| Syazwani Hj Rosli |
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 consented to officiate the Knowledge Convention 2016, held in conjunction with His Majesty’s 70th birthday celebrations, which took place at the International Convention Centre (ICC) in Berakas.
Accompanying His Majesty to the event were His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office; His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah, His Royal Highness Prince Haji Sufri Bolkiah, His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik and His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Mateen.
The event, themed ‘Generating Blessed and Safe Communications, the Catalyst of the Ummah’s Well-being’ (Menjana Perhubungan, Berkat dan Selamat, Pemangkin Kesejahteraan Ummah), aims to portray the role of technological advancement and its impact to the development of the nation and as a platform for networking for the society and country.
Upon arrival, His Majesty and members of the royal family were greeted by Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Mustappa bin Haji Sirat, the Minister of Communications in his capacity as the joint-chairman of the steering committee of the Knowledge Convention 2016; Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Haji Awang Abu Bakar bin Haji Apong, Minister of Home Affairs in his capacity as the Chairman of the National Executive Committee for His Majesty’s 70th Birthday Celebration; and Pehin Datu Seri Maharaja Dato Paduka Seri Setia (Dr) Ustaz Haji Awang Abdul Aziz bin Juned, the State Mufti in his capacity as the Advisor of the steering committee.
The opening ceremony began with the recitation of verses from the Al-Quran by Awangku Muhd Adibul Amin bin Pengiran Haji Marjuki, Champion of the National Musabaqah Tilawah Al-Quran 2016 and its interpretation.
In his welcoming remark, the Minister of Communications said the event will focus on the values and role of communication as one of the aspects in development and human civilisation.
His Majesty being greeted by one the speakers of the Knowledge Convention 2016. – PHOTOS: AZROL AZMI
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, His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office; His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah, His Royal Highness Prince Haji Sufri Bolkiah, His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik and His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Mateen during the Knowledge Convention 2016 at the International Convention Centre
His Majesty and His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah during the event
“Since its independence, and as a member of the international community, Brunei has established cooperative relations and strengthened ties through people-to-people contacts with aim of achieving mutual benefits. In this global environment, Brunei could not resist but will continue strengthening and intensifying efforts towards enhancing a communication system that is more advanced and reliable,” he added.
According to him, Brunei has taken an approach to create communication and connectivity as a basic element for market, investment, education, diplomacy and to disseminate the Islamic teachings in the regional and international level.
“The development in communication systems which includes transportation and information and communication technologies (ICTs) has surged further towards civilisation with the smooth mobilisation of people, goods, services and information that also brings various opportunities and challenges,” he said.
The minister also highlighted that the objectives of the Knowledge Convention are to achieve several consensus including the importance of a blessed and safe communication in achieving stability and harmony towards the establishment a welfare economy hence bridging the social gap, to provide an efficient communication system based on connectivity and reliability as well as to generate a knowledge-based society through ICT.
The convention then continued with His Majesty’s titah.
Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Mustappa bin Haji Sirat, the Minister of Communications delivering his wel-coming remarks
Among the guests who attended the Knowledge Convention 2016
TOP, ABOVE & BELOW: Attendees at the event. – PHOTOS: AZROL AZMI
It was followed with a special lecture delivered by the State Mufti based on the theme of the event. The State Mufti later proceeded to read the Doa Selamat to mark the end of the ceremony.
Her Majesty Duli Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha binti Al-Marhum Pengiran Pemancha Pengiran Anak Haji Mohamed Alam is expected to grace the second day of the Knowledge Convention 2016 today and His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, is expected to grace the third day of the convention on Thursday.
Various activities will take place throughout the convention, which include symposiums, premier lectures and forums.
Members of the public are welcome to attend the symposium sessions which will be held every afternoon throughout the three-day convention.
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