Games boosts Bimp-Eaga relations

TOGETHERNESS and the nurturing of closer ties between the Bimp-Eaga youths to enhance better relations between the countries involved was the underlying theme behind the Sixth Bimp-Eaga Youth Exchange Programme and the Friendship Games which has been transpiring in the country for the past couple of days.

This was expressed by Dato Paduka Hj Jemat Hj Ampal, the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, in his opening speech during a farewell dinner held for the participating youths at the International Convention Centre (ICC) yesterday to commemorate the conclusion of both programmes.

The permanent secretary congratulated the athletes who had worked so hard in their preparation to achieve medals but acknowledged that without the continuous support of families, friends, coaches and especially the invaluable guidance from sports leaders, success would not have been made possible.

Dato Paduka Hj Jemat further observed three positive functions that have resulted from the games.

The first positive result was that through the games, the athletes had the chance to measure their standards, to know where they stand and whether they have the ability and elements to go further.

Secondly, officials had the opportunity to observe and spot talents displayed by the athletes and to identify the right talents for "further development towards regional and international competitions".

"Most important of all, the Games have enhanced the close relations that already exists between countries in the region of Bimp-Eaga," said the permanent secretary.

Upon hearing that the women representatives of the Bimp-Eaga countries were served ambuyat by the wife of the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports during an afternoon tea at the minister's residence, Dato Paduka Hj Jemat then used the local Bruneian delicacy as a metaphor to symbolise the cooperation and togetherness.

"What is important is that ambuyat, in our culture, is never eaten alone as it is always made for a large group. Thus, Datin Hjh Masnah (the minister's wife) had not just provided afternoon tea for a crowd of friends but also symbolically celebrated the togetherness that we enjoyed in these Games," said the permanent secretary.

He further stressed that the Bimp-Eaga Youth Exchange Programme was initiated under the perception that youths determine the future and expressed his confidence that the participants' experiences and memories during their time in Brunei is a positive outcome of the programme that will ensure good relations for future generations.

A gift-giving ceremony was later held for the representatives of the contingents followed by a cultural show which displayed Bruneian traditional dances.

Present as the guest of honour was Pehin Orang Kaya Setia Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Dr Hj Ahmad Hj Jumat, the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, and his wife.

Also present were Dato Peter Pang En Yin, the Minister of Youth and Sports of Sabah, Dr Hj Sakhyan Asmar, Deputy Minister of the State Ministry of Youth and Sports Affairs of Indonesia and Tuan Hamdin Hj Ahmad, the Assistant Minister of Youth and Tourism in Sarawak.

The Brunei Times