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In conjunction with the Golden Jubilee Celebration of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam’s Accession to the Throne which will be held this year, the Committee for Media, Publicity, Exhibitions and Printing would like to inform the public that the official Website, Mobile App and Social Media accounts including the official hashtag for the Golden Jubilee Celebration may be accessed as of today, Wednesday, 16th August 2017.

The establishment of the Website and Mobile App is aimed at providing information including the latest news on the celebration of the Golden Jubilee of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam’s Accession to the Throne. The Website and Mobile App also contains information such as the Calendar of Events, posters and publications in relation to the Golden Jubilee. The information will be updated from time to time.

In addition to the informative contents, the Website and Mobile App will also provide an interactive platform that enables members of the public to convey their greetings online in relation to the Golden Jubilee Celebration.

The public will also be able to watch live broadcast events through “Live Streaming” on the Website and Mobile App.

The public may now access and follow the following:
1) Website – www.HMjubliemas.gov.bn
2) Facebook, Instagram & Twitter – @HMjubliemas

The public may also use the official Golden Jubilee hashtag, #HMjubliemas in their respective social media account posts. For Android mobile users, the Mobile App HMjubliemas may now be downloaded through Google Play; whereas for IOS mobile users, the Mobile App HMjubliemas will be made available from the App Store in the near future.

I have missing all these prestigious events and finally I had a taste of Bersama Rakyat with 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 Darussalamn conjunction with His Majesty’s 71st birthday celebration at Taman SOAS. It was not as crowded as previous years but the spirit remains high. The people of Brunei Darussalam got up close and personal to greet His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam and other members of the Royal Family.

Also attending the ceremony 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 Haji Jefri Bolkiah; His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik; and His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Mateen.

I missed the performances but judging from the pictures, it looked pretty colourful and vibrant. I can’t imagine the stamina and the willingness of His Majesty the Sultan, even at the age of 71, to spend at least 2 hours in the humid conditions to meet and greet. I truly salute His Majesty for his dedication and time to spend time with the people and may Allah bless him for his generousity and kindness.

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 and Her Majesty Duli Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha binti Al-Marhum Pengiran Pemancha Pengiran Anak Haji Mohamed Alam; His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Her Royal Highness Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah binti Pengiran Haji Salleh Ab Rahaman; His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah; His Royal Highness Prince Haji Jefri Bolkiah; His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik and Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Raabi’atul ‘Adawiyyah binti Pengiran Haji Bolkiah; His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Wakeel; Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Rashidah Sa’adatul Bolkiah; Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Majeedah Nuurul Bolkiah; Her Royal Highness Princess Ameerah Wardatul Bolkiah; and Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Masna, Ambassador-at-Large at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade in a group photo. Click image to enlarge.

His Majesty viewing a huge portrait during a cycling event

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 and Her Majesty Duli Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha binti Al-Marhum Pengiran Pemancha Pengiran Anak Haji Mohamed Alam, together with other members of the royal family, graced the 14th Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebrations at the Plenary Hall of the International Convention Centre (ICC) in Berakas recently.

Accompanying Their Majesties at the event were His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Her Royal Highness Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah binti Pengiran Haji Salleh Ab Rahaman; His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah; and His Royal Highness Prince Haji Jefri Bolkiah.

Also accompanying Their Majesties were His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik and Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Raabi’atul ‘Adawiyyah binti Pengiran Haji Bolkiah; His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Wakeel; Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Rashidah Sa’adatul Bolkiah; Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Majeedah Nuurul Bolkiah; Her Royal Highness Princess Ameerah Wardatul Bolkiah; and Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Masna, Ambassador-at-Large at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Upon arrival, Their Majesties and members of the royal family were greeted by Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Suyoi bin Haji Osman, Minister of Education and Chairman of the Yayasan Board of Directors.

His Majesty the Sultan and members of the Royal Family at Progresif pavilion

His Majesty the Sultan consented to sign the plaque from Progresif. Progresif Cellular Sdn Bhd (Progresif) has pledged to continue with its efforts to stay progressive in support of the country’s Vision 2035 aspirations. One of the ways the company is helping to realise this ambitious vision is through employing more locals in its workforce and hinted in launching the 4G network from Progresif.

The event also featured an exhibition from the Prime Minister’s Office; the ministries of culture, youth and sports, finance, education, religious affairs, and health; as well as several private sector firms, namely the Authority for Info-communications Technology Industry of Brunei Darussalam (AITI), Brunei LNG Sdn Bhd, Brunei Gas Carriers Sdn Bhd, and Brunei Methanol Company.

Also participating as exhibitors were Telekom Brunei Berhad, Progresif Cellular Sdn Bhd, DST Communications Sdn Bhd, DARe (Darussalam Enterprise), Royal Brunei Airlines (RB), Institution of Surveyors, Engineers and Architects (PUJA), as well as several local banks namely BIBD, Baiduri Bank and Perbadanan TAIB.

With the consent of His Majesty, Yayasan invited over 1,000 of its top achievers – comprising those who have received awards or medals for their accomplishments and good services in relevant fields – to take part in the celebrations.

These individuals, mostly comprised of public figures, academicians, and Jasawan (religious figures), have gained success and received recognition in various fields such as education, religion and literature – both individually and as a group – at the national, regional and international levels.

The participants also include Qaris and Qariahs, including winners of Al-Quran memorising competitions; Youth Leadership Award recipients; award recipients in the medical, engineering, finance, community, and management and services fields; winners of sports events; and students who have been given recognition for being the top 10 in the world in certain subjects.

Such achievements fall in line with one of Brunei Vision 2035 objectives: that of making the country known internationally for its highly educated and skilful citizens.

The invitation of the 1,000 high achievers to this year’s ICC Hari Raya celebrations is a manifestation of His Majesty’s concern towards their success in their respective fields, and hoped to motivate them to increase their efforts further to achieve more success and excellence in the future.

It was also meant as a show of appreciation, support and recognition towards the invitees’ good services, achievement and success, which have brought honour to the nation and serve as a model example to the younger generation to work hard towards achieving success and excellence in their lives. Text courtesy of Lyna Mohd of Borneo Bulletin and images courtesy of Fazizul Haqimie.

His Majesty the Sultan with members of Royal Family at Brunei Gas Carrier pavilion. Also present was the new Managing Director of Brunei Gas Carriers, John Douglas Cook.

His Majesty the Sultan at DST pavilion

Her Majesty Duli Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha binti Al-Marhum Pengiran Pemancha Pengiran Anak Haji Mohamed Alam viewing BIBD pavilion

His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik and Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Raabi’atul ‘Adawiyyah binti Pengiran Haji Bolkiah

His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik and Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Raabi’atul ‘Adawiyyah binti Pengiran Haji Bolkiah at PUJA booth

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 and His Excellency Mr. Lee Hsien Loong, Prime Minister of Singapore jointly launched the new $50 commemorative notes issued by the two countries at the Instant Presidential Palace in Singapore this morning. Image taken by EPA.

Officiating the ceremony to commemorate the milestone. Image taken by AFP.

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 and His Excellency Mr. Lee Hsien Loong, Prime Minister of Singapore jointly launched the new $50 commemorative notes issued by the two countries in a ceremony held today at the Istana Presidential Palace, Singapore, to mark the 50th Anniversary of the Currency Interchangeability Agreement between Brunei Darussalam and Singapore.

The Currency Interchangeability Agreement took effect on 12 June 1967 between Brunei Darussalam and Singapore to facilitate improved economic and trade relations between the parties, and is a key economic cooperation between Brunei Darussalam and Singapore. It was signed by the then Chairman of the Brunei Currency Board (now known as Autoriti Monetari Brunei Darussalam) and the Chairman of the Board of Commissioners Currency, Singapore (which merged with the Monetary Authority of Singapore in 2002).

Under the Agreement, AMBD and MAS will accept the currency issued by the other, and to exchange it at par and without charge, into their own currency. Banks in both countries will accept for deposit from the general public and businesses, currency issued by the other country at par.

Through the years, the Agreement has brought about economic benefits and strengthened the financial links between Brunei Darussalam and Singapore. Today’s joint launch of the new $50 commemorative notes reaffirms to the public, retailers and financial institutions in both countries that Brunei Darussalam and Singapore currency notes are still interchangeable at par.

The commemorative notes will be made available to the general public both in Brunei Darussalam and Singapore from 2pm today, 5 th July 2017, while the circulation notes will be available from 2pm Friday, 7th July 2017 across all banks and their branches in both countries.

For more information on the 50th Anniversary of the Currency Interchangeability Agreement between Brunei Darussalam and Singapore, please visit AMBD’s website at www.ambd.gov.bn or download the AMBD App through the Appstore or Google Playstore.

There has been so much buzz on the commemorative notes from AMBD as many were interested in them. I won’t be surprised if the stocks they have currently will run out in a few days time. I’m hoping to get hold of them once I get back from my short trip.

The new Brunei BND50 note

The new Singapore SGD 50 note

Interesting fact: The special bills, which were jointly designed by Brunei’s Abdul Ajihis Haji Terawih, and Singapore artists Eng Siak Loy and Weng Ziyan, pay tribute to the ties between the two countries.

The front of the B$50 and S$50 notes remain unique to each sovereign nation – Brunei’s features a portrait of the Sultan, and Singapore one of its first president Yusof Ishak – the shared design on the back of these notes reflects “our common values, as well as key areas of our close cooperation, including in defence education and tourism.

The designs on the back include sketches of students, among other items.

The flowers in full bloom on the front symbolise “the flourishing friendship between the two countries”, a joint statement by the Monetary Authority of Singapore and its Brunei counterpart said.

The front also includes the 50th anniversary logo of the Currency Interchangeability Agreement, which came into effect on June 12, 1967.

The Identical Numbered Notes Set and Brunei 3-in-1 Uncut Sheet. Limited stocks. Click image to enlarge.

Brunei 8-in-1 Uncut Sheet and Brunei 40-in-1 Uncut Sheet. Limited stocks. Click image to enlarge.

Coffee Table Book

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 delivering the titah during Perbadanan Tabung Amanah Islam Brunei (TAIB) 25th Anniversary celebration earlier this morning

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 attended Perbadanan Tabung Amanah Islam Brunei (TAIB) 25th Anniversary celebration held at International Convention Centre (ICC) earlier this morning.

Also in attendance were His Royal Highness Prince Haji Sufri Bolkiah, His Royal Highness Prince Haji Jefri Bolkiah, His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik and His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Wakeel.

The royal entourage were greeted by Yang Berhormat Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports cum Chairman of Perbadanan TAIB, Yang Berhormat Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Hj Othman and Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Paduka Seri Utama Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Hj Awang Salim bin Hj Besar, Chairman of TAIB Syariah Advisory Committee.

His Majesty the Sultan delivered a titah, lauding the achievements of TAIB for the past 25 years.

The event also saw a corporate video to mark TAIB Silver Jubilee milestone. His Majesty the Sultan then consented to present awards to long service recipients of TAIB, 17 of them, who have worked for 25 years. His Majesty the Sultan also presented awards to the top 10 finalists of the TAIB Entrepreneurship Programme where the top three received cash prizes – BND 5,000, BND 3,000 and BND 2,000 respectively.

His Majesty the Sultan then consented to visit TAIB Exhibition and also launched Darussalam Holdings Sdn Bhd Loyalty Programme, As-Salam. It was also a grateful moment when all the Top 10 finalists of the TAIB Entrepreneurship Programme shared their ideas of their business to His Majesty the Sultan.

The Royal Family in attendance

His Majesty the Sultan handing an award to Haji Osman, the Managing Director of Insurans Islam TAIB for his long service

Another recipient of long service award under TAIB

The winner of the TAIB Entrepreneurship Programme

The runner up of the TAIB Entrepreneurship Programme

The attendance in today’s milestone event

Representatives from TAIB and its subsidiaries

His Majesty the Sultan visited and toured the TAIB exhibition

His Majesty the Sultan with His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Wakeel with associates from Darussalam Holdings

His Majesty the Sultan at Insurans Islam TAIB booth

One of the recipients of the TAIB Entrepreneurship Programme

His Majesty the Sultan with the participants of the TAIB Entrepreneurship Programme

Representatives from TAIB

Her Royal Highness Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah binti Pengiran Haji Salleh Ab Rahaman stressed on ensuring a sustainable and prosperous future for the present and the next generation, added that the next generation is the next best hope in securing a favourable future on this planet.

Her Royal Highness in her sabda at the opening ceremony of the 13th International School Brunei (ISB) Borneo Global Issues Conference (BGIC) at the International Convention Centre (ICC), said to realise the full potential of the next generation, we need to invest in them.

“We need to further increase their awareness of the problems the world will face and equip them with the tools to solve them. We need to constantly build up their capacity. Education is more than what we receive in a classroom. Events like the BGIC refine the other important life skills that include communication, persuasion, negotiation, networking and character development,” Her Royal Highness said.

“In particular, I hope that the students’ active participation in the format of a model United Nations conference can allow them to take the perspective of world leaders and inculcate in themselves a strong understanding of how debate, negotiation, protocol, mutual understanding and compromise can slowly but surely advance the causes that they care about,” she added.

“We need to give today’s youths more platforms like BGIC to let them act according to their conscience and sense of responsibility,” Her Royal Highness added.

It can be a catastrophe if the objectives of ending global poverty and inequality are not met. Her Royal Highness also touched on climate change that has impacted public health, the environment, food and water security, migration, peace and security.

Her Royal Highness reminded us the quote by the former UN Secretary-General famously stated, “There is no Plan B, because there is no planet B.”

I can’t believe this is the 13th edition of the BGIC. I used to be involved as a social media partner in helping creating awareness of what happens during BGIC and I have to salute the team and organiser behind the BGIC project. It’s never an easy feat to pull off a huge event and kudos to all of them.

The ISB Borneo Global Issue Conference (ISB BGIC) is an annual student led model UN conference where participants represent various countries, addressing their views on current and real world issues among their peers. The conference is an initiative aimed at the expansion of students’ understanding of global citizenship and improving public speaking and negotiation skills. The four day event came to a close yesterday at International Convention Centre.

It also good to see the involvement of different local schools in this project. Over 150 students from 21 schools were involved and this is a great platform for them to learn to negotiate and create resolutions between one another.

BGIC also had three keynote speakers – Kenny Peavy, Dr (Hon) Wong Siew Te and Karan Jerath.

Click image to enlarge

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 made a surprise visit the day after the official launch. It was a great gesture by His Majesty the Sultan and unlike other countries, our Sultan loves to connect with the people of Brunei, up close and personal. Image courtesy of @queennajmina

After many shifting and relocating, this looks to be a permanent spot for Pasar Gadong or what they call “Pasar Pelbagai Barangan Gadong”. Yea, it’s kinda of a long name but many of us are used to Pasar Gadong.

You will be surprised to how much the vendors are now paying as compared to before. Previously they will fork out as much as $300 to $400 per month. Now with a better set up and proper facilities, the vendors are only paying less than $40 per month which is a real steal.

The new facilities is a gift from 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.

These have been an ongoing problem for the market vendors since last year due to the reallocation. Hence now the problem have been solved with the support and involvement of the Brunei Government.

It has a proper shelter, high roofing, spacious and well built. I believe LSL contributed in this project (from what I heard). Perhaps there was one minor thing and that’s the smoking vents. I’m not sure if it’s working or not but some parts were smokey. Well, it’s just a minor thing but I hope it can be looked into.

It was great to know that some entrepreneurs were given micro-credit from DARe (Darussalam Enterprise) where they received finance to help move their businesses.

It was also a great sight to see His Majesty the Sultan making a surprise visit at the newly established Pasar Pelbagai Barangan and toured the premises. His Majesty was the favourite among the crowd where selfies became a common thing. Sellers and vendors also took the opportunity to thank His Majesty in person.

The Pasar Pelbagai Barangan was officially launched last week by Pehin Datu Singamanteri Colonel (Rtd) Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Awang Haji Mohammad Yasmin bin Haji Umar, Minister of Energy and Industry at the Prime Minister’s Office.

The refurbishment of the market was done under the Julangan Titah Project, an initiative of the Office 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.

Let’s hope this will boost the economy for Brunei and make this one of the attractions for foreigners and tourists alike. I’ve already been there twice and I’m impressed. Just make sure we keep the place nice and clean and be grateful to His Majesty the Sultan in providing such facilities for vendors.

Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran-Pengiran Cheteria, Cabinet Ministers, members of Legislative Council and senior government officials attended the official opening last week

Yang Berhormat Pehin Datu Singamanteri Colonel (Rtd) Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Awang Haji Mohammad Yasmin bin Haji Umar, the Minister of Energy and Industry at the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) during the launch< /strong>

One of the recipients of the micro credit scheme

The attendees during the launch

One of the vendors at Pasar Pelbagai Barangan

I kinda like this churros

Vendors enjoying brisk business during the first few days of operations

Jaymee hunting for apam

I love the high ceiling and the structure of the pasar

It’s the durian season

Cakoi anyone?

Quite a crowd especially during night time

It’s the festive season for Chinese new year and it’s the year of the rooster. I could have bought some shirts from Singapore that has some rooster designs on them. I might look cheesy in them but it’s only once (maybe in a life time that I would wear it lol). It wasn’t as many invites that I had but it was evenly spread out during the weekend.

I’ve told myself that I will go on a no-carb diet from 6pm onwards starting next week. Let’s see how that goes. With my travels in February, It might just get a bit tricky. It’s all about the discipline, right?

Below are some of the pictures from my recent CNY visits last weekend.

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, and Chancellor of Universiti Teknologi Brunei’s (UTB) has urged UTB to create a curriculum that reinforces entrepreneurial spirit among graduates.

Delivering a titah at UTB Convocation Ceremony 2016, His Majesty said, “Alhamdulillah, I have heard that graduates from UTB are capable in meeting the needs of the job market. But at the same time, their involvement in entrepreneurship is still at a low level. Therefore, it is time for UTB to put in efforts to reform its curriculum to ensure that entrepreneurial spirit and opportunities are better developed at a much earlier stage.”

His Majesty hailed UTB for upgrading its status and the successful expansion of study programmes, as yesterday’s graduation ceremony involved 12 degree programmes.

It was the 4th Bachelor’s Degree graduation convocation and the 25th Higher National Diploma (HND) convocation of the university.

His Majesty congratulated UTB’s new graduates and wished that their achievement will be a catalyst for future success. The monarch also congratulated the parents and guardians of the new graduates as well as the academicians who worked hard to ensure the students stayed on the right path throughout their studies.

Commending the decision to upgrade Institut Teknologi Brunei (ITB) to UTB after reaching 30 years of its establishment, His Majesty hoped that with the new name, UTB will augment its efforts to fulfil the objective, mission and vision of the institution. Whatever is planned and implemented must conform to the national philosophy of Malay Islamic Monarchy (MIB), the monarch reiterated.

Acknowledging the success of the university which saw the first graduation of students from 12 degree programmes that were first introduced in 2012 (in 2009-2011, UTB (then ITB) only had four programmes), His Majesty said that this is a proud achievement for UTB that has diversified or enlarged the number of study options available for students, and urged UTB to continue expanding and introducing other study programmes that are relevant towards realising the nation’s economic development.

Touching on sources of jobs from the non-oil and gas sector, His Majesty took note of the establishment of the School of Applied Sciences and Mathematics that offers Bachelor’s Degree programme in Food Science and Technology. “The programme, among others, is hoped to support the growth of the country’s food industry and make it more competitive in the international arena.”

His Majesty also stressed on the importance of accreditation for professional programmes, stating that efforts towards it can enhance the level of skills and marketability of graduates.

“I am delighted to know that the UTB School of Computing and Informatics has been accredited by the British Computer Society, which is an international professional body. In a period of global economic uncertainties, the initiative towards accreditation can save the cost of training incurred by employers,” the monarch said.

His Majesty also urged that in facing the world economic crisis, UTB and other public higher learning institutions must show prudence in spending and not rely fully on government. Text by Azaraimy of Borneo Bulletin and images by @haqimie267

His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam in the recent Youth Day 2016 at International Convention Centre

With YEAB

His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam presented four awards to excellent youths and a non-governmental organisation at the 11th National Youth Day celebration at the International Convention Centre.

The presentation of the youth awards recognises and gives appreciation to the youth movements in Brunei, in support for the monarch’s titah and desire to encourage the youth in building and maintaining the spirit of volunteerism among the community.

The monarch was accompanied by HRH Prince Hj Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and HRH Prince ‘Abdul Malik.

With the Brunei Toastmasters