BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

HIS Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam graced the Hari Raya celebrations held by Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah (YSHHB) at the International Convention Centre (ICC) yesterday, a gathering that paid tribute to leaders in several institutions in the country.

His Majesty was accompanied by Her Majesty Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha, HRH Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office, and HRH Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah.

The royal entourage also included HRH Prince Mohamed Bolkiah, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, HRH Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Zariah, HRH Prince Haji Sufri Bolkiah, HRH Pengiran Bini Hajah Faizah, HRH Prince Haji Jefri Bolkiah, HRH Prince ‘Abdul Malik and HRH Prince ‘Abdul Wakeel.

Also present were HRH Princess Ameerah Wardatul Bolkiah, HRH Princess Hajah Masna and HRH Princess Hajah Amal Umi Kalthum Al-Islam.

The celebrations started with a Doa Selamat recited by the State Mufti, Yang Berhormat Pehin Datu Seri Maharaja Dato Paduka Seri Setia (Dr) Ustaz Hj Awang Abdul Aziz Juned.

This was followed by welcoming remarks from Minister of Development Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Hj Suyoi Hj Osman, in his capacity as chairman of the YSHHB board of directors.

“Participants that were selected to attend this event comprised leaders from several categories such as the government and private sector, religious institutions and mosques, educational institutions including schools and student leaders as well as community and grassroots leaders.”

“The theme, leader, is to recognise and appreciate the role (of leaders) while improving their understanding of the aspirations of His Majesty on the importance of responsibility and leadership role in leading an organisation, association, institution, school, mosque or place of work that they are in charge of,” said YB Pehin Dato Hj Suyoi.

He added that the success of an organisation or group depends on the leaders in all aspects, giving examples of scenarios in schools with teachers and principals, in the office where the head of office is in charge or any projects that depend on the supervisors.

“Effective leaders are those who can lead their subordinates to achieve organisational objectives.

“The presence of the invited leaders at this event, which consists of the current leaders and younger generation who will become future leaders, aims to familiarise themselves with the wise leadership skills of His Majesty; a model leader who is caring and concerned on the well-being of his citizens, a visionary leader who often comes down to the grassroots level to personally oversee the performance of a project.”

During the celebration, His Majesty and other members of the royal family were treated to a series of musical performances by 150 students from Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah School followed by a video titled “Kepimpinan Melalui Tauladan” which showcased the prosperity of Brunei Darussalam under the reign of His Majesty, a sovereign King.

A meet-and-greet session with the invited guests also took place followed by a tour of the exhibition themed “Leadership”. The 11th Raya celebration, organised by the foundation since 2003, was attended by over a thousand leaders from the organisations and institutions, Pengiran-Pengiran Cheterias, cabinet ministers, deputy ministers, Legislative Council members, permanent secretaries and other senior government officials.

The Brunei Times