Founded in 1933, the Brunei Darussalam Scouts Association (PPNBD) stands as one of Brunei’s oldest non-governmental organisations with a movement that began with a modest group of just 12 members.
The 1933 Brunei State Report details the origins: “Two ex-pupils of the Brunei Vernacular School, trained at the Sultan Idris Training College in Malaya, began their duties.
“The fruits of their training are becoming evident. One was assigned to the Brunei School and the other to the Tutong School. Following a suggestion, 10 older boys were enrolled as Boy Scouts, with hopes to form a troop once they were adequately trained.”
In January 1933, Awang Marsal bin Maun (the late Dato Seri Paduka Awang Haji Marsal bin Maun), a Brunei teacher trained at Sultan Idris College, established the first Scout troop with 12 members at the Malay School, Brunei town.
The movement expanded into Tutong District in 1936, spearheaded by Othman bin Bidin (the late Dato Paduka Haji Othman bin Bidin), another Sultan Idris College alumnus.
By 1940, Md Salleh bin Masri (the late Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Wangsa Dato Paduka Haji Mohammad Salleh bin Masri) founded the first Belait District troop with 40 members. Scouts in Temburong District started in 1974.
Initially, Brunei Scouts were affiliated with the Scouts Association in Singapore due to the administration under the Singapore Governor (1933-1938).
In 1939, they registered with The Boy Scout Association in London, leading to the formation of the Brunei Local Association, founded by Zainal Abidin bin Ali, an education officer seconded from Malaya.
PPNBD continued to progress, gaining Associate Membership in the Asia-Pacific Scout movement in 1976. By 1981, their dedication earned them the status of the 117th member of the World Organization of the Scout Movement (WOSM) and the World Scout Bureau at the Dakar conference.
In honour of this achievement, July 1 was designated Brunei Darussalam Scout Day. On October 4, 1981, the PPNBD celebrated with a ceremony at Banquet Hall, Dewan Majlis.
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 attended and presented the appointment letter for the Chief Scout of Brunei Darussalam to Pehin Jawatan Luar Pekerma Raja Dato Seri Paduka Haji Awang Hussein bin Pehin Orang Kaya Digadong Seri Diraja Dato Laila Utama Haji Awang Mohd Yusof (the late Pehin Orang Kaya Digadong Seri Lela Dato Seri Paduka Dr Haji Awang Hussain).
The movement achieved further recognition in 1995 as a member of the International Union of Muslim Scouts (IUMS) during its conference in Dakar. The pinnacle of Brunei Scouts’ honour came in 1993 when His Majesty was appointed Honorary Patron of WOSM, with the official presentation made at Istana Nurul Iman by WOSM Secretary-General Dr Jacques Moreillon.
A HISTORICAL DISCOURSE
Among the highlights of this year’s 19th National Youth Day celebrations was the Bicara Sejarah programme, a historical discourse organised by the Brunei History Centre in collaboration with the PPNBD on August 10.
The event, titled ‘Pergerakan Pengakap: Warisan Pergerakan Belia di Negara Brunei Darussalam’ or (Scouting Movement: A Heritage of the Youth Movement in Brunei Darussalam) took place at the Dewan Jawatan Dalam Hall, Brunei History Centre.
This year’s programme aimed to deepen the understanding of Brunei’s historical narrative among the youth, with a particular focus on the evolution of the youth movement.
By exploring the rich history of the Brunei Scout Movement, the event sought to inspire today’s generation to uphold the legacy of dedication, unity, and patriotism that has long defined Brunei’s youth.
The programme underscored the pivotal role scouting has played in shaping Brunei’s youth.
Scouting is more than just an extracurricular activity; it provides a vital platform for young people to develop leadership skills, a sense of responsibility and a commitment to community service.
These core values are crucial in preparing the youth to contribute meaningfully to the nation’s progress.
In His Majesty’s titah at the 12th National Youth Day celebration in 2017, the monarch highlighted the need for active and engaged youth, placing emphasis on the nation’s need for young people who proactively engage in beneficial activities, rather than passively letting time slip away.
This call to action resonates deeply with the scouting movement, which encourages youth to be active, engaged and ready to serve their country.
During a panel discussion featuring two leading figures from the PPNBD, Haji Badar bin Haji Ali and Mohammad Arif bin Abdul Hadi, their contributions to the scout movement in Brunei were highlighted.
Their personal stories and dedication offer a profound source of inspiration for the younger generation, illustrating the impact and legacy of their service.
Haji Badar, who became involved in the scout movement in the 1960s, has devoted his life to scouting. Holding a Bachelor’s degree in Anthropology and Sociology from Universiti Malaya, he served as the seventh Chief Commissioner of the PPNBD from 2005 to 2023.
During his tenure, he led numerous youth development initiatives, including regional scout jamborees, seminars, and workshops. His significant contributions were honoured with several awards, such as the Distinguished Youth Leader Award at the 8th National Youth Day in 2013 and the prestigious Asia Pacific Region Chairman Award in 2021.
In contrast, Mohammad Arif represents the new wave of scout leadership.
Joining the scout movement in 2001 as a member of the 1024 Sultan Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien College Scout Troop, he has steadily advanced through the ranks within the association.
His dedication to scouting has been recognised with multiple accolades, including the Baden Powell Award in 2018 and the Young Youth Leaders Award at the 18th National Youth Day celebration in 2023.
Both Haji Badar and Mohammad Arif exemplify that scouting extends beyond personal growth; it is also about contributing to the community and passing on its core values to future generations.
WAY FORWARD
As the Bicara Sejarah programme concluded, it became evident that the scouting movement in Brunei is far more than a historical relic; it is a vibrant and dynamic force vital to the country’s youth development.
The event highlighted the ongoing importance of upholding and promoting scouting values – principles that are fundamental to nurturing a strong, unified and thriving nation. In an era full of distractions, the scouting movement serves as a stabilising influence for Brunei’s youth. It instils discipline, fosters leadership, and nurtures a sense of national duty.
Looking ahead, the enduring legacy of scouting is set to continue inspiring generations of young people, encouraging them to embrace responsibility and contribute meaningfully to the nation’s peace, prosperity and well-being. – Rizal Faisal
