Sunday, 22 August 2010

Laos, Cambodian Armies On Better Footing

http://brudirect.com/

via Khmer NZ

Written by DATE_FORMAT_LC2
SUNDAY, AUGUST 22, 2010

Bandar Seri Begawan - Twenty army personnel from the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces and the Lao People's Army are currently on better footing following their successful completion in an English course conducted by the Evolution Centre Training Institute of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces.

Present to officiate the certificate presentation ceremony was Commander of Royal Brunei Armed Forces Major General Dato Paduka Seri Hj Aminuddin Ihsan bin POKSM DSP Hj Abidin in his capacity as guest of honour.

Speaking on behalf of the class, Cpt Seng Chan Rotana from the Royal Cambodia Armed Forces delivered a closing remark, in which he said, "It is common knowledge that English is an important language for international communication, particularly among our Asean member states, where English is used as an official language - both written and spoken.

"We highly value and appreciate the importance of the English course provided by the Brunei Darussalam Ministry of Defence and the Evolution Center Training Institute. Brunei is the right place for us to learn English, seeing that it is spoken everywhere and considered a second language.

"This course is part of Brunei's contribution towards the establishment of Asean as a community by 2015.
"Moreover, this English course provides a good channel for promoting our mutual understanding and paving the way for future defence cooperation.

"Another strong point is that the facilities provided -including a comfortable classroom, modern computer labs, study schedules and transportation - ensured our learning environment here was very conducive," he added.

Meanwhile, in a separate speech, Major General Dato Paduka Seri Hj Aminuddin Ihsan bin POKSM DSP Hj Abidin praised the excellent speech made by by Cpt Seng Chanrotana, saying it demonstrated the success of the course.

After congratulating the participants, he said, "Though it is a small course, for the Royal Brunei Armed Forces it is a historic achievement as this is the first time we have conducted a course specifically for members of foreign armed forces."

"The participants have come a long way to Brunei from Laos and Cambodia, away from their families to attend the course, which reflects their enthusiasm.

"Over the years, we have seen enduring efforts and initiatives in numerous aspects and at various levels and scopes to build confidence as well as enhance trust and cooperation among Asean member countries.

"Despite our diverse cultural and traditional backgrounds, I believe that it is everyone's wish for the people of the 10 Asean member countries to live harmoniously as a single community in the spirit of friendship and solidarity.

The commander further highlighted, "We in the defence community circle are also actively contributing in our own part to support this noble cause by strengthening our defence and military relations and bridging the communication gap through dialogue, meeting, seminars and organising course such as this."

"I believe that they (training institute) have executed their mission well as proven by Cpt Seng's speech," the commander added.

The Training Institute has become the focal point of training activities within the Royal Brunei Armed Forces.

The curriculum has expanded rapidly to incorporate training for officers and other ranks. It aspires towards becoming a centre for excellence for this country and the region. The centre has also witnessed rapid improvement and expansion of facilities.

"With the expansion and enhanced capabilities, the Royal Brunei Armed Forces is becoming self-reliant in its training needs," he added.

Following the presentation of certificates, the commander handed out awards to the best students.

Cpt Seng Chan Rotana was presented an award for best oral presentation, Capt Soulixay Phichith of the Lao's People Army was awarded for being the best student of the Elementary Course, while CWO Chhon Borey of the Royal Cambodia Armed Forces was named best student of the Intermediate English course. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

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