BY James Kon

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 on Sunday launched Brunei Energy Hub Dermaga Diraja at the Royal Customs and Excise heritage building at the heart of the capital.

The hub – a joint initiative by Brunei Shell Petroleum Company Sdn Bhd (BSP), Brunei LNG Sdn Bhd, Brunei Shell Marketing Company Sdn Bhd (BSM) and Brunei Gas Carriers Sdn Bhd (BGC) – is an interactive educational centre for the public to learn about the importance of oil and gas to the local economy as well as everyday lives.

Accompanying the monarch at the event were His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office who is Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Brunei Shell Joint Venture (BSJV) Companies and BGC; His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik; His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Mateen; His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah and Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Muda Abdul Mu’min.

On arrival, His Majesty and members of the royal family were greeted by Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Finance and Economy II Dato Seri Setia Dr Awang Haji Mohd Amin Liew bin Abdullah and Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Nazmi bin Haji Mohamad.

Also welcoming the royal arrival were BSP Managing Director Agnete Johnsgaard-Lewis in her capacity as Shell Country Chair in Brunei Darussalam; Brunei LNG Managing Director and CEO Hajah Farida binti Dato Seri Paduka Haji Talib, BSM Managing Director Muhammad Norshafiee bin Dato Paduka Haji Abdul Jalil, BGC Managing Director Captain Abdul Mateen Abdurrahman Liew and BSP Deputy Managing Director Haji Mohammad Azmi Haji Mohd Hanifah.

Following the launch with the sounding of a gong, His Majesty signed a plaque to commemorate the occasion.

His Majesty and members of the royal family then toured the four galleries at the hub: Gallery 1, themed ‘Our Past: Footsteps in Time’; Gallery 2 on ‘Our Present: Hand and Heart’; Gallery 3 on ‘Our Future: Eyes on Tomorrow’; and Gallery 4, also known as Galeri Seni.

Among the highlights were taking a close look at Ayer Berkunchi, the first exploration site for oil and gas in the Sultanate in 1899, using a telescope; trying out interactive games and activities; and attending silat and traditional music performances as well as pemukun and an exhibition from local artists.

The Brunei Energy Hub Dermaga Diraja is open to the public everyday, except Friday, from 9am to 5pm.

-- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin