A YOUNG and educated generation is the priceless ‘natural resources’ of the country, said 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.
“Educated and skilled citizens will be able to drive the economy and prosperity of the nation,” the monarch noted in a titah delivered yesterday during a get-together ceremony with citizens and residents of Brunei Darussalam who are currently in Australia, while also reminding the importance of knowledge, especially in the government’s efforts towards realising the Brunei Vision 2035.
His Majesty expressed hope for the young generation to be bolder in facing challenges. “They need to come forward and give ideas and make efforts towards national development,” the monarch said.
His Majesty urged all students to use the opportunity provided by the government, not only for higher education but also to strengthen their values and self identity. “The students also have to show their commitment and loyalty by serving their country upon the completion of their studies. That is the spirit of patriotism,” the ruler added.
His Majesty went on to emphasise to the students that they are the true Bruneians who have principles, culture and own identity. “Students have to strongly adhere to this culture and identity and not let them go or exchanged as they are our assets and values,” the monarch said.
His Majesty stressed that “MIB (Malay Islamic Monarchy) is our system and identity. If we were to disregard it, it is as if we are rejecting our own system and smearing our own identity”. However, the monarch expressed confidence in Bruneian students “as they are already matured and are aware of the history of their people and country”.
His Majesty was also convinced that Bruneian students are very patriotic and highly disciplined, unlike students in other places who have become thorns in the society and are involved in unethical activities. The monarch therefore urged for the clean record of Bruneian students to be upheld.
The get-together ceremony was held at Hilton Hotel in Sydney, Australia.
At the hotel, His Majesty was greeted by Haji Zakaria bin Haji Ahmad, High Commissioner of Brunei Darussalam to Australia and wife, Hajah Norzanah binti Haji Mohd Hashim as well as Muhammad Romulus bin Muhammad Roland and Abdul Haziq Hazmi bin Haji Abdul Nasir, President and Vice-President of the Brunei Students’ Union in Sydney.
His Majesty was then ushered to Function Room 2 for a light refreshment with the Brunei Students’ Union representatives. The monarch later signed a commemorative parchment before joining a photo session with senior officers of the High Commission of Brunei Darussalam in Australia and the President and Vice-President of the Brunei Students’ Union in Sydney.
His Majesty then proceeded to the Grand Ballroom for the get-together ceremony which began with singing of the national anthem of Brunei Darussalam by the Brunei Student’s Union. It was followed by the recitation of verses from Al-Quran by Awangku Muhammad Abdul Hakeem bin Pengiran Roseli while the translation of the verses was read by Muhamad Faris bin Ali, both of whom are students from the University of South Wales.
A Doa Selamat was then recited by Pehin Datu Seri Maharaja Dato Paduka Seri Setia (Dr) Ustaz Haji Awang Abdul Aziz bin Juned, the State Mufti.
The ceremony continued with a welcoming address by Muhammad Romulus, who, on behalf of all the students, also delivered a pledge of unwavering loyalty and allegiance to His Majesty.
At the ceremony, His Majesty received a pesambah presented by the President of the Brunei Students’ Union in Sydney.
Before leaving the ceremony, the monarch proceeded to mingle with more than 300 citizens and residents of Brunei Darussalam consisting of students, government officials as well as those on vacation in Australia.
The ceremony also featured a Tausyeh performance by Bruneian students in Australia.