BY Izah Azahari

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 graced the 17th National Youth Day celebration at the International Convention Centre in Berakas on Tuesday.

Accompanying His Majesty were His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah.

Upon arrival, His Majesty and members of the royal family were greeted by Minister of Education Datin Seri Setia Dr Hajah Romaizah binti Haji Mohd Salleh and Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Nazmi bin Haji Mohamad as well as Deputy Minister of the Department of Energy at the Prime Minister’s Office Dato Seri Paduka Awang Haji Matsatejo bin Sokiaw in his capacity as the Deputy Chairman of the executive committee of the event.

CELEBRATING YOUTH

The celebration commenced with the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah and Doa Selamat led by State Mufti Pehin Datu Seri Maharaja Dato Paduka Seri Setia (Dr) Ustaz Haji Awang Abdul Aziz bin Juned.

A pledge was then recited by some 50 youth involved in volunteerism, who have excelled in their fields, led by Tambang.BN Entrepreneur Haji Abdul Mateen Bolkini bin Haji Ahmad, accompanied by Muhammad Iqbal Syakib bin Haji Syuib and Pengiran Salimatul Sa’ada binti Pengiran Mohd Saleh.

The monarch presented the National Youth Day Awards to recipients in four categories – Excellent Youth award, Youth Service award, Young Youth Leaders award and Excellent Project for Youth award.

The individual awards’ recipients each received a trophy, kain tenunan, certificate of appreciation and BND3,000. The Excellent Project for Youth award winner received a trophy, certificate of appreciation and encouragement grant (C-Grant) of BND3,500.

SHOWCASING EXCELLENCE

His Majesty and members of the royal family also toured the Youth Day Exhibition concourse area.

This year’s exhibition focussed on youth who have excelled in regional and international arenas in the fields of entrepreneurship, technology and innovation. The exhibition also showcased research and development in various clusters.

The ‘Sustainable Development’ exhibit showcases youth involvement in green initiatives that support sustainable development, including government agencies such as the Brunei Climate Change Secretariat.

The ‘New Lifestyle’ exhibit displays niche products from successful youth in interior design, product design and architectural services.

The ‘Knowledge’ exhibit showcases works from higher education institutions and highlighted the ability of young scholars and their contribution to the progress and development of Brunei Darussalam and society.

The ‘Innovation and Technology’ exhibit highlights youth achievements that have made an impact in driving socioeconomic development, agriculture, and job creation.

Meanwhile, a three-day Youth Day Convention also began on Tuesday, serving as a platform for youth intellectuals, activists, professionals and entrepreneurs to discuss current issues.

The Youth Day Exhibition and Youth Day Convention will be held until tomorrow.

-- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin