The National Service Programme (PKBN) will continue to evolve and remain relevant to the environment and conditions for the development of the younger generation, who are more involved in tackling natural disasters and pandemics as evident in the outbreak that struck the country recently.
This was said by Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Nazmi bin Haji Mohamad, delivered by Permanent Secretary (Sports) at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports (MCYS) Pengiran Mohd Amirrizal bin Pengiran Haji Mahmud as the personal representative of the minister at the opening ceremony of the 12th PKBN at the PKBN Training Camp, Batu Apoi in Temburong District yesterday.
As such, the PKBN Section collaborated with the Fire and Rescue Department and the Royal Brunei Armed Forces for the first time to introduce the basic disaster preparedness coordinator in the previous programme.
The minister added, ”Insya Allah, with more trainees being equipped with skills, our next generation will be more resilient and able to rise to the occasion when necessary.” The PKBN is an aspiration of 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 to produce excellent, responsible and disciplined youth. The programme is based on the concept of volunteerism, youth development and identity formation.
The minister shared that the 12th PKBN attracted 470 trainees, one of the highest number since the spread of Covid-19 pandemic.
He added that the PKBN Section included swimming in the programme’s curriculum for the last intake, as opposed to it being a recreational activity, as was the case in the intakes prior.
Acting Director of PKBN and Chairman of the ceremony Major (Rtd) Haji Mohammad bin Dollah also delivered a speech. The ceremony saw the permanent secretary inaugurating the PKBN 12th Intake, followed by trainees taking the pledge and singing the song ‘Sedia Berbakti’.
Among the highlights of the ceremony was a condolence message from the minister to the family of a trainee who had a cardiac arrest and passed away.
In the message, the minister said “Such an incident is not taken lightly, and thus, a special committee will be formed to carry out a formal investigation into the incident to identify gaps that require further improvement.
“On behalf of the MCYS, through the PKBN Section, we would like to iterate to all parents and guardians that the safety and well-being of trainees are our priority.” – James Kon
