Former ASEAN Secretary-General Conferred Prestigious Order

15 August 2024 -

Former secretary-general of ASEAN Dato Seri Paduka Lim Jock Hoi was conferred the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star at a ceremony at the Japanese Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam’s official residence in Jalan Sungai Tilong on 14 August 2024.

Ambassador of Japan to Brunei Darussalam Maeda Toru, officially handed over the honour to Dato Seri Paduka Lim.

In his speech, Dato Seri Paduka Lim Jock Hoi said, “The conferment is particularly auspicious, especially as we celebrate the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Brunei Darussalam and Japan this year.

“In many aspects, the close, long-standing friendship and historical ties between Brunei Darussalam and Japan are reflected in the significant people-to-people engagement my team and I have had with Japan and its people throughout my career. I want to extend my gratitude for the strong support I received from the government and the people of Japan throughout.”

He added, “This award is a clear testament to the rapid growth of the ASEAN-Japan partnership over the last 50 years. Beginning with the informal initiation of dialogue in 1973, and its subsequent formalisation in 1977, the partnership has continued to expand significantly, culminating in the elevation to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership at last year’s 26th ASEAN-Japan Summit.”

Japan’s support for ASEAN centrality and its active engagement in regional forums, he said, “have been crucial in addressing common challenges and seizing shared opportunities.

Together, we have navigated complex issues, from regional security to economic integration, always guided by the principles of mutual respect and benefit.”

During his tenure as ASEAN Secretary-General, Dato Seri Paduka Lim played a significant role in strengthening Japan-ASEAN relations including Japan-ASEAN projects funded by the Japan-ASEAN Integration Fund (JAIF).