Aziz Idris
The Dean of the Diplomatic Corps organised an appreciation event at Indera Kayangan Ballroom of The Empire Brunei yesterday in recognition of those involved in the ‘Brunei Darussalam from the Eyes of Foreign Diplomats and their Families’ photography exhibition.
Minister of Foreign Affairs II Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Erywan bin Pehin Datu Pekerma Jaya Haji Mohd Yusof was the guest of honour.
Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Finance and Economy II Dato Seri Setia Dr Awang Haji Mohd Amin Liew bin Abdullah and Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Aminuddin Ihsan bin Pehin Orang Kaya Saiful Mulok Dato Seri Paduka Haji Abidin were also present.
Among those celebrated were representatives from the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports (MCYS), Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam (BIBD) and the 19 diplomatic missions which helped in the preparation and execution of the exhibition held across the country from December 16, 2020 until February 2.
Ambassador of Oman to Brunei Darussalam and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps Sheikh Ahmed bin Hashel Al-Maskari expressed his appreciation to exhibition partners that played a major role in its success, and gave a special mention to the MCYS for consenting to organise the exhibition in all districts.
He also thanked BIBD for sponsoring the photography exhibition and reserved further praise for the participating diplomatic missions and the exhibition organising committee for their tireless cooperation and close follow-up with relevant stakeholders.
The dean said, “From the informative and unprecedented media coverage, beautiful decorations, and careful organisation, it was obvious to all who attended the opening ceremonies or visited the exhibition that significant time and immense efforts had been invested in making this unique event a major success.”
Meanwhile, Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Erywan said the exhibition was “refreshing” especially coming from behind and through the eyes of a foreigner.
“I believe the exhibition uncovered a lot more about Brunei and its people. Having the photos toured all four districts, the exhibition helped the locals gain a renewed appreciation and take more notice of the country’s spectacular sights and heritage,” he added.
The event continued with the presentation of certificates of appreciation to the photography exhibition organisers and participants.
Nineteen foreign diplomatic missions in Brunei Darussalam contributed 109 photos carrying different themes in the exhibition.