| Syazwani Hj Rosli |
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 yesterday graced the 13th National Youth Day celebration held at the Plenary Hall of the International Convention Centre (ICC) in Berakas.
Accompanying His Majesty were His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office; His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik; His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah; His Royal Highness Prince Haji Jefri Bolkiah; and other members of the royal family.
Upon arrival, the royal entourage was greeted by Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Awang Haji Aminuddin Ihsan bin Pehin Orang Kaya Saiful Mulok Dato Seri Paduka Haji Abidin, in his capacity as the Chairman of the Executive Committee of the 13th National Youth Day celebration.
The ceremony began with the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah and Doa Selamat by State Mufti Pehin Datu Seri Maharaja Dato Paduka Seri Setia (Dr) Ustaz Haji Awang Abdul Aziz bin Juned.
In his welcoming remarks, the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports highlighted that the theme of the celebration, Belia Pemacu Brunei Maju, emphasises the importance of nurturing an ecosystem that encourages and supports young entrepreneurs continuously.
The event then saw His Majesty delivering a titah which detailed the government’s initiatives to enhance youth entrepreneurship.
Following this, the Youth Oath was read by a group of youth led by Head of the Information Department in the Belait District Pengiran Haji Ahmad Fadillah Akhbar bin Pengiran Haji Sellahhuddin, in his capacity as the Co-founder and Advisor of the Bina Ukhwah Project.
The ceremony continued with a video presentation which featured several young entrepreneurs who have achieved excellence and youth who have ventured into new industries and inspired others to move forward in achieving entrepreneurial success.
The event also saw a choir performance by youth from various youth associations and people with different abilities.
This was followed by the announcement of winners of Youth Awards in four categories – Excellent Youth Award, Youth Service Award, Young Youth Leaders Award and Excellent Project Award for Youth. The awards were presented by His Majesty prior to the mass singing of the national anthem Allah Peliharakan Sultan.
The monarch then proceeded to tour the youth assembly at the Main Conference Hall of ICC.
The celebration came to a close with a group photo session with His Majesty.
Various programmes have been scheduled to further enliven the 13th National Youth Day celebration which includes the Youth Bus Programme to be held from September 8-15, Youth Water Sports in the capital on August 26 and a mass cycling event of which the date will be announced later.