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 Passing Out Parade Ceremony for the 13th PKBN intake at the National Service Training Camp in Batu Apoi, Temburong District on Monday.
The monarch was greeted on arrival by Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Nazmi bin Haji Mohamad, Commander of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces Major General Dato Paduka Seri Haji Muhammad Haszaimi bin Bol Hassan, Acting Commissioner of the Royal Brunei Police Force Dato Seri Pahlawan Sulaiman bin Alidin, and Permanent Secretary (Youth) at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports Haji Zakaria bin Haji Serudin.
His Majesty received the royal salute and then inspected the guard of honour followed by the march past by PKBN trainees, consisting of 367 trainees (253 male and 114 female).
The monarch later gave a titah and then presented awards to six trainees.
Muhammad Shahroni bin Haji Md Kanderishah and Noor Syafiqah Fazlyiah binti Muhammad Redzuan were best male and female in drill category while Muhammad Fakhruddin bin Abdullah and Amira Farzana binti Mohammad Johardi were best male and female in physical training category.
Mohd Alif Khan bin Othmawee was overall best male and Annisha Suraya binti Razali was overall best female.
The trainees then chanted ‘Daulat Kebawah Duli Tuan Patik’ three times and the ceremony concluded with a Doa Selamat.
Before departing from the Parade Ground, the National Anthem of Brunei Darussalam was played, followed by the Graduation Parade marching past and exiting the parade ground.
His Majesty then proceeded to the Lobby of Block 1 at the National Service Programme Training Camp to view the exhibition of the ‘Train-the-Trainers’ Programme Series 01, which featured 15 alumni of the National Service Programme (PKBN).
Following this, His Majesty proceeded to Guest Room 1 in Block 1 of the National Service Programme Training Camp for light refreshments and later engaged in a meet-and-greet session with the Best Trainees of the 13th Intake of the National Service Programme (PKBN).
The monarch then graciously signed the Commemorative Book in conjunction with His Majesty’s visit at the Lobby of Block 1 at the National Service Programme Training Camp.
Before departing the event, His Majesty participated in a group photo session with the trainees and later received a commemorative gift in honour of His Majesty’s visit to the National Service Programme Training Camp at the Lecture Hall, Block 4 of the Training Camp.
The monarch’s visit reflects His Majesty’s deep concern for the development of youth in Brunei Darussalam, particularly the trainees of the National Service Programme.
Additionally, it serves as an encouragement for the trainees to continue playing an active role as independent, disciplined, visionary, respectful, devout, and well-rounded youths, ensuring that they apply the knowledge gained from the programme even after completing their training.
This aligns with the objectives of the PKBN in fostering patriotism, national pride, and devotion to religion, in line with the programme’s establishment goals.
Also present at the Graduation Parade Ceremony were Minister of Education Datin Seri Setia Dr Hajah Romaizah binti Haji Md Salleh; Members of the Legislative Council; the Commander of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces; and the Acting Commissioner of the Royal Brunei Police Force.
Since its establishment, the National Service Programme has produced a total of 4,552 alumni, including those from the 13th intake. The 13th intake of the programme commenced on 17 November 2024 and is scheduled to conclude on February 27, 2025.
The trainees underwent training under the guidance of officers, instructors, and personnel from the Royal Brunei Armed Forces, the Royal Brunei Malay Reserve Regiment, the Royal Brunei Police Force, the Fire and Rescue Department, Outward Bound Brunei Darussalam, the Ministry of Religious Affairs, professional volunteers, and trainers from the ‘Train-the-Trainers’ Programme, supported by PKBN alumni, all of whom contributed to the successful execution of the programme. – James Kon
