BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

MORE than 6,000 visitors, including students, have visited the exhibitions held in conjunction with the 2014 Knowledge Convention at the International Convention Centre (ICC) in Berakas as of its sixth day.

The annual Knowledge Convention was launched on October 28 by His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam held in conjunction with the monarch’s 68th birthday.

The committee for the event has set a target of attracting 10,000 people from various walks of life to the exhibitions which will end tomorrow, said a committee member yesterday.

Muhamad Nur Hafiz Hj Zaini, course coordinator at the Ministry of Development, said that as of Saturday the current number of visitors was based on the invitations only, not included the walk-in visitors, who usually are recorded between 300 to 400 per day.

Muhamad Nur Hafiz said that among other visitors who had been invited to the exhibitions comprised students from primary schools to higher educational institutions and representatives from government agencies and private sector.

“We hope that the target of 10,000 visitors will be achieved at the end of the exhibitions,” he said.

The committee has invited 40 schools/educational institutions per day to visit the exhibitions, featuring the role of science, technology and innovation, including the achievements of Muslim scientists. The exhibitions include, among others, the Balai Kenangan Sultan Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, a replica of Istana Nurul Iman, building of the ministries, projects carried out by the Ministry of Development and interactive lights and sound display by the Oil and Gas Discovery Centre (OGDC).

The display featuring science and technology as well as hands-on activities provided by the OGDC is among the popular attractions for the students.

Sariwati Hj Sahak, a public servant, took her four children to see the exhibitions. “I want my children to learn more about Science because it is not a boring subject,” said Sariwati, adding that Science relates to development and daily lives.

Themed “Science and Technology: Catalyst of Development and Enhancing the Ummah’s Quality of Life”, the annual convention is aimed at highlighting 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.

The Knowledge Convention continues today with a keynote forum.

The Brunei Times