Focusing on sustainability and finding solutions to environmental issues and challenges, the Environment Week: Road Towards a Sustainable Environment #BeTheSolution in conjunction with Brunei Mid-Year Conference and Exhibition 2023 (Brunei MYCE 2023) and in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the World Environment Day celebration was launched at the Chancellor Hall, Universiti Brunei Darussalam yesterday.
Organised by the Ministry of Development (MoD) and Department of Environment, Parks and Recreation (JASTRe), in collaboration with DHI Water and Environment, the Environment Week was launched by Minister of Development Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Muhammad Juanda bin Haji Abdul Rashid.
Permanent Secretary (Planning, Land Use and Environment) at the MoD Dr Nor Imtihan binti Haji Abdul Razak said the theme ‘Road Towards a Sustainable Environment #BeTheSolution’ is “a motivational rallying call urging everyone to #BeTheSolution, and to carry on with the exemplary work of protecting the environment, regardless of big or small actions”.
She said, “The state of the environment is universally considered as an important priority to ensure the well-being of all humanity is taken care of. From the air we breathe, the food we eat, the water we drink to acting as buffers against natural disasters like flooding, removing pollutants and more, it is imperative that the environment is managed well.
“As one of the three pillars of sustainable development, the government of Brunei Darussalam recognises that it is integral to its own socio-economic development and has even adopted the principles to the country’s national development goals.”
Following the launch, the minister attended the prize presentation for a short video competition organised by JASTRE from May 25 to June 20.
Twenty-two videos were received and first place went to Muhammad Adam @ Chong from Matters Of Choice who took home the cash prize of BND1,000. Second place went to Muhammad Aminuddin bin Ontong with a prize of BND750 and in third place went to Nazurah Abdullah from the Science Unit, Arab Belait School with a prize of BND500. Ten other participants also received consolation prizes of BND50.
Tokens of appreciation were also presented to Nasrul Nassaruddin (film maker, video editor, producer, actor and TV host), Pengiran Salimatul Sa’ada binti Pengiran Mohd Saleh (educational psychologist, edutainer, content creator and a youth advocate who received Youth Leader Award at the 14th National Youth Day), Abdul Khaliq bin Haji Lokman and JASTRe officer Shah Rezza bin Nassaruddin, as judges for the competition.
The minister then toured the exhibition.
The event, which runs until today, features thematic session panel discussions and exhibition, and will close with a tree planting and beach clean-up activity at Muara Beach Recreational Park tomorrow.
The exhibition features a range of green initiatives and services offered by government agencies, government-linked companies (GLCs), private companies, and non-governmental organisations (NGOs), providing opportunities for the public to gain knowledge and raise environmental awareness, as well as to interact with one another.
The Brunei MYCE 2023 is fully supported by official media partners Radio Televisyen Brunei (RTB), the Information Department (Pelita Brunei) and Brunei Press Sdn Bhd. – James Kon
