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, honored the 18th National Youth Day (HBK) 2023 celebration at the International Convention Centre on Tuesday.
Accompanying the Sultan were His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office; His Royal Highness Prince Abdul Malik; His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah, and His Royal Highness Prince Haji Jefri Bolkiah. The event commenced with the Chairman of the Executive Committee of the HBK, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Nazmi bin Haji Mohamad, welcoming His Majesty and the royal family.
The ceremony began with the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah and Doa Selamat led by State Mufti Pehin Datu Seri Maharaja Dato Paduka Seri Setia (Dr) Ustaz Haji Awang Abdul Aziz bin Juned, followed by a welcoming address from the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports.
His Majesty delivered a titah during the event, where some 60 youth took a pledge, and the National Youth Day Awards were presented to outstanding individuals in four categories: Excellent Youth, Service-Oriented Youth, Youth Leaders, and Excellent Project for Youth. The event also included the Special Mention Award.
Following the ceremony, His Majesty and the royal family visited the Youth Day Exhibition and received a pesambah. This year’s National Youth Day theme, ‘Belia Siaga Masa Depan’ (Future-Ready Youth), focuses on youth aspirations in three main areas: association or movement activities, skills and knowledge, and heritage and culture. The celebration remains relevant to the current situation, emphasizing the contribution of youth to society.
The 18th National Youth Day celebration was a momentous occasion, celebrating the dedication and potential of Brunei’s youth in shaping the nation’s future and promoting a sense of pride and unity among the people.