The inaugural Ocean Week Brunei, featuring youth-focused activities aimed at inspiring the next generation to protect the country’s ocean resources, begins on Friday.
The programme, which ends on June 9, seeks to foster a deep understanding of marine issues among young people.
It includes a youth advocacy forum as well as hands-on-activities such as fabricating reef balls and learning how to plant coral.
On June 1, a half-day course teaching youth how to fabricate reef balls is scheduled to take place.
On June 2, participants can witness the deployment of reef balls and learn how to plant coral and snorkel at Pelong Rock during the Reef Ball Discovery course.
On June 3, the Future Ocean Changemakers Forum will be held at Laksamana College of Business (LCB), the education partner for Ocean Week Brunei.
Youth-focused panel discussions will feature local and international conservation experts sharing insights on how to make sustainable change and positive impact.
Speakers include Poni Foundation founder Mohd Tahsin Wong Abdullah, Philippines’ Lalakbayin Ecoventures founder Mark Joseph Laceste, Green Brunei co-founder Khairunnisa Ash’ari and Tyne Solutions’ Aimi Ramlee.
Participants will also be able to connect remotely to the forum via video-conferencing. The event will be live-streamed on social media.
Meanwhile, the Youth Ocean Ambassadors Programme will also be launched. The programme is aimed at nurturing young leaders in marine conservation.
Selected ambassadors will receive mentorship to lead community outreach projects, under Poni Foundation. The programme underscores Brunei’s commitment to investing in its youth as pivotal agents of change.
By focusing on education, engagement, and empowerment, Ocean Week Brunei is dedicated to ensuring that the nation’s young people are well-prepared to tackle future environmental challenges and contribute to the sustainability of Brunei’s marine ecosystems.
All events during Ocean Week Brunei are free and are sponsored by Baiduri Bank, the High Commission of Australia to Brunei Darussalam, Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam, Progresif Sdn Bhd, Tyne Solutions, Brunei Shell Petroleum Company Sdn Bhd, Armada Housing, and Brunei LNG Sdn Bhd.
Ocean Week Brunei is organised by Poni Foundation and Poni Divers, in partnership with the Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism and supported by Asia Inc Forum, Curious Mind, Brunei Tourism, and the Reef Ball Foundation. Media Partners include Borneo Bulletin, Media Permata, Kristal FM, Radio Television Brunei and Biz Brunei with dive association partner, RAID and education partner, LCB.
