BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: Family is not only the foundation for the holistic development of an individual, but also the first line of defence in safeguarding social well-being, emotional stability, and the overall harmony of the nation, said Acting Director of the Community Development Department (JAPEM) Fauziah Mohd Salleh.
She said this in a welcoming remark during the launch of the Plan of Action on the Family Institution 2025-2029 in conjunction with the National Family Day 2026 celebration at the Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Complex on Saturday (July 4).
The Plan of Action on the Family Institution 2025-2029, she revealed, “has been developed through a systematic, inclusive, and integrated approach, with the participation of government agencies, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and strategic partners. It also draws on regional and international best practices while being carefully adapted to Brunei Darussalam’s unique socio-cultural context and enduring national values”.
She added, “The Action Plan is guided by a vision to empower families that are loving, strong, and resilient. At its core are the family values encapsulated in ‘SaTu HaraPan’ – Sayang Menyayangi (Love), Tanggungjawab (Responsibility), Hormat-Menghormati (Respect), and Pemedulian (Care). These values form the foundation for building strong, resilient families and, in turn, a harmonious and prosperous society.”
The launch of the Plan of Action on the Family Institution 2025-2029 book marks a strategic and visionary step by the government in empowering the family institution as the primary shield for social well-being and the core foundation for community and national development.
Formulated inclusively through a whole-of-nation approach, the plan outlines three main goals to build happy, strong, and resilient families capable of facing current and future challenges.
As a dynamic living document, the effectiveness of the action plan relies heavily on continuous commitment.
The ceremony saw a video presentation and a Kalam Jama’ie performance by Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Damit Arabic School students.
It concluded with the recitation of Doa Peliharakan Sultan dan Negara Brunei Darussalam and the Family Prayer by Nordin Durahman.
Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Pengiran Datuk Seri Setia Shamhary Pengiran Datuk Paduka Mustapha was the guest of honour.
Meanwhile, JAPEM is hosting a roadshow and an exhibition at the Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Complex for two days.
The roadshow and exhibition aim to increase public awareness regarding the importance of the family institution, while highlighting programmes, services, and initiatives provided by ministries, departments, government agencies, the private sector, and NGOs to strengthen the family institution.
The exhibition is divided into three main zones, Zone 1: Family Life Journey, Zone 2: Family Resilience and Zone 3: SaTu HaraPan (Family Values and Culture).
National Family Day is celebrated on the first Sunday of May every year, and this year it falls on May 3, 2026, themed ‘Keluargaku, Harapanku’ (My Family, My Hope).
The focus of National Family Day aligns with the mission of the Plan of Action on the Family Institution 2025-2029, which is to implement the core Brunei family values – ‘SaTu HaraPan’. - Borneo Bulletin/ANN
