| Azlan Othman, Lyna Mohamad & Wani Roslan |
HER Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn of the Kingdom of Thailand is currently in Brunei Darussalam on a two-day visit with a delegation comprising Thailand senior government officers, media, military officers and 35 fourth-year cadets from Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy of Thailand.
Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Defence Captain (Rtd) Dato Paduka Haji Abdul Rahman bin Begawan Mudim Dato Paduka Haji Bakar welcomed Her Royal Highness and delegation on arrival at the Brunei International Airport .
Her Royal Highness visited several places of interest in Bandar Seri Begawan including Kampong Ayer, mangrove forest, Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Mosque, the Royal Regalia Museum and Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) yesterday.
Her Royal Highness’ first day in Brunei began with a visit to Kampong Tamoi at Kampong Ayer. Her Royal Highness visited the residence of Penghulu of Mukim Tamoi Ujong Pengarah Haji Mokti bin Mohd Salleh and was treated to a live demonstration on the preparation of Brunei’s delicacies followed by a performance of traditional Bruneian music and pencak silat.
Her Royal Highness then visited Haji Tarif Primary School and was welcomed by Acting Director General of Education Hajah Anis Faudzulani binti Haji Dzulkiflee. Headmistress Sarimah binti Haji Lusin briefed about the school.
The morning visit concluded with Her Royal Highness interacting with both teachers and students and a tour of the school.
Her Royal Highness later toured the ‘Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque in the capital. Her Royal Highness was greeted upon arrival by Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Religious Affairs Dato Seri Setia Haji Abdul Aziz bin Orang Kaya Maharaja Lela Haji Yusof.
Her Royal Highness signed a commemorative plaque and received a pesambah from Dato Seri Setia Haji Abdul Aziz. Her Royal Highness toured the mosque to have a closer look at the uniqueness of the religious building and posed for photos with the permanent secretary and mosque affairs officers.
Following her visits to Kampong Ayer and the ‘Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, Her Royal Highness visited UBD.
The delegation was welcomed by Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ali bin Haji Apong in his capacity as Deputy Chairman of UBD Council and Vice-Chancellor of UBD Datin Dr Hajah Anita Binurul Zahrina binti Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Wijaya Dato Seri Setia Haji Awang Abdul Aziz.
Her Royal Highness was given presentations at the Senate Room of the Chancellor Hall. The vice-chancellor briefed about UBD while Permanent Secretary (Energy) at the Ministry of Energy, Manpower and Industry Haji Azhar bin Haji Yahya presented on sustainable energy.
Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism Pengiran Kamalrudzaman bin Pengiran Haji Mohd Ishak gave a presentation on Initiative to Develop/Promote Agribusiness in Brunei Darussalam.
Her Royal Highness also interacted with Thai nationals studying at UBD.
The delegation later visited UBD Botanical Research Centre and planted a sapling to commemorate the occasion. Her Royal Highness toured the Nature Trails and Greenhouse and viewed the mini exhibition.
The tour to UBD concluded the first day visit to Brunei.
The delegation is expected to visit Royal Brunei Armed Forces Defence Academy, Wasan Agricultural Development Area and Brunei Darussalam Maritime Museum today.