Rokiah Mahmud
Members of the public from all walks of life braved the blazing sun yesterday for the get-together 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 in the capital.
The get-together, held in conjunction with His Majesty’s 76th birthday celebration saw teachers, students, businessmen, association members and others take part in the colourful gathering where they had the opportunity to meet the monarch.
Deputy Manager of the CfBT Education Services Dr Louise Pagden shared with the Bulletin that there were about 40 people from the centre joining the ceremony.
“It is a wonderful occasion to be part of the crowd in meeting and greet His Majesty. For some of us, it is a unique event that does not happened in our home country. It is special time for us.’’
She said some of the teachers were from the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, South Africa, and the Netherlands.
“This occasion is their first such experience, including myself who arrived in the country just six months ago. This is wonderful moment to be part of the community in the country,” she added.
Meanwhile, the Indian Chamber of Commerce was represented by some of its 30 members.
Speaking to the Bulletin, the chamber’s public relation officer Mohamed Nadeer said that the association’s annual participation at the ceremony is to express thanks for the opportunities facilitated by His Majesty’s Government.
Also taking part in the get-together were students from Chung Hwa Middle School Bandar Seri Begawan, who sang a birthday song for His Majesty upon his arrival at their booth.
Principal Kho Guik Lan said the school regularly participates in the ceremony and is grateful for the opportunity to do so, despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
“We are also thankful to the parents for their support by allowing their children to take part in this wonderful ceremony,” she said.
Social studies teacher Sunardi @ Hafizan bin Haji Ibrahim who was chaperoning 15 students, said the ceremony can inspire students to improve their leadership skills by having His Majesty as a role-model and watching the monarch firsthand.
Students can also improve their communication skills through interaction with other students, and self-esteem while instilling love towards the country and the monarch.
