| Hakim Hayat |
A TOTAL of 394 youth enrolled in the 8th National Service Programme (PKBN) will embark on a three-month journey in an initiative geared towards producing youth who are responsible, disciplined, dynamic, united, courageous and capable of contributing to the country’s socio-economic development.
The 8th intake of the programme, which sees a total of 249 male and 145 female trainees, is the largest intake since its inception in 2011.
During the launching ceremony held at the PKBN Training Camp in Batu Apoi in Temburong District yesterday, guest of honour 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 congratulated all the trainees for coming out of their comfort zones to gain new and challenging experiences.
“I am proud because all of you have come forward to respond to the responsibility towards becoming outstanding individuals much needed by the nation. You denote the sense of optimal human capital who possess strong self-identity and spirit of patriotism, as mentioned by 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 during the passing out parade for the previous intake in March this year,” the minister added.
The minister said that the trainees will gain useful knowledge to enable them to enhance their physical and spiritual abilities during their time in the training camp.
“The trainees are hoped to take full advantage of the next three months and open their minds, while facing new skills in the best possible way. With hard work and determination, I believe all trainees will make us all proud as exemplary Bruneian youth who are resilient in facing any hurdles or challenges,” he added.
The launching ceremony also saw the video screening of PKBN’s performances from the 8th intake, including the reading of the PKBN oath by all the new trainees.
Legislative Council member Yang Berhormat Haji Emran bin Haji Sabtu, Commissioner of the Royal Brunei Police Force (RBPF) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Mohd Jammy bin Haji Muhd Shah Al-Islam and other senior government officials from different ministries, parents and guardians were also present.
Implemented under the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports (MCYS), the goal of PKBN is to enhance the spirit of patriotism, commitment and resilience among youth in addition to strengthening the understanding contained in the constitution of the state and the national philosophy of Malay Islamic Monarchy (MIB).
