The first National Conference for Persons with Different Abilities (PWDs) has held its opening ceremony at the International Convention Centre in Berakas.
The conference on Tuesday was officiated by Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Seri Setia Nazmi Mohamad.
The event, part of the Brunei Mid-Year Conference and Exhibition 2025 calendar, was jointly organised by the Council for the Welfare of Persons with Different Abilities (Mkoku), the Community Development Department under the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports and the Brunei Youth Council.
Mkoku President Malai @Sharifah Adila Surya Malai Haji Abdullah delivered welcoming remarks, describing the conference as a platform to discuss the strengths, services and challenges faced by PWDs, explore international best practices and examine the nation’s role in supporting the life cycle needs of persons with disabilities through policy measures.
The minister then highlighted the Sultanate’s commitment to building a more inclusive society and empowering PWDs, noting key achievements and ongoing national efforts.
The ceremony also saw Nurul Huda Muhin receive the Outstanding PWD Award and Datin Noraini Abd Momin receive the PWD in Service Award, both from Pusat Ehsan Al-Ameerah Al-Hajjah Maryam, in recognition of their significant contributions.
Certificates of appreciation were also presented to the sponsors, speakers and facilitators, concluding with a group photo session.
The conference is expected to draw 300 participants, including government officials, private sector HR personnel, teachers, business owners, associations and social enterprises working with PWDs.
The opening ceremony featured a keynote speech by Chairperson of the Asean Disability Forum (ADF) and Honorary Treasurer of the International Disability Alliance PT Lim Puay Tiak.
He emphasised ADF’s crucial role in advocacy and coordination among disability organisations, stressing the imperative inclusion of PWDs’ voices in all decision-making processes.
The first day continued with several panel discussions.
Aspiring to serve as a platform for learning and exchanging best practices from both local and international perspectives, the conference also aims to produce a discussion report and recommendations to ensure national policies are more inclusive and impactful in meeting the needs of the PWD community. — Borneo Bulletin/ANN
