Mitsubishi Corporation, through its Brunei Liaison Office, spearheaded a transformative community development initiative in Kampong Ayer carried out throughout November.
The initiative provided essential support to local communities of the water village and fostering environmental stewardship.
The project, conducted in collaboration with Green Brunei and supported by the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Youth Development Centre under the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, showcased the commitment of Mitsubishi Corporation in making a positive impact on the communities.
Minister of Home Affairs Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ahmaddin bin Haji Abdul Rahman was the guest of honour, accompanied by Ambassador of Japan to Brunei Darussalam Maeda Toru and Legislative Council members.
Country Representative of Mitsubishi Corporation (Brunel Liaison Office) Tadashi Hara said, “The initiative not only improves the area’s infrastructure but also prioritises the well-being, safety and convenience of both residents and visitors.
“A workshop was also conducted to help the community find ways of generating side income through home-based business.”
Highlights of the project were the repair of 150 metres of boardwalk and jetty in Kampong Sungai Pandan, enhancing local access and promoting community connectivity as well as improving safety.
Donations were also distributed to 100 families in the form of household supplies, as well as school supplies to 30 children.
Additionally, six penghulu and village heads were gifted with fire extinguishers, fire blankets, and first aid kits to enhance the community’s safety.
Over 30 residents joined seven workshops focusing on culinary, baking and traditional food-making skills, fostering community development and providing them with the tools for financial independence.
In a commitment to environmental sustainability, the initiative concluded with a river cleanup during the closing ceremony yesterday.
Some 32 volunteers from the Youth Development Centre collected 194.6 kilogrammes of trash, highlighting the importance of environmental preservation. – Fadley Faisal
