His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izaddin Waddaulah, the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam in a titah reminds Brunei's youth that they should be open-minded, proactive and capable of thinking as well as acting according to regional and global political and diplomatic parameters. His Majesty made the titah at the Closing and Prize Presentation Ceremony of the South East Asian Youth Al-Quran Reading Competition at the International Convention Centre, ICC, Friday night.

In the titah, His Majesty highlights that the country has contributed positively to a more definite and guided solidarity or togetherness among youth in the region through the Quran Reading Competition. His Majesty also says the competition should be seen from a dynamic regional perspective, as a catalyst of tolerance and mutual respect in living as that of a nation and as neighbours.

The Monarch believes that through guided youth activities such as the Quran reading competition, youngsters in South East Asia will become more aware and responsive. They will also possess a stronger determination and objective for a peaceful, secure and prosperous region that is free of friction.His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam further reminds youth of their roles, saying they should understand their responsibilities as part of a bigger regional and international arena and that they should seek more knowledge to be authoritative.

The Monarch says the competition is an effort by the country towards contributing and charting a positive role in regional and international cooperation. If in the past, people thought only in local terms, today's youth must have an open mindset, be proactive and rich with visions. His Majesty adds that they must also be ready to interact, hold dialogues, exchange ideas with their counterparts at

regional and international levels.The country's youth should have knowledge and be literate in culture, literature, language, customs and others because without knowledge, they will go no where, nor become regional players. His Majesty adds that in order to become regional or global players, Brunei's youth should be able to think and act in line with regional or global parameters in politics and diplomacy. His Majesty continues that when Brunei's youth have such awareness, their contributions at regional and international arenas will be more significant. Their status will be meaningful, having the ability to contribute from within and without, as problem identifiers and solvers, as well as strategic brokers.

His Majesty in the titah also expresses a wish for Brunei's youth to adhere to the philosophy of Malay Islamic Monarchy or MIB, and become the ones to bring the true light of happiness, prosperity and harmony to their society and family.

His Majesty says the country's approach is to mould responsible and moral youth, who will then assist in handling negative social elements that can obstruct nation building efforts. The Monarch is delighted that the South East Asian Youth Al-Quran reading competition is a religious activity that will not cause friction or suspicion, because the Quran advocates good and shuns everything bad.

His Majesty was greeted on arrival at the ICC by the Minister of Culture Youth and Sports, Pehin Dato Seri Paduka Doctor Haji Awang Hussain. With His Majesty were His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al Muhtadee Billah the Crown Prince; His Royal Highness Prince Mohammad Bolkiah; His Royal Highness Prince Abdul Malek and His Royal Highness Prince Abdul Mateen.

The event began with the recitation of the Al-Fatihah verse, lead by the State Mufti, Pehin Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Abdul Aziz.

In his welcoming speech, the Minister of Culture Youth and Sports, who is also Chairman of the Organising Committee said among the aims of the competition are to improve the quality of Quran reading among youth in the country through regional competitions and to instill a sense of friendship through activities that will enhance tolerance and understanding throughout the region.

In the male category, Awang M. Suro from the Republic of Indonesia emerged as the winner. The top female reader was also from the Republic of Indonesia, Dayang Raudhah binti Sufiyan Nor. His Majesty the Sultan and Yang DiPertuan of Brunei Darussalam consented to present prizes to both categories of winners.

First runner up, Awang Muhammad Fikri bin Haji Awang Metussin from Brunei Darussalam received two thousand dollars, a trophy, a certificate and the Mushaf Brunei Drussalam and second runner up, Awang Kairoten Mangotara from the Republic of the Phillipines, received one thousand and five hundred dollars, a trophy and the Mushaf Brunei Darussalam.

In the female category, Dayang Raudah binti Sufyan Nor also received the challenge trophy awarded by His Majesty the sultan and Yang Dipertuan of Brunei Darussalam, a cash prize of three thousand dollars, Mushaf Brunei Darussalam, a trophy and certificate. The first runner up, from Brunei Darussalam, Dayang Norezah binti Haji Mohd Deli received two thousand dollars, a trophy, a certificate and Mushaf Brunei Darussalam. Sharifah Rashidan binti Syed Idros Al-Kaff from Singapore, the second runner-up, received one thousand and five hundred dollars, a trophy and Mushaf Brunei Darussalam.

The doa selamat to bless the occasion was read by the State Mufti, Pehin Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Abdul Aziz. A total of 18 male and female readers representing nine countries in Southeast Asia took part in the three-day competition. It was expected that the quality of reading and performance will be enhanced as readers gain more experience in this competition.

His Royal Highness Prince Haji Sufri Bolkiah who is President of the Brunei Darussalam National Olympic Council has consented to take a closer look at the hospitality and medical facilities provided for Brunei Darussalam's athletes, currently in Saudi Arabia for the First Islamic Solidarity Games. His Royal Highness is in Mecca to attend the sports event.

His Royal Highness Prince Haji Sufri Bolkiah pays special attention to the welfare of the Brunei contingent and visited several accommodations provided for athletes in fencing and tennis in Taif. Accompanying His Royal Highness during the tour were the Council General of Brunei Darussalam in Jeddah, Pengiran Haji Jabaruddin Pengiran Haji Mohamad Salleh and the country's Chef De Mission, Awang Japar Bin Bangkul.

His Royal Highness is at the head of the Brunei contingent for the 13-day games. Brunei Darussalam will be participating in five of 15 events; fencing, karate-do, tae-kwon-do, tennis and athletics. Four main cities; Mecca, Jeddah, Madinah and Taif will be the main venues for the games. Following the visit, His Royal Highness consented to attend a luncheon at a hotel in Taif.

Brunei consumers' debts are an accident waiting to happen. This warning came from the Vice Chancellor of the Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Dr Haji Ismail bin Hj Duraman, who is a leading economist. He expressed particular concern that Brunei will one day head for a 'poverty bubble' if consumer debts are not dealt with properly. The vice chancellor also calls for new laws to protect consumers

Speaking to RTB Consumer News, Dr. Hj Ismail warned consumers to be wary of companies or banks offering "gimmicks" such as free gifts, installment schemes, buying a car without a deposit and etc. He said debt could push consumers over the edge, and he wants consumers to see beyond the gimmicks and make sure they understand the related and often high charges linked with such ''gimmicks''.

Many Bruneian households are relying on credit to meet day-to-day expenses and some have already struggled with debt and that, he said, will worsen if there is any economic downturn or unemployment. The Vice Chancellor of Universiti Brunei Darussalam fears that the continuing rapid build-up of debt by many consumers could threaten the country's financial stability. He urged relevant authorities to take a look into this matter urgently and find ways to tackle the root cause of debt.

Banks have unveiled record profits every year. But while bank profits soar so does individual debt - by June last year the Brunei Economic Bulletin, BEB, revealed that Brunei consumers owe more than 3.6 billion dollars. Consumers are warned not to bury their heads in the sand and ignore the size of their debts. Coping with debt early on is the key to avoiding serious problems.

The Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Foundation has contributed 46 boxes containing clothing, books, toys, school bags and gifts to the Pusat Ehsan in Kampung Bengkurong.

The contribution was presented by the Managing Director of the Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Foundation, Pehin Dato Paduka Awang Haji Abdul Ghani to the Chairperson of the Executive Committee of the Pusat Eshan, Pengiran Datin Hajah Noraini.

All goods were collected through public donations during the "Family Festival Week" organised by the Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Foundation, late last year.