BY Azlan Othman

ASEAN officially announced Haji Muhammad Iqbal Fakhri bin Haji Damit as the ASEAN Prize 2022 recipient, the ASEAN Secretariat said.

Haji Muhammad Iqbal Fakhri is a youth advocate and community leader from Brunei. He has actively promoted inclusive community-based development and intensified regional cooperation towards a resilient ASEAN Community. Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen made the announcement during the closing of the 40th and 41st ASEAN Summits and Related Summits in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

Since 2010, Haji Muhammad Iqbal Fakhri has been a visible figure in the implementation of humanitarian relief initiatives among affected populations in the region.

He has specifically served displaced persons through the mobilisation of primary needs such as nutritional sustenance, water, sanitation system, shelter, and education facilities among others. His perseverance in implementing ground operations in humanitarian relief has also inspired greater participation of the youth in such efforts.

The ASEAN Secretariat said, as founder of the Brunei Darussalam-based non-profit organisation Hand4Hand, Haji Muhammad Iqbal Fakhri advocates for volunteerism among the youth. Under his leadership, Hand4Hand has worked with over 2,000 volunteers to support the delivery of humanitarian assistance and emergency responses in the region and beyond to serve the vulnerable and needy. Through Hand4Hand, Haji Muhammad Iqbal Fakhri envisions to assemble one million ASEAN youth in a collaborative ASEAN awareness programme.

Secretary-General of ASEAN Dato Paduka Lim Jock Hoi commended Haji Muhammad Iqbal Fakhri for his dedication in carrying out humanitarian relief projects and helping those in need.

Dato Paduka Lim Jock Hoi underscored the importance of such actions in advancing a cohesive and resilient ASEAN Community: “ASEAN appreciates his commitment in initiating voluntary collective actions and generating greater awareness among the youth. This ASEAN Prize is awarded as a tribute for his work, and further, recognition of an exemplary young leader of ASEAN.”

Haji Muhammad Iqbal Fakhri said, “I would like to thank Allah the Almighty for this award.

Special gratitude also goes to everyone who believes in my work and have supported me. I would also like to dedicate this award to volunteers and youth leaders, especially in Brunei, who have worked hard in driving and believing in their different causes. I hope everyone will be rewarded with greater returns and be given the strength to keep on doing amazing work.”

-- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin