| Hakim Hayat & Fizah HAB |
THE Information Department’s Civic Village Programme for post-graduates – the programme’s first session for 2019 – continued into its third day with a series of seminars at the Sungai Kebun Sports Complex yesterday.
The day saw 35 graduates involved in various activities designed to enhance their knowledge in different aspects relating to nationalism and instil a spirit of patriotism within them.
One seminar was Negara Melayu Islam Beraja: Sejarah dan Kelangsungan, presented by Senior Special Duties Officer at the Secretariat Office, MIB Supreme Council Dr Muhammad Hadi bin Muhammad Melayong.
Dr Muhammad Hadi highlighted that the Malay Islamic Monarchy (MIB) concept is not merely a concept per se, but is a backdrop and way of life of the people of Brunei Darussalam for centuries, people who he said, are still practising the Malay customs which “are based on the teachings of Islam as well as the history of the existence of the Bruneian monarchy”, as stated 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 in his titah proclaiming Brunei’s independence on January 1, 1984.
The participants were also briefed on the Brunei Darussalam administration structure by Head of Nationhood Unit, Nationhood and Community Division, Information Department Hajah Hamsah binti Datu Kerna Haji Jaya.
In the afternoon, the group visited RZ Prisma Enterprise at the Kilanas Agricultural Development Area, where they were given an introductory briefing on the company by General Manager Pengiran Dato Paduka Haji Abdul Rahman bin Pengiran Seri Indera Pengiran Haji Ismail.
The wholly local-owned company runs a high-value vegetable and fruit farm on a one-hectare plot of land using hydroponics.
Seven employees, including three locals, work on the farm. The farm cultivates fruits such as rockmelons, watermelons, corn and pumpkins.
It produced 3.72 metric tonnes of fruit last year.
The participants also viewed the company’s greenhouse, where they were given a brief demons-tration on the hydroponics system implemented at the farm.
They also tried their hand at planting seeds for the hydroponics system.
The Civic Village Programme for post-graduates, which began in 1976, is being implemented by the Information Department to prepare the participants to be more competitive and capable in facing challenges in terms of taking up employment and entrepreneurial opportunities.
Running until February 1, the five-day programme sees the post-graduates participating in teambuilding, sports and charity activities, and visiting government departments and private enterprises.