Rokiah Mahmud
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 Hari Raya celebration organised by Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah (Yayasan) at the International Convention Centre (ICC) 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; His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik, Chairman of the Committee of Governors of Yayasan; His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Mateen; His Royal Highness Prince Haji Jefri Bolkiah; and Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Masna, Ambassador-at-Large at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Upon arrival, His Majesty and members of the royal family were greeted by Chief of Adat Istiadat Negara, Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Indera Setia Diraja Sahibul Karib Pengiran Anak Haji Idris bin Pengiran Maharaja Lela Pengiran Muda Abdul Kahar as the Deputy Chairman I of Yayasan Committee of Governors; members of Yayasan’s Committee of Governors, Chairman and Deputy Chairman of Yayasan Board of Directors and the Acting Managing Director of Yayasan.
Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Defence II Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof, in his capacity as the Chairman of Yayasan Board of Directors shared that the celebration’s theme was ‘Empowering the Involvement of the Community in Achieving Brunei Vision 2035’.
The theme, he said, was in line with efforts towards supporting Brunei Vision 2035, which is the vision of His Majesty for the Sultanate to become a country with an educated, skilled and successful population; serving a high quality of life; and having a dynamic and sustainable economy.
PHOTOS: BAHYIAH BAKIR, MUIZ MATDANI & INFOFOTO
“The theme aims to encourage all levels of the community to empower their self-potentials and play their respective roles in supporting the Brunei Vision 2035,” he said. “In an effort to achieve the desired vision, every citizen and resident as well as all sectors play a vital role in making themselves pro-active and productive in order to become useful assets towards the development of religion, nation and the country.”
The minister added that Yayasan had gathered two groups of participants who play a role in supporting Brunei Vision 2035.
The first group was a combination of senior citizens, youth and the younger generation comprising students representing all levels of the community.
The second group was officers and staff from government-linked companies (GLCs) and private sectors focussing on the corporate social responsibilities (CSR).
The minister shared that Yayasan celebrated its 30th anniversary on October 5, 2022.
“Over the past three decades, Yayasan has transitioned towards more efficient, strategic management and expanded collaborations with strategic partners and agencies, including volunteers, using the whole-of-nation approach.”
Several welfare efforts and projects that are related and consistent with the government’s initiatives have also been synergised and aligned with the National Welfare Scheme (SKN) to ensure no duplication and drop out occurs.
The ceremony continued with a video presentation based on the theme highlighting the active involvement of all levels of the community, either in the government, private, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) or volunteers, in proactively playing their roles with the whole-of-nation approach in achieving Brunei Vision 2035.
The celebration also saw a stage performance by almost 200 kindergarten, primary and secondary students from Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah (YSHHB) School guided by YSHHB School teachers and assisted by the Culture and Arts Divison of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports.
His Majesty and members of the royal family also toured the exhibition at the lobby of ICC.
The format of this year’s celebration featured an open house concept with a festive Hari Raya atmosphere and saw the participation of 18 GLCs and NGOs actively involved in community development activities.
The Brunei Vision 2035 Secretariat also showcased the initiatives and actions that have been, current and will be implemented towards achieving the vision.
The highlight of the event was a Junjung Ziarah with His Majesty and members of the royal family.
