| James Kon |
ALLIANCE Française de Brunei Darussalam will actively support the national activities of the Government of 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 such as the National Family Day, Reading Week and Cultural and Language festivals through collaboration with the relevant agencies in the government.
The strong commitment of Alliance Française de Brunei Darussalam to support the government activities was highlighted by the President of Alliance Française de Brunei, Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Laila Diraja Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Hazair bin Haji Abdullah in his remarks at the French-Bruneian Gala Dinner 2017 hosted in Tarindak D’Polo, Royal Brunei Polo and Riding Club, Jerudong.
The French-Bruneian Gala Dinner 2017 was held in conjunction with the Brunei December Festival 2017.
Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Laila Diraja Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Hazair highlighted that one of the many areas focussed by Alliance Francaise de Brunei Darussalam is promoting the French Culture and Language and opportunities of education in France for Bruneian students.
Further explaining some of the benefits of study in France, he said, “There are many universities and institutions of higher learnings in France using English as medium of instructions beside French.
“Moreover the French Government offers grants, subsidiaries and scholarship to foreign students studying in France to encourage more students to consider France as their further tertiary option.”
Meanwhile, the President of Alliance Française de Brunei Darussalam while touching on the characteristics of French, said, “French is well known for their rich and diverse cultures. Two predominant characteristics are the French Language and gastronomy.”
He explained, “The French Language is the language of love. It is a language that expresses culture, fashion, music, art and of course the French gastronomy.”
The significance of the French Gastronomy, he highlighted, is that it signifies togetherness, the pleasure of taste and balance between humans and nature, the French. Bring to food the same appreciation, respect, intelligence and lively interests as they have for arts like painting, literature and theatre.
The guest of honour for the French-Bruneian Gala Dinner 2017 was Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ali bin Haji Apong, the Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism.
Also in attendance were Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Suyoi bin Haji Osman, the Minister of Education, Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof, the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, with Pehin Orang Kaya Johan Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Adanan bin Begawan Pehin Siraja Khatib Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Mohd Yussof, Katia Manargues, Acting French Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam, as well as prominent figures in the local community and senior officials from the various ministries.
Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ali in his address thanked the former Ambassador of France to Brunei Darussalam, Loan Forgeron and the previous president of Alliance Française de Brunei Darussalam, Pengiran Dato Paduka Haji Idris Ibni Al-Marhum Pengiran Temenggong Pengiran Haji Mohamed as well as the previous managers of Alliance Francaise for their effort in promoting better understanding of the different cultures of France and Brunei among the Brunei residents.
Recapping the Brunei December Festival 2017, the minister said, “Throughout the past three weeks, we have seen many events and activities organised across the country ranging from Muslim Youth Camps, international food festivals, creatives arts and cultural activities, E-sports as well as various exhibitions.”
He invited members of the public to visit the Cintai Dan Kenali Rasullulah exhibition at ICC open from December 24, 2017 to January 13, 2018 and also looked forward to the Brunei Film Blitz which is Brunei first short film festival to take place on this Sunday at Empire Cinema.
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