| Danial Norjidi |
A TWO-DAY forum began yesterday at the K-Hub Lobby, putting the spotlight on how locals can capitalise on their experiences with a travel log.
The Backpackers, Lady Bicyclers and Bikers Travellers Log Forum is jointly organised by the Cottage and Young Initiative Programme (CYiP), Blueprint Publishing Service, D’Book Haus and Lady Bikers Brunei.
The event was launched with an opening ceremony that saw welcoming remarks delivered by the founder and Principal Mentor of CYiP, Captain (Rtd) Zailan bin Pehin Datu Kerma Setia Major (Rtd) Dato Seri Laila Jasa Mohd Don.
“Today’s forum will set a new chapter for local backpackers, bicyclers, riders and other travellers to perceive further to capitalise experiences with a travel log,” he said. “For those who love to write, grip the opportunities to write a book. What you write is real and many will like to read your stories.”
“CYiP through our Writers and Media cluster will play a leading role to facilitate and promote influences to those who love to write to exploit their talent,” he added.
Attending the opening ceremony yesterday as the guest of honour to launch the forum was Datin Paduka Hajah Rakiah binti Haji Zakiah, the President of the Women’s Business Council.
During the ceremony, she said, “On behalf of the Women’s Business Council, once again I am humbled to extend our tremendous appreciation to the Cottage and Youth Initiative Programme for the invitation. I hope today’s event will continue to motivate our local writers to explore the socio-economic advantages.”
“Being a private sector initiative, the CYiP has moved very fast with tremendous effort and true dedication as a strong team to support our MSMEs to propel towards practicality,” she added. “I would say a very well done for the great effort.”
The forum is open to the public and is taking place at the lobby of the K-Hub at Jalan Anggerek Desa.
Following the launch, yesterday’s proceedings saw a number of talks and discussions, including a talk with Norhayati binti Abu Bakar entitled ‘Reaching Out to the World’, before a session entitled ‘Motorcycle Diaries’ with travel log writers Kim Ong and Bijan M Baki, who wrote ‘Vamos Sur Amerika’ and a session with Lady Bikers Brunei.
Today will see the forum continue with various sharing sessions and presentations featuring Norhayati, Kim Ong and Bijan M Baki as well as Meor Farid Asyradi, the author of Travelog Mr Traveller and bestselling Malaysian author Norhafsah Hamid.
In addition to the talks and discussion sessions, the event also features an expo with a range of items on display, including various travel logs as well as equipment from Lady Bikers Brunei.