| Danial Norjidi |
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 visited the Institute of Brunei Technical Education (IBTE) Agro-Technology Campus (IBTE ATC) yesterday after partaking in the harvesting ceremony for the Sembada 188 hybrid paddy at the KOSEKA paddy field in Kampong Wasan.
His Majesty was accompanied by His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office; His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik; and His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Mateen.
Upon arrival at IBTE ATC, the monarch was greeted by Permanent Secretary (Higher Education) at the Ministry of Education Dr Haji Azman bin Ahmad and Acting CEO of IBTE Dr Haji Mohd Zamri bin Haji Sabli.
His Majesty proceeded to visit several sites at the campus, where displays showcasing the products of IBTE ATC – such as Roselle biscuits – and food tasting booths had been set up.
The monarch then stopped by IBTE ATC’s Crop Production Unit to take a closer look at its ‘Bruherbal Farm’ and herbal garden, before touring one of the campus’ greenhouses where he viewed a demonstration on cucumber and melon cultivation using fertigation technology and troubleshooting of the hydroponic structure at the polytunnel.
His Majesty also consented to tour a mini exhibition on the Agrobiz project, a collaborative initiative between IBTE and LiveWire Brunei initiated on January 23 involving paddy planting and the development of future young entrepreneurs in the field.
Next on His Majesty’s IBTE ATC itinerary was a tour of the veterinary clinic. Here the monarch was given a briefing by IBTE ATC students on the activities conducted by the clinic, and observed the specimens showcased in the school’s ‘Mini Skeleton Museum’.
His Majesty also visited the Agrometro incubator area at the Workshop Working Area, where he was greeted by the manager of the company and IBTE ATC alumni. His Majesty then listened to a briefing on the institute’s second year Crop Tech project and Green School Garden, a project initiated by STEP Centre of Ministry of Education.
His Majesty then consented to meet the various IBTE ATC alumni entrepreneurs (Syarikat Sinaran Suria, Agrometro Company, Syarikat Seri Asmah, and Znetic Enterprise & Znetic Detailing Solutions).
His Majesty concluded his visit by consenting to participate in group photo op and attend a luncheon at the IBTE ATC’s multi-purpose hall.