SSEAYP participants prepare for trip

PARTICIPANTS of the Ship for South East Asia Youth Programme (SSEAYP) are looking forward to the trip though the region is still dealing with the Influenza 'A'(H1N1) outbreak.. "I am feeling so hyped up and can't wait to finish orientation and go on the ship," said Mohamad Iqbal Fikri Damit, 26, during the launch of the Orientation and Leadership Training for the participants taking part in the programme.

"You know H1N1 is there, but it shouldn't stop you from going," he added.

With other 28 participants joining the programme, Mohamad Iqbal said this trip would help him gain a lot of experience in terms of teamwork. "Working with 28 people is experience in itself because you will be sharing 28 different views, how to deal with situations and how to overcome problems. This is very important for me," he said.

He also said that as a representative of Brunei on the ship, he would be able to travel as well as meet people from different walks of life and to promote the Sultanate.

"Sometimes foreigners get information about Brunei from the media and other sources. But some of these information might not be true, which means that the 28 of us have a responsibility of setting the record straight about our country," he said. He expressed hopes that what the participants experienced during the one month and learnt from the programme directors would be worth it.

Former contender for the Polar expedition, Dk Noorul Aniza Pg Ishak, 19, said that she was recommended to try out for the ship and hasn't looked back. "Despite H1N1, I am so excited. I have never been to Japan. As a Bruneian I want to be able to promote our culture to the other foreign contingents," she said.

She said that they have begun training for the preparations for the trip. "We have been training every night consisting of dancing, singing and discussion. There are alot of hidden talents here, I was so pleasantly surprised to hear that some of my peers can sing real well," she said.

Director of Youth and Sports from the Ministry of Culture,Youth and Sports Hj Mohammad Penglima Asgar Dato Paduka Hj Abdullah in his remarks during the launching of the Orientation and Leadership Training reminded the participants to safeguard the image of the nation. "We are a country that holds MIB (Melayu, Islam and Beraja) in high regard. You are the mini ambassadors for Brunei. Your behaviour represents the country so be mindful of how you dress and what you say to other countries," he said.

The ship will leave on October 27 for Japan before commencing their journey to all Asean member countries. They are expected to return home in December. (SHR1)

The Brunei Times