His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah ibni His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, the Crown Prince, Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office, as the Chief Scout of the Brunei Darussalam Scouts Association (PPNBD), yesterday said scouting activities contribute towards fostering friendship and strengthening regional and global unity.
During a sabda at the closing ceremony of the 5th Brunei Darussalam National Jamboree, His Royal Highness welcomed the participation of international scout members.
Since it was established in 1933, His Royal Highness said, the scouting movement in Brunei has steadily progressed, following the trends and developments of the scouting movement worldwide.
His Royal Highness said the jamboree is a platform for local and international scouts to facilitate the exchange of views, knowledge and useful experiences.
His Royal Highness also expressed hopes that neighbouring and international scout members will return home with knowledge, experience and memories of their participation in the jamboree.
Meanwhile, His Royal Highness said the contribution of the scout movement to youth and national development is undeniable, and hoped the scout movement will continue to help shape the younger generation in supporting the country’s aspirations and the success of the nation’s vision.
His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah graced the event in the company of His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik.
On arrival, His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah was greeted by Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Abdul Manaf bin Haji Metussin as the Acting Minister of Education; Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Nazmi bin Haji Mohamad; Acting Tutong District Officer Mohammad Sofian bin Haji Basri; and PPNBD President Dato Paduka Ar Haji Idris bin Haji Abas.
PPNBD Chief Commissioner Haji Awang Badar bin Haji Awang Ali reported that almost 900 scouts joined the week-long jamboree that began on December 2, with 384 local, 288 from Indonesia, 209 from Malaysia, 10 from Singapore and five from Thailand.
The ceremony also saw His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah present the Sultan’s Scout Award to seven Venture Scout members and the Baden Powell Award to 20 Rover Scout members.
Held in conjunction with the 90th anniversary of scout movement in the country, the jamboree aimed to promote interaction among scouts, foster friendship and cooperation, cultivate respect for diversity and create opportunities for exchanges of ideas, opinions and experiences. – Rokiah Mahmud
