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 a titah stresses the importance of youths, being the agents of the community to possess original identity and not one that is copied from others. | PHOTOS: INFOFOTO
BERAKAS, BRUNEI-MUARA: 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 a titah stresses the importance of youths, being the agents of the community to possess original identity and not one that is copied from others, ©BRUDIRECT.COM reported.
According to the Monarch this is important to avoid being trapped by new uncertain cultures. His Majesty says youths should instead instil and preserve our cultural heritage and not let it erode or die. His Majesty made the titah at the 10th National Youth Day celebration which took place at the Indoor Stadium of the Hassanal Bolkiah National Sports Complex yesterday. At the ceremony, His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam also consented to present the National Youth Awards 2015 to four recipients.
Upon arrival at the Indoor Stadium, His Majesty was greeted by Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Laila Diraja Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Hazair bin Haji Abdullah, the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, as the Chairman of the National Youth Day Celebration Executive Committee, and Datin Paduka Hajah Adina binti Othman, the Deputy Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports.
Accompanying His Majesty were His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik.
The event began with the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah and Doa Selamat led by Yang Berhormat Pehin Datu Seri Maharaja Dato Paduka Seri Setia Doctor Ustaz Awang Haji Abdul Aziz bin Juned, the State Mufti.
The continuous support and encouragement from relevant agencies in His Majesty’s Government as well as the involvement of the private sector and non-government organisations have further elevated the youth leadership. The matter was highlighted by the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Laila Diraja Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Hazair bin Haji Abdullah, in the welcoming speech that also outlined the involvement of youths in regional and international gatherings as well as voluntary work.
In the titah, His Majesty expresses pride in the increasing involvement of the country’s youths in less popular fields and new ones, apart from their being active in charity work not only in the country but also abroad. All these, His Majesty says are useful to youths as agents of the community.
The Youth Pledge was read by a group led by Awang Mohd Shafique bin Haji Mohd Hussain, a young entrepreneur who pioneered the BIMP-EAGA Start-Up Hub in the country, and is active in voluntary programmes. He also started Parkour sports in the country and is a graduate in the New Media Graphic Design.
The theme of this year’s National Youth celebration, “Youth with Vision Generate the Economy” was illustrated and translated through a performance by over one thousand youth representing various professions. The performance depicted the willingness of youth to work hard and achieve results towards excellent living standard in all fields of industry and healthy activities.
His Majesty’s proclaiming the 1st of August as the National Youth Day is a recognition and appreciation to the youth’s movement. Among its objectives are to raise the status of the youth movement, as well as to provide youth the opportunity to interact and exchange ideas in various aspects.
The highlight of the celebration was the presentation of the National Youth Awards 2015. The Society of Community Outreach and Training (SCOT) was announced as the recipient of the Youth Association Award. The association received a plaque, a certificate of appreciation and BND5,000. The society is organises various activities for youths and the local community that focus on practical directions.
The Meritorious Youth Leader Award was a recognition and honour for producing authoritative, visionary and courteous youth. Datin Hajah Siti Hajar Binti Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Setia Dato Paduka Haji Mohd Yusof was chosen as the award recipient and received a plaque,a woven cloth, a certificate of appreciation and BND3,000.
This year’s Youth Volunteer Award was presented Dayang Nurliyana Fatin Binti Ariffin. The recipient is active in conducting voluntary activities and programmes in and outside the country. She received a plaque, a woven cloth, a certificate of appreciation and BND3,000.
Awang Goh Kiat Chun or better known as Wu Chun was chosen as the recipient of the Excellent Youth Award. He was chosen for his contribution in bringing glory and fame to the country’s name, services to the youth movement and development, carrying out the trust place on him and high commitment. He received a plaque, woven cloth, a certificate of appreciation and BND$3,000.
His Majesty’s concern and attention towards the development and progress of the country’s youth is a catalyst and inspiration to youths to give meaningful contribution to the progress of the nation, religion and country. It is hoped that the theme ‘Youth with Vision Generate the Economy’ will motivate the young people to increase efforts towards increasing the country’s economic growth and to become a productive workforce in line with the government’s efforts towards realising the National Vision 2035.