| James Kon |
STRESSING the importance of strong family institution through bonding, 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 said that Family Day should not only be celebrated in the month of May but throughout the year.
The minister highlighted this during the fun-filled National Family Day 2018 event yesterday at the Taman Mahkota Jubli Emas, where he was the guest of honour.
Also present were wife Datin Hajah Norhayana Janis binti Abdullah Lim and their two children.
Welcoming the minister and his family at the event were Legislative Council member Yang Berhormat Ong Tiong Oh Pehin Kapitan Lela Diraja Dato Paduka Goh King Chin and Chinese Chamber of Commerce Bandar Seri Begawan (BSB) President Malcolm Lim Tiong Han.
The minister in an interview with the Bulletin added, “Family Day is about the importance of bonding and we have seen that it touches people of all races. It is good to see Family Day expanded nationwide.
“It is very positive to see everyone making an effort to make Family Day an important platform. Today, the Chinese community has made use of this platform to celebrate together.”
The event was organised by the Chinese community (or Masyarakat Tionghua) of Brunei-Muara District led by the Chinese Chamber of Commerce BSB with Cityneon Displays & Construction Sdn Bhd as the event management.
It aimed to create a harmonious and strong family unit, to provide quality time for families involved as well as to offer space for families to interact, communicate and have fun in line with the National Family Day theme Keluargaku Harapanku.
Malcolm Lim in his welcoming remark said, “Everyone has heard the old phrase that says ‘there is no nation without homes’. Therefore, I believe that everyone recognises the importance of a complete family and its important role in our nation, in our economic development and in shaping of our future generation.”
He said a complete family with excellent and harmonised communicating environment for parents and children can combat and prevent many social problems such as drug abuse, domestic violence and school dropouts.
The Chinese Chamber of Commerce BSB President also highlighted how mobile devices have impacted the communications dynamics between parents and children.
“Educating your children from young the right way of using these devices is a must. It is also important to allocate time to take your children out to experience nature so that they know how to appreciate it. A balanced time spent with children is crucial,” he said.
The National Family Day 2018 main event involved a Fun Run/Walk covering 3km around the capital.
The minister with Yang Berhormat Ong Pehin Kapitan Lela Diraja Dato Paduka Goh and Malcolm Lim officiated and joined the walk/run.
The other events comprised over 40 games and activities such as parent-child game, family game, selfie scavenger, mini rides, water bubbles, balloon twisting, balloon darts and spin-to-win.