Despite the delegation leaving the Sultanate after the programme, the strong friendship will remain, said Assistant Director from the South Korea Ministry of Gender, Equality and Family Jonggeun Lee, as the head of the delegation.
“I will not say goodbye, I will just say we will see each other again,” he added.
It was an emotional farewell for 12 Korean youth who stayed in the country for 10 days in the Brunei and Korea Youth Exchange programme that ended yesterday.
Permanent Secretary (Sports) at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports (MCYS) Pengiran Mohd Amirrizal bin Pengiran Haji Mahmud attended the farewell ceremony hosted by the MCYS at the Jerudong Sports Complex.
Youth and Sports Department Director Umi Kalthum binti Haji Abdul Karim said, “The programme was conducted online for the past three years due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
We are grateful that the programme has been resumed physically.
“The programme included several activities such as courtesy calls on district officers, interaction with the local youth and college students, educational visits to the government and private sectors, and experiencing a local wedding ceremony.”
She added, “The programme is also a door to study how the youth of Brunei and Korea may unite as one community by sharing perspectives and ideas in various fields to help develop future young leaders.
“Moreover, the friendship that has been established between the participants and the local youth, the precious knowledge and experience acquired are to be treasured.”
The ceremony saw Korean participants showcasing K-pop performances and joining the Brunei and Korea Youth Exchange programme alumni in a traditional dance performance. Pengiran Mohd Amirrizal also presented certificates to the participants.
Participant Kim Han Seong said, “I am impressed with the seven ethnic groups of Brunei and their different attires. I also love the delicious traditional food here. I also love the mosques here. I will truly miss Brunei.”
Meanwhile, Kim Raneun said, ”I managed to experience cultural diversity in the Sultanate and took it to heart.
“The visit to Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Mosque was one of the most memorable experiences. I feel that I can truly understand and admire the country’s religion clearly.
“As an art student, visiting the Brunei Arts and Handicrafts Training Centre will help me to grow more, and help try to develop handicrafts in Korea as well.”
The Youth Exchange programme between Brunei Darussalam and Korea is made possible with the Arrangement on Cooperation on Youth Matters signed between the two countries on February 10, 2010.
The programme was started in 2011 to foster friendship and understanding among youth of both countries and share and exchange views and experiences from a socio-economic and socio-political viewpoint including customs, culture and language. – James Kon
