A book titled Junjung Kasih II: Legasi Bersemi Di Bumi Temasek was launched at Jerudong Sports Complex yesterday.
The book details the journeys of Brunei scholarship students staying in Asrama Kerajaan Brunei Singapura (AKBS) while pursuing their studies in Singapore from 1950 to 1982.
The 394-page book includes 32 articles from 28 writers including Tanglin Hill: Empat Baharu Suasana Baharu, Memoir: Rahmat Dan Nikmat Yang Disyukuri and Jambatan Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien: Satu Mercu Tanda Teknologi Kejuruteraan Awam.
It is a continuation of Junjung Kasih: Contribution of Brunei Government Scholarship Students in Singapore (1950-1982) published in 2019.
Among the contributors to the book were Minister of Religious Affairs Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Haji Awang Othman, State Mufti Pehin Datu Seri Maharaja Dato Paduka Seri Setia (Dr) Ustaz Haji Awang Abdul Aziz bin Juned, former minister Dato Seri Setia Haji Awang Abdul Mokti bin Haji Mohd Daud and former chief justice Dato Seri Paduka Haji Kifrawi bin Dato Paduka Haji Kifli.
The launch was organised by the Brunei History Centre with former scholarship students staying at the Brunei government hostel in Singapore.
Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Nazmi bin Haji Mohamad, the guest of honour, launched the book.
Brunei History Centre Principal Dr Haji Muhammad Hadi bin Muhammad Melayong said the newly-launched book will provide an invaluable look into the experience of scholarship students and officials serving 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’s Government.
He said the younger generation will have a reference material for future development and intellectual progress.
Dr Haji Muhammad Hadi also said the book is aimed at encouraging readers to appreciate the works of Bruneians in the recent past to develop and enhance the religion and country which should be shared and maintained. He expressed hope that the youth will be inspired by the older generation in working towards Brunei Vision 2035 and adhere to true Bruneian values.
Event chairman Haji Hamidan bin Haji Mohd Tahir said the book is a historical reference because it tells the stories of some of the 434 individuals who studied at various educational institutions in Singapore during the period.
Meanwhile, Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin and Pehin Datu Seri Maharaja Dato Paduka Seri Setia (Dr) Ustaz Haji Awang Abdul Aziz received the Seri Temasek Award during the book launch.
The award is in recognition of the establishment of AKBS and for excellence in academia, culture, religion, sports and welfare. It also recognises leadership, thoughts and pioneering efforts in the nation, government and religion.
Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Nazmi presented the awards. – James Kon
