| Aziz Idris |
HER Royal Highness Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah binti Pengiran Haji Salleh Ab Rahaman attended the annual Toyota Classics and presented donations to three charity organisations amounting $60,000 at the Arts Centre, Jerudong International School (JIS) yesterday night.
Accompanying the royal guest of honour was her son, Yang Teramat Mulia Pengiran Muda ‘Abdul Muntaqim ibni Duli Yang Teramat Mulia Paduka Seri Pengiran Muda Mahkota Pengiran Muda Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah.
Prior to the start of the performances, a mock cheque of $20,000 each was presented to Pusat Ehsan Al-Ameerah Al-Hajjah Maryam (Pusat Ehsan), Annur Harapan Centre, and the Society for the Management of Autism Related issues in Training, Education and Resources (SMARTER) Brunei.
NBT (Brunei) Sdn Bhd and Toyota Motor Asia Pacific (TMAP) have brought in the London-based Royal Philharmonic (RPCO) for an evening of favourite classical compositions from the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries, much to the delight of the audience.
The orchestra was under the capable baton of multiple award-winning conductor Anthony Weeden, joined by solo violinist David Juritz, who is recognised for his interpretation of Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons.
The RPCO is known for working with some of music’s biggest names, from opera singers Andrea Bocelli, Jose Carreras and the late Luciano Pavarotti; to pop artistes like Sting, Barry Manilow, Tina Turner and Stevie Wonder.
Taking advantage of the acoustically sophisticated auditorium, audience were also entertained with local renditions of Brunei Darussalam national anthem and popular local tunes such as Dong Dong Oma and Samalindang.
In his welcoming speech, Ninan Chacko, Executive Advisor of NBT (Brunei) Sdn Bhd spoke of the company’s “very challenging uphill battle” when it was first incorporated 50 years ago – about 60 days after 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’s Accession to the Throne on October 5, 1967.
“50 years on, today, Toyota have become such a well-established, tried, tested and turned global brand, and NBT being number one in Brunei for the last 36 consecutive year,” he noted.
He added that one in every four or five cars on Brunei roads being either Toyota or Lexus.
Ninan Chacko expressed his gratitude to Her Royal Highness for the support and generosity to the charity organisations.
He acknowledged the presence of Hoa Tien, Executive Vice-President of Toyota Motor Asia Pacific, who successfully organised the Toyota Classics and other charity events.
Among those present during the musical showpiece were Cabinet Ministers and foreign dignitaries.
Also present was CEO of Inchcape Asia (NBT’s Holding Company), George Ashford.
Now on its 23rd instalment, the fundraiser event has raised some $1,800,000 from ticket sales for deserving charities in Brunei Darussalam since 1990.
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