| Aziz Idris |
THE Knowledge Convention 2018 will highlight the full-scale implementation efforts to enhance agricultural and fisheries productivity growth in the Sultanate under the leadership of 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.
This year, the convention will focus on economy and take up agriculture as a key agenda in line with the theme ‘Agricultural Sector: Survivability of the People and Country’.
Members of the public specifically the youth are invited to attend the upcoming Knowledge Convention 2018 at the International Convention Centre (ICC) from November 27–29, and take the opportunity to listen as well as understand the content of the seminars as the knowledge gained will become useful for future planning in obtaining a valuable insight on the lucrative agricultural industry.
During a joint press conference at Sejati Room, ICC yesterday, organisers outlined the main events held throughout the three-day convention beginning with the official opening ceremony to be held on November 27 by His Majesty and Her Majesty Duli Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha binti Al-Marhum Pengiran Pemancha Pengiran Anak Haji Mohamed Alam.
The State Mufti Pehin Datu Seri Maharaja Dato Paduka Seri Setia (Dr) Ustaz Haji Awang Abdul Aziz bin Juned is expected to deliver a special lecture during the opening ceremony.
The Premier Forum is the main programme of the Knowledge Convention 2018 that will take place on November 28 involving an active discussion by the panel of speakers comprising local and international experts.
His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah ibni His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office is scheduled to attend the Premier Forum.
A special lecture entitled ‘Women as Drivers of the National Aspiration in Agricultural Sector’ will be delivered on the final day of the convention by Vice-Chancellor of Universiti Teknologi Brunei (UTB) Professor Dr Hajah Zohrah binti Haji Sulaiman.
Her Royal Highness Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah binti Pengiran Haji Salleh Ab Rahaman is expected to attend the final day.
Several seminars are expected to be held in parallel session throughout the three-day convention highlighting topics related to this year’s theme.
A total of 24 panellists will present their working papers during the seminar comprising senior government officers, local institution educators, non-government organisations (NGOs) and local entrepreneurs who are experts in their fields.
Meanwhile, the Knowledge Convention Exhibition 2018 will be held for seven days starting November 27 – December 3 focussing on five areas – introduction to agriculture; agricultural education; agribusiness eco-system; entrepreneurship and product; and agro technology.
Present at the press conference were the organisers represented by Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism (MPRT) Pengiran Haji Kamalrudzaman bin Pengiran Haji Mohd Ishak, Permanent Secretary (Law and Welfare) at the Prime Minister’s Office Haji Mohammed Rosli bin Haji Ibrahim, Permanent Secretary (Energy) at the Ministry of Energy, Manpower and Industry Haji Azhar bin Haji Yahya, Permanent Secretary (Performance and Corporate) at the Ministry of Finance and Economy Pengiran Hajah Zety Sufina binti Pengiran Dato Paduka Haji Sani, Director of Agriculture and Agrifood Hajah Aidah binti Haji Mohd Hanifah and Acting Director of Fisheries Mariani binti Haji Sabtu.
The Knowledge Convention 2018 is among the events held in conjunction with His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam’s 72nd birthday celebration.
The convention was inaugurated in 2004 and since then has given added value to the celebration as well as being a catalyst in understanding diverse fields.