| Faza Suraj |
THE experience acquired by foreign visitors during their stay in Brunei Darussalam is valuable – especially if disseminated to their peers back home, as this has the potential to rope in more tourists.
Assistant Belait District Officer Hasmiron bin Haji Mohd Taib noted this yesterday as he received a formal visit by 11 South Korean youth delegates who are currently in the Sultanate for the 5th Brunei Darussalam and Republic of Korea (ROK) Youth Exchange Programme 2016.
The delegation arrived at Taman Persiaran dan Menara Cendera Kenangan in the morning, where they were welcomed by Hasmiron bin Haji Mohd Taib, who briefed them on the landmarks and the Belait District in general.
The visitors then proceeded to the V-Plaza Hotel, where the group heard a presentation by the hotel manager. They then set off to visit the Billionth Barrel Monument, where a Brunei Shell Petroleum (BSP) official briefed them on the landmark, as well as the history of the oil and gas industry in Brunei.
The delegates then made their way to the Oil and Gas Discovery Centre (OGDC), where they were enlightened on the history and development of the oil and gas industry – the largest contributor to the national economy.
The South Korean delegation with Belait District Office officials at Taman Persiaran dan Menara Cendera Kenangan
Having a taste of ‘ambuyat’
The South Korean delegates with members of Mukim Seria Consultative Council. – PHOTOS: FAZA SU-RAJ
To provide a taste of the local culture and traditions, the entourage was taken to the Belait District Office Hall in the heart of the oil town.
There, they had the opportunity to sample local delicacies such as ‘serabi’ and ‘penyaram’ (traditional pancakes), ‘ambuyat’ and ‘ketupat’ prepared by members of Pertiwi Association and the committee members of Mukim Seria Consultative Council. With the help and guidance of Pertiwi Association members, they tried their hands at making local handicraft such as the ‘tudung saji,’ and flower arrangement. They were later treated to a Silat performance.
Speaking to the Bulletin, the Assistant Belait District Officer explained that the meet with the members of Pertiwi and Mukim Seria Consultative Council was aimed at allowing the visitors the chance to witness the activities held within the community.
“This is to share with them what the Brunei community is all about, especially in the Belait District, where they had the opportunity to experience various aspects present in our culture and tradition,” he said, adding that such experience could result in these youths bringing their families here for visits in the future.
“They seem to like our traditional cakes and desserts… who knows, they might place orders from us to bring them into the ROK market,” he added.
Lee Ju Eun, one of the delegates, described the trip to Belait as both interesting and enlightening.
“I did not know that there were so many facilities in Brunei, nor did I know about the advanced oil and gas development in the country,” she said, explaining that prior to her visit, she had thought Brunei to be a prime location particularly for nature lovers.
“I am very impressed with OGDC. It educated us on Brunei’s oil and gas industry and entertained us with science shows,” she said.
On the subject of her most enjoyable local delicacy, she said, “My favourite was the serabi, which is a type of pancake laced with coconut.”
When she returns home, she intends to spread the word on how Brunei “is a very comfortable vacation location, with its friendly people all around.”
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