanship at the opening ceremony, where his team emerged victorious in the VVIP Pistol Novelty Shooting Competition.
Eight teams of high-ranking defence officials participated in the competition, which took place at the 350m Point of Gallery 1.
His Royal Highness won the match alongside Malaysian Army Chief General Tan Sri Raja Mohamed Affandi Raja Mohamed Noor, Chinese People Liberation Army official Major General Ma Kaiping and RBAF Special Forces Regiment Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel Saiful Rizal Abdul Latif.
The Crown Prince then presented prizes to the winners before receiving a pesambah and signing the royal parchment.
Earlier during the opening ceremony, His Royal Highness was greeted upon arrival by Deputy Defence Minister Dato Paduka Hj Mustappa Hj Sirat and RBAF Commander Pehin Datu Pekerma Jaya Major General Dato Paduka Seri Mohd Tawih Abdullah.
The Crown Prince was introduced to the contingent commanders, followed by a group photo session with senior defence officials, defence advisors and contingent representatives.
His Royal Highness proceeded to the briefing room at the STATS Centre, where the RBAF Commander delivered his welcoming remarks. BISAM chairman Lieutenant Colonel Hasmee Hj Abdul Wahab also presented a briefing.
The Crown Prince was then invited to the royal dais to receive the royal salute led by the parade commander of the opening ceremony, Lieutenant Colonel Azman Hj Bangkol.
Afterwards, the BISAM Sultan Cup was handed over by the Indonesian Armed Forces (TNI) contingent commander to Chief Jury Lieutenant Colonel Hj Mohd Norfahssin Hj Abdul Karim. TNI were the champions of the previous competition in 2012.
His Royal Highness opened the 11th series of BISAM as fireworks and colourful smokes filled the shooting field, while flags were hoisted for the 16 participating countries.
Following the recital of doa, the Crown Prince visited the Chief Range Executive Officer Secretariat Office, Medical Centre and Statistics Centre. His Royal Highness departed from the Binturan Shooting Range Complex after presenting the prizes at the Range Officers’ Mess.
Brunei’s premier shooting competition this year saw the inaugural participation of contingents from the United States, China, Philippines and Thailand.
Also taking part in the event are contingents from Brunei, Laos, New Zealand, Oman, Vietnam, Pakistan, Australia, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and the United Kingdom.
The sultanate is represented by shooters from the RBAF and Royal Brunei Police Force (RBPF).
BISAM will take place with a series of shooting matches over 11 days from January 20 to 31.
+++++
RABIATUL KAMIT
TUTONG
Wednesday, January 21, 2015
THE biggest Brunei International Shooting Skill at Arms Meet (BISAM) kicked off yesterday with 478 marksmen and shooters from 16 countries eyeing for victory in the competition.
Pehin Datu Pekerma Jaya Major General Dato Paduka Seri Mohd Tawih Abdullah, Commander of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF), said the 11-day event serves as an avenue for professional shooters to showcase their skills and potential in a “healthy, competitive” atmosphere.
“To win in any competition, team spirit, skills, discipline and perseverance must be present and enforced among team members,” he said in his welcoming message.
Besides offering opportunities for participants to vie for top honours, Pehin Major General Dato Mohd Tawih explained that BISAM also provides a platform for all contingents to strengthen ties and foster the spirit of friendship and comradeship.
He said the presence of 18 contingents, the largest since 1985, reflected the strong friendship, commitment and support for BISAM and RBAF.
The commander said the theme of ‘Solidarity and Unity as Catalyst for Excellence’ underscored the importance of friendship, cooperation and mutual respect to address the contemporary challenges they face in the era of modernisation and globalisation.
This year’s BISAM also welcomed the debut participation of the United States, China, Philippines and Thailand.
Event chairman Lieutenant Colonel Hasmee Hj Abdul Wahab said the competition seeks to promote solidarity by upholding a positive outlook, while enabling an exchange of experiences and ideas to further develop a network of skilled military personnel.
He hoped BISAM would foster understanding, facilitate harmonious cooperation as well as maintain and enhance defence ties among the countries.
Major General Ma Kaiping of the People’s Liberation Army said China was honoured to partake in the competition for the first time, adding they aimed to learn from the different contingents and strengthen friendship with other armed forces.
“We did not come here to win as many medals as we can. That is not our purpose. We came here for peace and friendship,” said the high-ranking official in an interview.
Brunei’s contingent leader Lieutenant Colonel Abidin Hj Timbang told local media they were determined to achieve success and win the highly-coveted BISAM Sultan Cup from the Indonesian Armed Forces, who were crowned champions of the 2012 competition.
He said their contingent, comprising 114 marksmen and shooters, have undergone intensive training since last December.
The contingent leader for New Zealand, Captain Alex Bowyer, said they hoped to compete well in addition to making new friends. With a large number of countries participating, he said they would be able to learn from the experiences of their counterparts.
“We have participated before, but not in the last BISAM. It’s great to be back,” he said on the sidelines of the event.
The opening ceremony was held at the Binturan Shooting Range Complex in Penanjong Garrison. Hosted by the RBAF, the competition is scheduled to take place from January 20 to 31.
The Brunei Times
TUTONG
Wednesday, January 21, 2015
THE biggest Brunei International Shooting Skill at Arms Meet (BISAM) kicked off yesterday with 478 marksmen and shooters from 16 countries eyeing for victory in the competition.
Pehin Datu Pekerma Jaya Major General Dato Paduka Seri Mohd Tawih Abdullah, Commander of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF), said the 11-day event serves as an avenue for professional shooters to showcase their skills and potential in a “healthy, competitive” atmosphere.
“To win in any competition, team spirit, skills, discipline and perseverance must be present and enforced among team members,” he said in his welcoming message.
Besides offering opportunities for participants to vie for top honours, Pehin Major General Dato Mohd Tawih explained that BISAM also provides a platform for all contingents to strengthen ties and foster the spirit of friendship and comradeship.
He said the presence of 18 contingents, the largest since 1985, reflected the strong friendship, commitment and support for BISAM and RBAF.
The commander said the theme of ‘Solidarity and Unity as Catalyst for Excellence’ underscored the importance of friendship, cooperation and mutual respect to address the contemporary challenges they face in the era of modernisation and globalisation.
This year’s BISAM also welcomed the debut participation of the United States, China, Philippines and Thailand.
Event chairman Lieutenant Colonel Hasmee Hj Abdul Wahab said the competition seeks to promote solidarity by upholding a positive outlook, while enabling an exchange of experiences and ideas to further develop a network of skilled military personnel.
He hoped BISAM would foster understanding, facilitate harmonious cooperation as well as maintain and enhance defence ties among the countries.
Major General Ma Kaiping of the People’s Liberation Army said China was honoured to partake in the competition for the first time, adding they aimed to learn from the different contingents and strengthen friendship with other armed forces.
“We did not come here to win as many medals as we can. That is not our purpose. We came here for peace and friendship,” said the high-ranking official in an interview.
Brunei’s contingent leader Lieutenant Colonel Abidin Hj Timbang told local media they were determined to achieve success and win the highly-coveted BISAM Sultan Cup from the Indonesian Armed Forces, who were crowned champions of the 2012 competition.
He said their contingent, comprising 114 marksmen and shooters, have undergone intensive training since last December.
The contingent leader for New Zealand, Captain Alex Bowyer, said they hoped to compete well in addition to making new friends. With a large number of countries participating, he said they would be able to learn from the experiences of their counterparts.
“We have participated before, but not in the last BISAM. It’s great to be back,” he said on the sidelines of the event.
The opening ceremony was held at the Binturan Shooting Range Complex in Penanjong Garrison. Hosted by the RBAF, the competition is scheduled to take place from January 20 to 31.
The Brunei Times
Comments