BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: Youth are an important national asset with a major role in shaping the future of Brunei Darussalam, Acting Head of the Belait District Information Branch Ahmad Fadillah Akhbar Sellahhuddin said.
He highlighted the importance of exposing young people to national policies, nationhood, personal development, self-identity and inclusivity during the opening of the Information Literacy Programme for Belait District Youth at the Information Department in Berakas on Saturday (Aug 15).
The two-day programme, organised by the Information Department at the Prime Minister’s Office through its Belait District Information Branch, is being held as a platform to disseminate official information and convey government initiatives to youth.
Some 52 youth from the Belait District are participating, comprising youth athletes, association members, students from the Belait Sixth Form Centre, Institute of Brunei Technical Education Jefri Bolkiah Campus and Politeknik Brunei Lumut Campus, as well as grassroots and mosque youth.
Pengiran Ahmad Fadillah Akhbar, who is also the programme chairman, said the initiative supports the Information Department’s vision of ‘Cultivating an Informed Society’ while expanding the dissemination of information on government policies and activities through suitable platforms and approaches.
He expressed hope that the programme would positively impact participants’ personal development and contribute towards achieving Brunei Vision 2035 goal of a high quality of life.
Themed ‘Building Bruneian Youth Identity through Strength, Resilience and Self-Appreciation’, the programme incorporates its message throughout its activities, including briefings, a motivational forum and visits to selected agencies.
Participants will attend briefings on cybercrime, scammers and money mules by the Cyber Crime Investigation Division of the Criminal Investigation Department, Royal Brunei Police Force, as well as youth aspirations by the Youth and Sports Department.
The programme also features a motivational forum with Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali Visiting Counsellor Ali Yusri Abdul Ghafor, mountaineer and traveller Qurratu’aini Qayyimah Dr Al-Haj Zelzy, and long-distance runner Zainal Azim Zainal Abidin.
Cafe owner Labibah Shafiee will also share insights on building a full-time career in the food and beverage business sector.
Participants will also visit Al-Islah Centre and attend briefings on the roles and responsibilities of Brunei citizens, rehabilitation, integration and personal capacity building.
A workshop on Menambat Dastar and Menapih Sinjang conducted by the Adat Istiadat Negara Department will also be held.
Acting Head of the Strategic Communications Division Mufidah Abdul Hakim was present. - Borneo Bulletin/ANN
