| Lyna Mohamad |
A TOTAL of 388 National Service Programme (PKBN) alumni for the 8th intake took part in the passing out parade ceremony in the presence 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 yesterday.
The passing out parade ceremony was held at the PKBN Training Camp in Kampong Batu Apoi, Temburong District, marking the conclusion of a three-month period spent in training, with the largest number of recruits to date.
On arrival at the PKBN Training Camp, His Majesty was greeted by 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; Commissioner of the Royal Brunei Police Force Dato Paduka Seri Haji Mohd Jammy bin Haji Muhd Shah Al-Islam; Commander of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces Major General Pengiran Dato Paduka Seri Aminan bin Pengiran Haji Mahmud; and Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports Datin Paduka Dr Hajah Norlila binti Dato Paduka Haji Abdul Jalil.
At the Parade Square, His Majesty received a royal salute, which was followed by the national anthem and a parade inspection.
The highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of six awards to well-deserving trainees who demonstrated excellent skills, discipline and commitment throughout the training that began in December last year.
His Majesty consented to present the awards for Best Trainees to Muhammad Muazam bin A Rahman and Syahirah binti Muhammad; Best Trainees in Physical Training to Abdul Azim Mohamed @Abdul Haziq bin Abdullah and Siti Norhalizah binti Herman; and Overall Best Trainees to Mohamad Aiman Azizi bin Kamal and Nur Marsya binti Mohd Rashidi.
A Doa Selamat was then recited by PKBN Religious Officer Abdul Qayyum bin Haji Metussin.
Prior to departure from the Parade Square, His Majesty was given a royal salute accompanied by the national anthem.
Shortly afterwards, His Majesty toured an exhibition on Hydroponic Agriculture presented by PKBN alumnus from the 5th intake Mohamad Akmal Asmaan bin Haji Asmali.
His Majesty also consented to a Junjung Ziarah by the manager and members of the Bestari Community Centre.
Accompanying His Majesty during the tour was Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office Dato Seri Setia Haji Awang Abdul Mokti bin Haji Mohd Daud and Acting Minister of Education Datin Seri Paduka Dr Hajah Romaizah binti Haji Mohd Salleh.
His Majesty consented to sign a parchment marking his visit to the PKBN Training Camp yesterday.
His Majesty also received a pesambah from the PKBN Director Colonel (Rtd) Pengiran Haji Zulkifli bin Pengiran Haji Ismail.
Prior to departure, His Majesty received well-wishes from the 8th PKBN intake and also consented to a group photo with them and their parents.
Since its inception in 2011, the PKBN programme has produced over 2,000 alumni, including the 388 boys and girls who concluded their training yesterday.
The three-month training programme was conducted by 140 supervisors, coaches, medical officers and handlers from the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF), Royal Brunei Police Force (RBPF), the Fire and Rescue Department, the Internal Security Department, Brunei Darussalam Outward Bound, Religious Teachers University College of Seri Begawan (KUPU SB) and professional volunteers, with the support of the PKBN alumni.
Since its pilot project in December 2011, PKBN has continued to make great strides towards the aspirations for the nation to produce youth who will actualise Brunei Vision 2035. The PKBN is a youth development programme that aims to produce youth who are responsible, disciplined, dynamic, united and courageous in contributing to the country’s socio-economic development and strengthening national defence.
Established under the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, the goal of PKBN is to enhance the spirit of patriotism, commitment and resilience among youth, in addition to strengthening the State Constitution and the national philosophy of Malay Islamic Monarchy (MIB).