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 consented to grace the 18th National Youth Day (HBK) 2023 celebration at the International Convention Centre on Tuesday.
Accompanying His Majesty were His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office; His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik; His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah and His Royal Highness Prince Haji Jefri Bolkiah.
Upon arrival, His Majesty and members of the royal family were greeted by Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Nazmi bin Haji Mohamad in his capacity as the Chairman of the Executive Committee of the HBK and Deputy Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office Dato Seri Paduka Awang Mohd Riza bin Dato Paduka Haji Mohd Yunos.
The ceremony began with the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah and Doa Selamat led by State Mufti Pehin Datu Seri Maharaja Dato Paduka Seri Setia (Dr) Ustaz Haji Awang Abdul Aziz bin Juned, followed by a welcoming address from the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports.
His Majesty then delivered a titah.
Some 60 youth recited a pledge led by Education Officer and Champion of the Tilawah Al-Quran Competition Pengiran Muhammad Amirul Aiman bin Pengiran Haji Marjuki, accompanied by badminton para athlete Awangku Muhammad Amirul Fa’iq bin Pengiran Zali and entrepreneur Norfatriah binti Abdullah.
Following the video presentation and performance, His Majesty then presented the National Youth Day Awards to recipients in four categories namely Excellent Youth, Service-Oriented Youth, Youth Leaders and Excellent Project for Youth awards. This year’s celebration also included the Special Mentioned award.
His Majesty and other members of the royal family were ushered to view the Youth Day Exhibition at the exhibition concourse area, followed by His Majesty consenting to sign the royal parchment and received a pesambah.
This year’s National Youth Day carries a similar theme with previous years, which is ‘Belia Siaga Masa Depan’ (Future-Ready Youth). It remains relevant with the current situation, with a focus on the concept of youth aspirations on three main areas of contribution, which are through association or movement activities, skills and knowledge and heritage and culture. – Lyna Mohamad
