Oboe Endeavour recipients from the Royal Brunei Armed Forces visited Australia last month, undertaking a tailored program to immerse them in the Australian Defence Force (ADF). 

Throughout the visit, officers engaged with senior ADF leaders, toured key establishments and participated in a range of educational and cultural activities.

The Oboe Endeavour Award is an academic excellence program from the Australian Government, presented to students of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces command and staff course who have achieved outstanding results throughout their studies.

Traditionally conducted following the Brunei Staff College’s academic year, the program has consistently recognised the top six students each year.

A key highlight of this year’s program was a visit to RAAF Base Richmond. Air Mobility Group hosted the award recipients, providing valuable insight into the Royal Australian Air Force air mobility capabilities. A static display of the C-130J Hercules operated by 37 Squadron allowed participants to engage directly with personnel and explore the aircraft’s role in tactical airlift operations.

Since its inception in 2018, the program has strengthened people-to-people links between both nations’ forces, investing in future leaders and reinforcing a shared commitment to regional stability, cooperation and partnership.

The Oboe Endeavour Award draws its name from Operation Oboe, the World War II campaign that marked the beginning of the modern defence relationship between Australia and Brunei Darussalam.