The theme for this year’s National Youth Day is retained as in 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022, which is ‘Belia Siaga Masa Depan’ (Future- Ready Youth).
“The theme remains relevant to the current situation, with a focus on the concept of Youth Aspirations,” said Permanent Secretary (Sports) at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports (MCYS) Pengiran Mohd Amirrizal bin Pengiran Haji Mahmud during a media briefing on the 18th National Youth Day celebration at the ministry’s premises yesterday.
The youth aspirations concept will focus on three main areas.
One is youth contribution through association or movement activities aimed at strengthening the culture of unity including individual contributions to support the country’s aspirations towards becoming a dynamic, prosperous, and inclusive nation.
The others are skills and knowledge including skills in business, innovation, technology, research and science, as well as the creative industry; and youth’s creative works aimed at preserving and strengthening Brunei’s heritage, nation, culture, and civilisation, including lifestyle, cultural industry, technology, heritage and culture, as well as local arts.
Several programmes have been lined up for the celebration, including the presentation of the National Youth Day Awards in four categories: excellent youth, service-oriented youth, youth leaders, and excellent projects for youth.
“Insya Allah, the Special Recognition Award will be presented to a youth member, which will be announced during the celebration,” said the permanent secretary.
With 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’s consent, the 18th National Youth Day celebration, will take place on August 1 at 9am at the Plenary Hall, International Convention Centre, Berakas.
A Youth Day Festival will be held from August 1 to 31 in all four districts, said the permanent secretary.
Among the events organised in conjunction with the celebration are a youth exhibition, religious and side events including the recitation of Surah Yaasiin and Tahlil at the Royal Mausoleum held yesterday, and a Kesyukuran ceremony (congregational Maghrib and Isyak prayers, recitation of Surah Yaasiin, Tahlil and Doa Kesyukuran) on July 27 at Mohamed Bolkiah Mosque, Serusop. There will also be a special Friday sermon in conjunction with the celebration on July 28.
The public is reminded that several standard operating procedures must be followed by those attending the celebration. Those wishing to attend must take an ART (antigen rapid test) before attending any of the events and upload the test results onto BruHealth app. Those not feeling well are advised to skip the event.
Wearing a face mask is mandatory at the events when necessary. The media briefing also saw the permanent secretary presenting the 18th National Youth Day celebration poster to representatives from youth associations. – Adib Noor
