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 graced the 19th National Youth Day celebration at the Plenary Hall of the International Convention Centre in Berakas yesterday.
Accompanying His Majesty were His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and His Royal Highness Prince Haji Jefri Bolkiah.
Upon arrival, His Majesty and royal family members were greeted by Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Nazmi bin Haji Mohamad, as the Chairman of the Executive Committee of the 19th National Youth Day celebration, and other members of the executive committee. The minister, in a welcoming remark, said the development and empowerment of youth are important towards producing excellent youth human capital that is ready for the future.
The minister added that the whole-of-nation approach is very significant to ensure that any plans and programmes being implemented are effective, highly-impacted, and contribute to the achievement of the National Youth Policy and Strategy 2020-2035.
He also underlined a number of progressive programmes implemented by the ministry and other agencies involved in the youth sector. The minister shared that this year’s National Youth Day celebration still maintains the theme ‘Future-Ready Youth’, continuing to emphasise the role of youth as the main pillar of the country in determining the direction and progress of the nation in the future. He said educated youth, with noble character and adhering firmly to Islamic teachings and are skilled, innovative, and creative are the driving force behind the nation’s advancement and development.
His Majesty also delivered a titah followed by the reading of a pledge by 50 youth, comprising 25 male and 25 female including two individuals with different abilities (OKU).
The youth pledge team comprised youth representing higher education institutions, associations and professionals from the government and private sectors.
Abdul Qawiyyel Azeez bin Haji Abdul Rajid, the champion of the National Al-Quran Reading Competition for Youth for 1445 Hijrah/2023 led the reading of the youth pledge accompanied by Special Duties Officer Grade II, JobCentre Brunei, Manpower Planning Office, Mohd Khairul Hasbullah bin Haji Anuar and Assistant Manager of International Relations and Cooperation, Office of Strategic Management, Brunei Economic Development Board (BEDB), Azrina binti Hidup.
The ceremony proceeded with a video presentation showing the life journey of the youth, comprising from different backgrounds, inspired from a true story showcasing challenges, efforts and successes and the unity of youth in achieving goals.
A youth performance featured a cultural innovation of the Bruneian people, which was the ‘Berbalas Pantun Belia’. The performance not only served as a medium in promoting the art of traditional Malay pantun, but it also emphasised the value of advice and wisdom delivered through each pantun.
The culmination of the ceremony was the presentation of the 19th National Youth Day Awards to recipients in four categories including Excellent Youth, Meritorious Youth Service, Young Youth Leaders and Excellent Project for Youth awards.
His Majesty presented the awards to the recipients in each of the category.
His Majesty and other members of the royal family were ushered to view the 19th National Youth Day Exhibition at the exhibition concourse area. The exhibition concludes today.
The concept of the celebration and exhibition focuses on Visionary Youth, showcasing the contribution of youth through the activities of associations or movements aimed at strengthening the culture of unity including the contribution of individual youth supporting Brunei Vision 2035 towards building a dynamic, prosperous and inclusive with the concept of Malay Islamic Monarchy (MIB), volunteering, community and youth service. – Rokiah Mahmud
