Lyna Mohamad
A total of 247 trainees of the 10th National Service Programme (PKBN) Intake participated in the passing out parade at the PKBN Training Camp in Batu Apoi, Temburong District yesterday.
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 consented to present awards to the Best Male and Female Trainees in three categories.
Upon arrival, His Majesty was greeted by 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; Royal Brunei Police Force (RBPF) Commissioner Dato Paduka Seri Haji Mohammad Irwan bin Haji Hambali and Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) Commander Major General (U) Dato Seri Pahlawan Haji Hamzah bin Haji Sahat.
Permanent Secretary (Administration, Finance and Estate) at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports Pengiran Mohd Amirrizal bin Pengiran Haji Mahmud and Acting Director of National Service Programme Major (Rtd) Haji Mohammad bin Dollah were also present.
After the singing of the national anthem, His Majesty inspected the parade comprising 172 male and 75 female trainees, followed by a march past.
His Majesty presented awards to six trainees: Best in Drill 12886 Mohamad Hamizan bin Zulkhairi and 12668 Nurin Alya Widyan Naqibah binti Saifulbahrin, both from Platoon 4; and Best in Physical Training 12699 Mohammad Hakif bin Mohammad of Platoon 3 and 12850 Khairunnisaa binti Shafiee of Platoon 2.
12883 Muhammad Nur Ridhwan @ Raiezwan bin Radimas of Platoon 5 was named the Best Male Trainee and 12846 Dayangku Ardini Haziqah binti Pengiran Haji Mohd Ali of Platoon 6 named Best Female Trainee.
A three-time Daulat Kebawah Duli Tuan Patik chant echoed the ground symbolising the trainees’ loyalty toward the monarch, and their willingness to contribute to the country’s socio-economic development as well as strengthen national fortitude.
After the recitation of Doa Selamat by PKBN Religious Officer Haji Mohd Khairul Azmi bin Haji Munir, His Majesty toured an exhibition by youth volunteers and mingled with trainees.
His Majesty also consented to sign the commemorative parchment, accompanied by Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office Dato Seri Setia Haji Awang Abdul Mokti bin Haji Mohd Daud and Minister of Education Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Hamzah bin Haji Sulaiman.
A pesambah was presented to His Majesty by Major (Rtd) Haji Mohammad.
His Majesty’s attendance was intended to boost the spirit of trainees to continue playing an active role as independent, disciplined, efficient and well-mannered youth.
The 10th PKBN intake began their training on November 29 last year and were trained by 100 people comprising supervisors, instructors, medical staff and operators from the RBAF, RBPF, Fire and Rescue Department, Outward Bound Brunei Darussalam, Religious Teachers University College of Seri Begawan (KUPU SB) and professional volunteers assisted by PKBN alumni. PKBN has produced 3,177 alumni since its formation and is hoped that the trainees will continue to apply what they have learned throughout the programme.
Meanwhile, His Majesty also visited several places in Pekan Bangar, with the first stop at Sultan Hassan Secondary School. The school’s new building site is located at Kampong Batu Apoi and is expected to begin operations in January 2023.
Also gaining the monarch’s attention was the Bumiputera Complex in Pekan Bangar. Built in August 2007, the complex provides 35 units for entrepreneurs in the district.
From the Bumiputera Complex, His Majesty visited the Temburong Branch of Radio Television Brunei (RTB) which houses the News, Rampai Pagi and Radio units.
The monarch then visited the Tamu Aneka Temburong, which accommodates micro and small entrepreneurs in efforts to develop the socio-economy and enhance an involved and united community. As of January 1 this year, the market is under DARe (Darussalam Enterprise).
His Majesty ended the visit with a closer look at the Pekan Bangar Boat and Passenger Terminal Jetty. Officiated on January 7, 2010, the terminal provides services for boats arriving in Pekan Bangar and monitors the journey and operations of boats carrying gravel and sand from quarries to processing sites through Temburong River.