BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

HIS Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam is scheduled to launch the Knowledge Convention 2014, which will gather Bruneian and foreign experts in science and technology later this month.

In a press conference yesterday, Permanent Secretary of Development (Technical and Professional) Dato Paduka Hj Suhaimi Hj Gaafar said the monarch is expected to attend the opening of the convention at the International Convention Centre on October 28.

He said the week-long event is one of the highlights of His Majesty’s 68th birthday, and will have an exhibition featuring the role of science, technology and innovation, including the achievements of Muslim scientists.

Themed “Science and Technology: Catalyst of Development and Enhancing the Ummah’s Quality of Life”, the annual convention aimed to highlight the important role of science and technology in all aspects of life including the provision of facilities and infrastructure to raise people’s quality of life.

About 3,500 people are expected to listen to science and technology experts deliver their working papers on science and technology on the first day at the Knowledge Convention, said Dato Hj Suhaimi, who is also the executive committee's joint secretary for the convention.

He added that on the second day, Her Majesty Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hjh Saleha is expected to join 3,000 people in listening to a keynote lecture.

On the third day, His Royal Highness Prince Hj Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office, is scheduled to attend a keynote forum.

No details of the keynote speakers were given.

Dato Hj Suhaimi said the Knowledge Convention will also see a two-day symposium from October 28-30, during which papers on the importance of Islamic values and the application of science and technology will be presented.

He added that the Knowledge Convention aims to serve as a platform to to present knowledge and information beneficial to the citizens and residents of Brunei.

The public are encouraged to visit the exhibition, which will be open from 2pm to 5pm on October 28-30; 9am to noon and 2pm to 5pm on October 31; and 9am to 5pm on November 1-4.

Posters of the Knowledge Convention were distributed to officers representing various government ministries and departments yesterday.

The Brunei Times