Five youth were awarded for their achievements and contributions to the country during the 18th National Youth Day celebration at the International Convention Centre (ICC), Berakas yesterday.
Mohammad Arif bin Abdul Hadi, Dr Andery Lim, Mohammad Ashmeer Imtiaz bin Ahmad, Ahmad Fathi bin Dr Haji Norarfan and Nurul Huda binti Haji Muhin were chosen out of the 48 nominations across various categories.
Dr Andery Lim was the recipient of the Excellent Youth Award. Dr Lim is an education officer at the Science, Technology and Environment Partnership (STEP) Centre, Ministry of Education (MoE).
Dr Lim’s commitment and dedication in promoting Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics (STEAM) earned him the recognition.
He said STEAM fosters innovation and creates opportunities in tackling future problems and issues.
The award has strengthened his motivation to further expand his knowledge and contribute to the country, he added.
Dr Lim received a trophy, a certificate of appreciation and BND3,000 cash, along with a Kain Jong Sarat Bunga Bintang Gemilang.
Deputy Chief Commissioner of Brunei Darussalam Scouts Association (PPNBD) Mohammad Arif received the Young Youth Leaders Award 2023.
“In PPNBD we emphasised on youth empowerment of which every levels of leadership need to involve youth,” he said.
“This is the platform or opportunity for youth engaged directly for policy-making, not just for the association, but also in general.”
Mohammad Arif received a trophy, a certificate of appreciation, BND3,000 and a set of Kain Jong Sarat Bunga Kebahagiaan.
The Youth Service Award was given to Mohammad Ashmeer Imtiaz for his contributions in volunteerism. He received a trophy, certificate of appreciation and BND3,000 cash as well as a Kain Betabur Bunga Permata Bangsa.
The Excellent Project for Youth Award was given to inspirational youth projects that contribute to society, particularly for the youth.
Founder of Fatih Aquaculture and Alya Playhouse Ahmad Fathi received the award and was presented a trophy, certificate of appreciation and BND3,500.
A Special Mention Award was included this year, and was awarded to Nurul Huda, a differently-abled youth for her contributions to the nation and the community.
NEXT GENERATION SHOWCASE ACHIEVEMENTS, PROGRESS
Meanwhile, 35 organisations showcased their projects supporting youth development during the National Youth Day exhibition at the ICC. The exhibition focused on youth who have excelled in regional and international arenas in the fields of entrepreneurship, technology and innovation and also showcased research and development in various clusters.
One of the exhibitors, founder of a 3D animation studio, Zahidi bin Bikir said they are looking at augmented reality (AR), which he feels is something relatively new in Brunei and hopes to showcase the application of AR in things like posters.
“I see a lot of potential in the use of digital technology in the creative industry and I feel like there are a lot of talented people out there,” said Zahidi.
An officer from Fatih Aquaculture, Abdul Muid bin Abdullah, said that the project founder receiving the Excellent Project for Youth award was an encouragement to other youth to delve into entrepreneurship.
Their aquaculture business deals with sustainable fisheries to tackle overfishing as well as high imports of fish, he said.
Meanwhile, a three-day Youth Day Convention is also being held as part of the celebration.
The convention is a platform for youth intellectuals, activists, professionals and entrepreneurs to discuss current issues. – Rokiah Mahmud & Lyna Mohamad
