Armed Forces Day in Brunei
Brunei’s Armed Forces Day, officially the anniversary of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces, is marked on 31 May, the date the force was formed. The Prime Minister’s Office includes it in Brunei’s public-holiday calendar; its annual notice may also specify a substitute day.[1][2]
Origin and meaning
The Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) began as Askar Melayu Brunei, or the Brunei Malay Regiment, on 31 May 1961. It received the royal title in 1965, becoming the Royal Brunei Malay Regiment. After Brunei’s independence in 1984, it was renamed Angkatan Bersenjata Diraja Brunei, or Royal Brunei Armed Forces.[2]
The anniversary therefore marks the formation of Brunei’s own armed forces and recognizes their place in the country’s defence. The Ministry of Defence describes the RBAF’s roles as protecting Brunei’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, countering aggression, and supporting public order when called upon.[2]
Public-holiday status and days off
The Prime Minister’s Office includes Armed Forces Day in its annual public-holiday notice. The fixed anniversary is 31 May, but an official notice can designate a substitute day when the date coincides with a weekly rest day. Check the relevant year’s government notice for the applicable day off.[1]
Section 70 of the Employment Order provides paid holidays for employees on the days listed in its Third Schedule, but Armed Forces Day does not appear in that schedule. Private-sector employees’ paid-holiday entitlements may depend on workplace terms.[1]
How the anniversary is observed
The central observance is a formal military anniversary ceremony. Brunei’s official account of the 63rd anniversary describes a parade at the Armed Forces training institute in Penanjong Garrison. The same ceremony included a parachute display involving visiting armed forces and a defence-industry exhibition, linking the anniversary with military readiness and defence cooperation.[3]
That account documents one anniversary programme rather than a fixed annual schedule. Events can vary, so visitors should look for announcements from Brunei’s Ministry of Defence if they hope to attend a public ceremony.[3]
Planning around the holiday
Check directly with the relevant office or business before travelling. If a ceremony is announced, follow the Ministry of Defence’s event information for its location and public access arrangements.[1][3]
Frequently asked questions
Is Armed Forces Day a public holiday in Brunei?
Yes. The Prime Minister’s Office includes the anniversary in its public-holiday calendar. The Employment Order’s paid-holiday schedule does not name Armed Forces Day, so private-sector entitlements may depend on workplace terms.[1]
When is Armed Forces Day?
It is marked each year on 31 May, the date the Royal Brunei Armed Forces was formed in 1961.[2]
Are shops, banks and public transport closed?
Check with the relevant shop, bank or transport provider before travelling or making plans.[1]
Sources and references
Sources used for Armed Forces Day in Brunei:
- 04/2025 – Hari-Hari Kelepasan Awam Tahun 2026- Prime Minister’s Office, Brunei Darussalam
- RBAF Profile- Ministry of Defence, Brunei Darussalam
- Titah KDYMM Sempena Hari Ulang Tahun Angkatan Bersenjata Diraja Brunei Ke-63 Tahun- Prime Minister’s Office, Brunei Darussalam