Brunei is set to commemorate the 18th National Youth Day on August 1, maintaining the theme ‘Belia Siaga Masa Depan’ (Future-Ready Youth), which has been in place since 2019. The theme, deemed relevant to the current situation, emphasizes the concept of “Youth Aspirations,” according to Pengiran Mohd Amirrizal bin Pengiran Haji Mahmud, Permanent Secretary (Sports) at the Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Sports (MCYS).
The concept of youth aspirations will encompass three key areas. The first is youth involvement through association or movement activities, aimed at fostering unity and individual contributions to support Brunei’s aspiration of becoming a dynamic, prosperous, and inclusive nation.
The second area is focused on skills and knowledge development, encompassing business skills, innovation, technology, research, science, and the creative industry. Empowering the youth with these competencies will drive progress and innovation.
Lastly, the celebration will highlight youth’s creative endeavors in preserving and fortifying Brunei’s heritage, culture, and civilization, including lifestyle, cultural industry, technology, heritage, and local arts.
The upcoming celebration will feature various programs, including the presentation of the National Youth Day Awards in four categories: excellent youth, service-oriented youth, youth leaders, and excellent projects for youth. A Special Recognition Award will also be presented to a deserving youth member during the celebration.
The 18th National Youth Day event, to be held at the Plenary Hall, International Convention Centre in Berakas, has received consent 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.
To ensure a safe and responsible celebration, attendees must follow standard operating procedures, including taking an antigen rapid test (ART) before attending any event and uploading the results on the BruHealth app. Face masks are mandatory at necessary events, and individuals feeling unwell are encouraged to skip the celebration.
The commemoration will also include a Youth Day Festival held throughout August in all four districts, featuring a range of events such as exhibitions, religious activities, and a special Friday sermon. The public is invited to participate in the various activities and join in honoring the youth’s significant contributions to the nation’s growth and development.