His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Muizaddien Wadaullah, the Sultan and Yang Dipertuan of Brunei Darussalam and Her Majesty Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha have ended a two-day visit the Republic of Singapore.
Prior to Their Majesties' departure from the republic, their Majesties consented to receive in audience to the Deputy Prime Minister of Singapore, Doctor Tony Tan and wife. The audience took place at the Grand Hyatt Hotel. During the audience, the Deputy Prime Minister and wife bid farewell to Their Majesties.
Before leaving for the airport, doa selamat was read by Pehin Datu Seri Maharaja dato Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Awang Abdul Aziz bin Juned, the State Mufti. Also included in His Majesty's delegation were His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince, Her Royal Highness Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah, His Royal Highness Prince Abdul Malik, His Royal Highness Prince Abdul Mateen, Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Rashidah saadatul Bolkiah, Her Royal Highness Princess hajah Majeedah Nuurul Bulqiah, Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Hafizah Sururul Bulqiah and other members of the royal family.
Present at the Changi International Airport to bid farewell to Their Majesties were the Singapore Second Finance Minister and Senior Minister of State for Foreign Affairs as Minister-in-Attendence, Mr. Raymond Lim and wife as LAdy-in-Attendence, Brunei Darussalam High Commissioner to Singapore, His Excellency Pengiran Dato Paduka Haji Mohd Yussof and Datin, Singapore High Commissioner to Brunei Darussalam, His Excellency V. P Hirubalan and wife and the Deputy President of the National University of Singapore, Professor Tan Chorh Chan.
His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Muizzaddien Wadaullah, the Sultan and Yang Dipertuan of Brunei Darussalam has consented to receive an honorary Doctor of Laws Degree awarded by the National University of Singapore.
The conferment ceremony took place at the University Cultural Centre of The National University of Singapore. Upon arrival, His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Dipertuan of Brunei Darussalam and Her Majesty Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha were greeted by the President of the Republic of Singapore, His Excellency S. R Nathan, who is the Chancellor of the National University of Singapore. Also present at the ceremony were His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince; Her Royal Highness Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah, His Royal Highness Prince Abdul Malik and His Royal Highness Prince Abdul Mateen.
The ceremony began with a procession of academics, which accompanied His Majesty and the Chancellor of the National University of Singapore, President Nathan. Also present was the Special Adviser to His Majesty at the Prime Minister's Office, Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Setia Bakti Diraja Dato Laila Utama Haji Awang Isa. Among the Singapore dignitaries present were Senior Minister, Mr. Goh Chok Tong, and Deputy Prime Ministers, Doctor Tony Tan and Professor S. Jayakumar.
The President of the National University of Singapore, Professor Shih Choon Fong, in welcoming His Majesty expressed appreciation to His Majesty for consenting to receive the award. He said Brunei and Singapore share many similarities including in the attainment of literacy which has exceeded 90-percent. The National University of the respective country, he added, aspires to achieve the same objective that is to produce quality graduates.
The citation of the conferment was read by the Deacon of the Law Faculty, Professor Tan Cheng Han. The citation among other things praised highly His Majesty's outstanding leadership which has brought peace, progress and prosperity to Brunei Darussalam. All these have been achieved through His Majesty's wise leadership, resoluteness, resourcefulness, capability and caring.
His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Dipertuan of Brunei Darussalam, in accepting the Honorary Doctorate, expressed the appreciation of Brunei Darussalam for the excellenct relations enjoyed with the Republic of Singapore. Brunei Darussalam is seen as a responsible and committed member of the international community as a result of His Majesty's deft and far-sighted diplomatic skills.
In acknowledging the National University's world-class record of acheivement, His Majesty noted the common aspirations of the people of Singapore and Brunei Darussalam for peace, stability through good governance. His Majesty believes that good governance would require a commitment to both rules of law and the code of tolerance.
The awarding of such Honorary Degree is only made to individuals who have rendered outstanding contributions to the University or the community on the whole. The Doctor of Laws is one of two honorary degrees awarded by the National University of Singapore.
A 10-day international sale to raise money for the tsunami aid fund
An International Sale is taking place at the Bumiputra Commercial and Trade Centre in the capital as a constructive effort to assist the survivors of the recent Asian Tsunami Disaster. It is at the same time aimed at boosting the local economy and the Tourism industry.
The ten-day sale, which is organised by the Bandar Seri Begawan Municipal Board with the aim to raise money to aid the countries affected by the recent Asian Tsunami Tragedy. More than twenty stalls offers items of international origin such as precious gemstones, home decor, traditional medicines, electronic items and unique antiquities. Each booth will donate fifteen percent of the net profit from the sale to the Tsunami Victims Fund. The International Sale, which opens from 10 am to 10pm will continue until the 5th of next month.
The number of women in Brunei Darussalam who were diagnosed with Breast Cancer last year was almost doubled the number more than five years ago. This is partly attribute to the subject of breast cancer is still much a taboo or rarely discussed openly among women themselves. More frequently it is something that most women in this county are not aware of. Unfortunately over two third of the cases were discovered rather late due to fear and shame.
The matter was highlighted at a talk on Breast Cancer Awareness organised by the Islamic Development Bank Brunei or IDBB. The talk delivered by speakers from the Brunei Cancer Support Group also expressed disappointment with
According to the World Health Organisation some ten million women were affected with the cancer and out of the number, four million have died. In Asia, younger women are at higher risk. Prior to the talk, the IDBB donated the total amount of two thousand dollars to the Breast Cancer Support Group.
Prior to the closing ceremony by the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, Awang Haji Jemat bin Haji Ampal, the final of the Women's Epee Team event was held. The match was won by Vietnam after beating the Philippines 45-25.
Medals were presented to the winners by the chief guest. Vietnam was the champion in the Men's Saber team category, while the Women's Foil
Top on the medal tally was Indonesia with six golds medals one silver and six bronze, followed by Vietnam with five gold medals, five silver and six bronze, Philippines in third with one gold six silver and two-bronze and Singapore with three bronze. Brunei managed to collect one bronze medal. This was the first time Brunei Darussalam organised the championship which brought some 123 athletes from seven Asean member countries.