Youth moved by nation's gratitude
Thursday, August 2, 2007
YOUTH DAY in the Brunei-Muara District this year turned out to be a pleasant surprise for some young Bruneians; many of them felt appreciated and valued by the occasion.
Youths of all ages gathered at the Indoor Stadium at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Sports Complex in Berakas to celebrate their growing contribution to society, in an event organised by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports.
Two young members of the Red Crescent Association, Ak Muhd Hisyamuddin, 17, and Muhammad Nazmi, 18, feel that their contributions have been sufficiently appreciated.
"We are honoured to be invited today at all," they said. Despite having to be on duty or to queue for events, they sensed that effort had been put in to make them feel appreciated, such as being provided free food and drinks.
Nur Syarihah Chua, 16, believes that people in general should be appreciated continuously, instead of just having a special day arranged for the purpose.
"The youth of Brunei are full of energy and most are looking for more ways to show their talents to the world and gain credibility," she said.
Though Nur Syahirah felt that there was considerably more movement and activity in the performances compared to that of last year's, she said that there was yet "a need to extend (wider) the recognition of youths ... within the nation."
Another youth, Dk Rohana Pg Ahmad, suggested that Bruneian youth "need to be engaged in activities to expose their worth and allow them to shine."
"There should be chosen members among them, who could represent the youth in general as ambassadors," she suggested.
"Being young is all about being active, full of self-esteem and confidence, so it shouldn't be a problem for them to speak to other youngsters to keep them on track to a healthy and positive life," Dk Rohana added.
A number of students, who were present in the morning, seemed unaware of the reason for the special occasion, but pleasantly surprised when they discovered that the day was meant just for them. Some seemed truly at a loss for words when asked how they understood themselves as a contributing to society. One group approached by The Brunei Times ventured that they "study".
Another group of students from Duli Pengiran Muda Al-Muhtadee Billah College were excited to witness such an extravagant and lively show, but commented that it was not the only way to display the nation's appreciation for them.
"We want to be more involved," they said.
"There should be more activities or competitions that allow us to show our abilities to the outside world."
The upper secondary students were sure that such chances to prove their worth through local and international exposure would be more than enough, as opportunity and experience were things money could not buy.
This year's Youth Day event is the second ever held for the nation.
The Brunei Times
Youths of all ages gathered at the Indoor Stadium at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Sports Complex in Berakas to celebrate their growing contribution to society, in an event organised by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports.
Two young members of the Red Crescent Association, Ak Muhd Hisyamuddin, 17, and Muhammad Nazmi, 18, feel that their contributions have been sufficiently appreciated.
"We are honoured to be invited today at all," they said. Despite having to be on duty or to queue for events, they sensed that effort had been put in to make them feel appreciated, such as being provided free food and drinks.
Nur Syarihah Chua, 16, believes that people in general should be appreciated continuously, instead of just having a special day arranged for the purpose.
"The youth of Brunei are full of energy and most are looking for more ways to show their talents to the world and gain credibility," she said.
Though Nur Syahirah felt that there was considerably more movement and activity in the performances compared to that of last year's, she said that there was yet "a need to extend (wider) the recognition of youths ... within the nation."
Another youth, Dk Rohana Pg Ahmad, suggested that Bruneian youth "need to be engaged in activities to expose their worth and allow them to shine."
"There should be chosen members among them, who could represent the youth in general as ambassadors," she suggested.
"Being young is all about being active, full of self-esteem and confidence, so it shouldn't be a problem for them to speak to other youngsters to keep them on track to a healthy and positive life," Dk Rohana added.
A number of students, who were present in the morning, seemed unaware of the reason for the special occasion, but pleasantly surprised when they discovered that the day was meant just for them. Some seemed truly at a loss for words when asked how they understood themselves as a contributing to society. One group approached by The Brunei Times ventured that they "study".
Another group of students from Duli Pengiran Muda Al-Muhtadee Billah College were excited to witness such an extravagant and lively show, but commented that it was not the only way to display the nation's appreciation for them.
"We want to be more involved," they said.
"There should be more activities or competitions that allow us to show our abilities to the outside world."
The upper secondary students were sure that such chances to prove their worth through local and international exposure would be more than enough, as opportunity and experience were things money could not buy.
This year's Youth Day event is the second ever held for the nation.
The Brunei Times
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