Scout association must remain relevant, not only focussing on basic skills but also equipping scout members with 21st-century skills to achieve the impact of developing resilient human capital.
In a titah at the opening of the 5th National Jamboree in Tutong, His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam said that in line with the mission to contribute and spearhead the nation and country’s development, the scout association needs to be at the forefront of youth’s education.
“Youths are valuable assets full of potential for development. They need to be nurtured and trained with a method that is suitable to their interest and development,” said the monarch.
His Majesty the Sultan further said that the main purpose to educate and train the youths is so that they have a strong identity and can adapt to changes.
The jamboree theme “Scouts on The Move”, added the sultan, reflects scouts who are always active and ready to face challenges, equipped with legal values and 21st-century competencies as skills set that need to be learned and possessed.
“With these, then our scouts are the agents of change and development of the future without borders,” continued the monarch.
His Majesty the Sultan noted that as the oldest non-governmental organisation (NGO) in the country, Brunei Darussalam Scouts Association (PPNBD) has reached 90 years since its inception in 1933, reflecting the various experiences and developments it has been through.
“It continues to strive to remain relevant in providing development programmes to the young generation in the country,” said the sultan.
Acknowledging PPNBD’s involvement in community and welfare activities, the monarch noted the NGO’s cooperation with the government in tackling the COVID-19 pandemic through the provision of much-needed community service.
“For that, I say congratulations to all parties concerned. We are hopeful that PPNBD will not stop providing useful programmes for the country’s survivability by considering the requirements to achieve Brunei Vision 2035,” added the monarch.
In concluding the titah, His Majesty the Sultan hoped that the scouts would always stick to the principles and noble values of scouting, setting a good example to the younger generation.
The monarch then consented to present excellence awards to 12 individuals from Brunei, Malaysia and Thailand.
Accompanying the monarch to the opening of the national jamboree were His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office who is also PPNBD Scout Leader, His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik and His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Mateen.
The three-day national jamboree was held at Bukit Bendera in Tutong District comprising some 900 participants from Brunei and neighbouring countries Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand.
PPNBD President Dato Paduka Ar Hj Idris Hj Abas in his opening speech said that PPNBD has achieved several achievements in several fields locally and internationally, the association is a member of World Organisation of Scout Movement, Asia Pacific Region and ASEAN Scout Association Regional Cooperation.
The jamboree included activities across main themes – Scouting Skills, Culture and Games, Sustainable Development Goals, Visits, Religious and Daily Routines and Water Activities, participated by Cub Scouts, Junior Scouts and Venture Scouts.
THE BRUNEIAN | BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
