BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: Princess Hafizah Sururul Bolkiah participated in the five-kilometre women’s open category of Run for H.O.P.E. 2026 at BIBD Connects, Taman Mahkota Jubli Emas Sunday (Oct 18), which carried a message of hope, rehabilitation and second chances.
The event began with a warm-up session conducted by physical fitness and sports instructors from the Prisons Department. This was followed by the flag-off, officiated by Permanent Secretary (Security, Enforcement and Law) at the Ministry of Home Affairs Nor Hamidah Hamidon.
The event saw performances by the Prisons Department’s Serunai and Tambur Team. Visitors also had the opportunity to browse sales booths operated by the Aftercare Support Association, individuals under supervision and vendors. The event concluded with a prize presentation ceremony for the winners, with prizes presented by Nor Hamidah.
The charity run featured two race distances, 10 kilometres and five kilometres, each comprising four competitive categories: men’s open, women’s open, men’s veteran and women’s veteran.
A three-kilometre fun run was also organised to give families and the public an opportunity to participate and show their support for rehabilitation efforts and second chances for former inmates.
The event was also held in conjunction with the 56th anniversary of the renaming of Bandar Brunei to Bandar Seri Begawan for 2026.
The event aimed to strengthen community support for efforts to help former inmates rebuild their lives and reintegrate into society as productive individuals who contribute positively to their communities.
Organised by the Prisons Department in collaboration with the Bandar Seri Begawan Municipal Department, Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam (BIBD) and the Zahara Charity Foundation, Run for H.O.P.E. 2026 saw the participation of 500 individuals.
International delegation members representing the Malaysian Prisons Department, the Indonesian Correctional Institution of Kalimantan, the Singapore Prison Service and the Hong Kong Correctional Services Department also participated.
Their participation reflected the cooperation and professional ties among rehabilitation institutions at regional and international levels. It also provided opportunities to exchange experiences and best practices in human development, rebuilding lives and community support.
Run for H.O.P.E. 2026 demonstrated a shared commitment to creating a more inclusive environment where rehabilitation is supported and second chances can flourish. It also reflected the collective commitment of government agencies, the private sector, non-governmental organisations and the community to strengthening rehabilitation and social reintegration efforts. – Borneo Bulletin/ANN
