MINDEF - Public Relations Unit (Civilian)

PUBLIC RELATIONS UNIT

LIEUTENANT COLONEL (U) HASNUL ALWE BIN HAJI MATASSAN
Ministry of Defence Spokesperson

CHRONOLOGY: LEADERSHIP OVER THE YEARS

HISTORY

On 1 March 1987 marked the early inception of the Public Relations Section under the Directorate of Politics and Organisation, Ministry of Defence that was headed by a Director. The Directorate comprised of four main Sections namely Legal Section, Public Relations Section, Research Section and Administration Section.

Initially, the Public Relations Section consisted of a small team of civil servants that included a Senior Public Relations Officer as head of the section, a Public Relations Officer, and a clerk. The primary function of the Section was to coordinate incoming and outgoing VIP visits.

Since then, the Public Relations Section underwent significant reforms. In the year 2002, the Public Relations Section was transferred under the Secretariat Office of the Permanent Secretary II (Finance and Development), Ministry of Defence, Yang Dimuliakan Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Dato Paduka Awang Haji Abdul Rahman bin Kani.

The section was later renamed as Public Relations Unit and directly reports to the Permanent Secretary II, Ministry of Defence.  

In 2003, the Unit underwent further changes with the installation of the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) Spokesperson post as Head of the Public Relations Unit. Meanwhile, the Senior Public Relations Officer acts as the Deputy to the MINDEF Spokesperson, who is assisted by two Public Relations Officers.

The incorporation of more military personnel into the unit marked a significant shift in the establishment structure and signaled the start of its expanding role. In 2006, more military posts were installed to assist function in administration, graphic design and multimedia.

The year 2017 signifies the Public Relations Unit 30th anniversary since its inception in 1987. Today, the Public Relations Unit, manned by 20 staffs, reports directly to the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Defence. The Unit’s roles have expanded and redefined to cover publicity management (print, broadcast, and online), editorial governance, media collaborations and media competency development.

ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES

1.   Manages and facilitates defence overall publicity strategy and activities
2.   Manages collaborations with media partners
3.   Coordinates updates and review of defence website with relevant stakeholders
4.   Acts as focal point for public inquiries and complaints
5.   Supports Brunei Government overall branding aspirations and activities

RESOURCE LIBRARY

Media Releases
E-Newsletter
Photo Gallery
Audio Program