The development and empowerment of youth are pivotal in cultivating a future-ready generation, making it imperative to adopt a whole-of-nation approach. Such an approach ensures that all plans and programmes are not only effective but also have a meaningful impact, contributing to the goals set out in the National Youth Policy and Strategy 2020-2035 and Brunei Vision 2035.
In line with this vision, the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports (MCYS), along with various agencies within the youth sector, have initiated several key developments.
During the recent 19th National Youth Day celebration, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Nazmi bin Haji Mohamad highlighted the smooth progress of the DBNS 2020-2024 implementation.
He also announced the upcoming 2024 Youth Development Index Study, which aims to further strengthen the new action plan, ensuring that Brunei’s youth remain at the forefront of national development efforts.
CONNECTING BRUNEI’S YOUTH
In alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the minister highlighted the MCYS’ ongoing collaboration with relevant agencies through the Sustainable Development Dialogue.
A significant stride in this direction is their partnership with imagine Sdn Bhd to establish Hab Belia (Youth Hub), a dedicated Instagram platform designed to amplify youth activities across Brunei Darussalam.
This platform was officially launched during the event by 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.
According to the MCYS, the Youth Hub is part of a broader initiative to showcase the ministry’s youth sector activities to the public, particularly in aiding youth groups to connect with a wider, more diverse audience.
The platform is also intended to encourage participation from the target group, especially young people, by keeping them informed about the ministry’s programmes. Additionally, it provides a space for communication and the exchange of ideas among Brunei’s youth, fostering a vibrant and engaged community.
A SHOWCASE OF VISIONARY YOUTH
As with every year, this year’s National Youth Day celebration and exhibition, themed ‘Belia Berwawasan’ or ‘Visionary Youth’, shone a spotlight on the invaluable contributions of young people across various domains.
The event highlighted the efforts of youth associations and movements committed to fostering unity, as well as the individual contributions of young Bruneians towards realising Brunei Vision 2035.
This vision aspires to create a dynamic, prosperous, and inclusive society, deeply rooted in the principles of Malay Islamic Monarchy (MIB), and centred on volunteering, community service, and youth engagement.
The exhibition itself featured 20 exhibits, thoughtfully organised into four distinct clusters: Knowledge and Skills, High Quality of Life, Sustainable Development, and Excellent Projects for Youth. Each cluster offered a glimpse into how Brunei’s youth are actively shaping the nation’s future through their innovation, dedication and a strong sense of community.
In an interview with a participant from the Knowledge and Skills Cluster, Muhammad Sallehuddin bin Sahat shared the story of Nuqra Quranic. Established in 2016, Nuqra Quranic now serves nearly 2,000 students, from children aged six to senior citizens aged 70, across their three branches in Lambak, Beribi, and Kiulap.
The centre employs around 70 teaching staff, including graduates from Religious Teachers University College of Seri Begawan (KUPU SB), Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali (UNISSA) and Egypt.
Their primary goal is to help the community become literate in Al-Quran and tajweed, among other religious subjects.
Muhammad Sallehuddin noted that teaching Al-Quran presents various challenges depending on the students’ ages and learning abilities; some progress quickly, while others require more time and dedication.
Looking ahead, the centre plans to expand its offerings to include religious education programmes, prayer refinement, hijrah talks and more.
In the Excellent Projects for Youth Cluster, Hajah Hairul Ezza binti Md Khairul Anwar, co-founder and CEO of As-Sehha Group, presented her venture, Yeggoo Pasteurised Eggs.
The idea for this project stemmed from her travels abroad, where she observed the widespread availability of liquid egg products. Recognising a gap in the local market, she launched her project in February last year, becoming actively involved in May.
Hajah Hairul Ezza explained that the project offers pasteurised shell eggs and liquid egg products, including egg whites, yolks, and whole eggs. The current focus is on raising public awareness about the benefits of pasteurised eggs.
Looking to the future, Hajah Hairul Ezza shared plans to establish their own farm to further support the business’s growth.
Ultimately, the event serves as a powerful reminder to inspire young people to continue intensifying their efforts. By contributing their ideas and energy, they play a crucial role in achieving the core objectives of the National Youth Policy and Strategy 2020-2035, as well as Brunei Vision 2035. – Rokiah Mahmud
