BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

A TOTAL of 245 trainees completed the Program Khidmat Bakti Negara (PKBN), or national service programme, with a passing out parade yesterday.

His Royal Highness Prince Hj Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Deputy Sultan, witnessed the parade that took place at the PKBN’s temporary training site located at the Sports Village in Berakas.

Six trainess were also awarded for excelling in specific areas, including best male and female trainees, best male and female trainees in marching, and best male and female trainees in physical training.

Best Male Trainee awardee, Nazri Hj Saman, said the programme had helped him mature and also develop his leadership capabilities.

“I feel the same as any other intake as we have completed our training. It’s a strong sense of accomplishment,” said Nazri, adding that the award took him by surprise.

“All I did during the programme was to follow orders and execute them. Little did I know that I would get the honour. We were provided the opportunity to lead our fellow trainees so it taught me more,” he said in an interview with The Brunei Times.

On his future plans, Nazri said he would be continuing his studies as he had received a conditional offer to pursue an undergraduate degree at a university of his choice.

Meanwhile, Asma Zamriah @ Nur Diyana Hj Ariffin, recipient of the Best Female Trainee award, said it was an exhilarating experience as she had always participated in youth activities.

“It is important to carry out things with spirit and vigour no matter if you are a girl or boy,” said Asma Zamriah, who also had the opportunity to lead her fellow female trainees.

“It was very important for me as a girl to lead the other girls in my intake and be a good example. In the future, I hope to continue to help other youths through the PKBN alumni while continuing my studies,” she added.

During the parade, His Royal Highness also inspected the guard of honour mounted by the PKBN trainees.

A total of 247 youths had registered as the second official intake of the 13-week programme, making it the largest since the programme was introduced in December 2011.

The Brunei Times