Izah Azahari
The new Wargamas Association headquarters at Jalan Utama Berakas will enable the non-government organisation to further advance the country’s senior citizen agenda.
The premise will serve as an important platform to communicate its strategic roles and hold meetings with strategic partners for collaborative programmes, and as an information sharing service on senior citizen welfare.
This was said by Wargamas Association President Haji Abu Bakar bin Haji Mohd Don during the official launch of the headquarters at Jalan Utama Berakas yesterday.
Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Aminuddin Ihsan bin Pehin Orang Kaya Saiful Mulok Dato Seri Paduka Haji Abidin officiated.
Permanent Secretary (Planning, Land Use and Environment) at the Ministry of Development (MoD) Dr Nor Imtihan binti Haji Abdul Razak; Permanent Secretary (Community and Culture) at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports (MCYS) Hajah Nor Ashikin binti Haji Johari; and the minister’s spouse Datin Nurhayana Janis binti Abdullah Lim were also present.
The event began with the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah, followed by an official plaque signing and ribbon cutting.
According to Haji Abu Bakar, the building is the result of consideration and strong cooperation from the MCYS and MoD. He expressed gratitude to Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam (BIBD), Wargamas Association advisor and private individuals for their support and contribution including office equipment for the building. “The new building will enable the strengthening of the association’s strategic plans to embrace current changes for more efficient and productive work culture; and improve the welfare of association members and senior citizens,” he said.
The president added, “The Wargamas Association will continue to assist the government, especially the MCYS, in preserving the interests of the elderly through the delivery of programmes and activities to improve the well-being of the elderly in the Sultanate.”
He also called on members to work together to better the welfare of senior citizens.
The event continued with a speech from the guest of honour and the recitation of Doa Kesyukuran and Doa Allah Peliharakan Sultan dan Brunei Darussalam.
The minister also toured the new building and took a closer look at programmes, activities and exhibitions, including Wargamas Association Administration and Management Affairs, Dastar-making demonstration, basket weaving demonstration, embroidery demonstration, simulations of Tasmik and Tadabbur programmes, and handicraft demonstration.
Also part of the launch was an exhibition on bureau activities and Warganita (Wargamas rezeki stall) and a donation drive-through.
