Bandar Seri Begawan: His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar 'Ali Saifuddien Sa'adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, conferred Brunei Darussalam State Honorary Medals to 487 recipients. The conferment of the medals was in conjunction with His Majesty's 78th Birthday celebration. The ceremony took place at Balai Singgahsana Indera Kenchana, Istana Nurul Iman, on the morning of May 1st.
According to Radio Television Brunei, His Majesty's son, His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister's Office, officiated the conferment of the State Honorary Medals as His Majesty's personal representative. Also in attendance was His Majesty's son, His Royal Highness Prince 'Abdul Malik.
A total of 487 recipients were awarded the Pingat Indah Kerja Baik, or Excellent Service Medal, PIKB. The honorees included officers and staff from various ministries such as the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Development, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, as well as members from the private sector.
The ceremony concluded with the Doa Selamat, read by Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Paduka Seri Utama Dato Paduka Seri Setia Haji Awang Salim bin Haji Besar.