His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddien Waddaulah, the Sultan and Yang Dipertuan of Brunei Darussalam has arrived in Doha, the State of Qatar to attend the Second South Summit of the G77 and China.
 

On arrival at the Doha International Airport, His Majesty was welcomed by the Minister of State for Family Affairs of the State of Qatar, His Excellency Sheikh Mohammad bin ‘Eid Al-Thani. Also present at the airport was Charge d’Affaires of Brunei Darussalam Embassy in Doha, Qatar, Awang Haji Nordin bin Haji Ahmad.
 

The summit is attended by 132 states from Asia, Africa, Latin America and Caribbean is expected to address the State of South-South Cooperation and to review the development challenges facing by members of the group.

Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Masna, Ambassador At-Large at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in her speech, highlighted that relations between Brunei Darussalam and the Philippines have seen much progress and that cooperation in various fields has intensified where economic linkages continue to strengthen and regular exchange of visits have certainly forged closer ties between the two countries.
 

Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Masna made the speech at a reception for the 107th Anniversary of Philippines Independence, held at the International Convention Centre in Berakas Tuesday night. Her Royal Highness who represented His Majesty's Government at the function was accompanied by Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Lela Cheteria Sahibun Najabah Pengiran Anak Haji Abdul Aziz.
 

In her speech, Her Royal Highness said that the trade between both countries is increasing but she believed this could be improved further. Also, Brunei Darussalam and the Philippines should build on the existing linkages between the people of both countries and encourage both stakeholders to explore ways to expand trade cooperation of the two countries.
 

Earlier, the Ambassador of Philippine, Her Excellency Virginia H. Benavidez, in her speech, praised the on-going scholarship programs being implemented by His Majesty's Government for Filipino Muslims Madrasah School Teachers and Administrators will pave the way towards capacity building and skills upgrading provided to Muslims in the Philippines. Her Excellency also expressed her gratefulness for Brunei Darussalam's hand of partnership and consistent support for her country’s steadfast, determined and ultimate objective to bring peace to the people in Mindanao, Philippines. Diplomatic relations between Brunei Darussalam and the Philippine was established in 1984.

The Minister of Home Affairs has made a working visit to the Labour Department to have a closer look at its administration. During the visit, Pehin Dato Paduka Awang Haji Adanan met with the Commissioner of Labour, and senior staff members of the Labour Department. At the meeting, Yang Berhormat discussed with the Labour officials, the department's short and long term planning, procedures towards improving the provision of services to the public and labour policies of Brunei Darussalam.
 

The Labour Department is divided into several branches and divisions including the Compensation, Housing, Security, Health, International Relations, Planning and Regulations, Local employment Services and Foreign Worker Resources Sections. The department also handles Law Enforcement, Information Technology, Finance and Administration.

During the visit, Yang Berhormat Pehin was accompanied by his deputy, Pehin Dato Paduka Awang Haji Dani.

Almost all social elements which are going around are caused by boredom, no vision in life and lack of guidance in the aspects of morality and spirituality. The Deputy Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Education made the remarks at the closing ceremony of the 4th counselling camp.
 

Pengiran Datin Paduka Hajah Mariam said negative influences which lead to bad morals among teenagers are a huge challenge, not only to teachers and parents, but to students themselves. Such camp counselling she said can play an important role by giving guidance to students on various ways to overcome challenges and competitions, to create discipline and self confidence, to create an understanding as well as communication and interaction skills.
 

She also reminded that students need to learn to manage their time wisely. Good managing in time with self confidence and responsibility can produce students whom are more focused and more capable to overcome boredom.

The four-day counselling camp was attended by more than one hundred students from 28 secondary schools in the country. The counselling was among others to produce responsible students to the community, religion and nation.

Environmental interests should not be ignored while pursuing Economic Development. Therefore, generating the nation's development needs a balanced approach where economic development and preserving the environment must rely on each other. The reminder came from the Belait District officer at the launch of the Youth Camp marking the World Environment Day, Tuesday.
 

Dato Paduka Awang Hj Mohammad Yusop said as inheritors of heritage, youths and school students must play a vital role in continuing efforts towards maintaining the cleanliness of the environment. He hoped, the camp would act as a catalyst for youths and students to respond to any long term challenges that the country might face.
 

Some 160 youths comprising of secondary students from the four districts are taking part in the 4-day camp in Lumut. The camp, the third of its kind is aimed at creating an awareness among the public especially school students on the importance of safeguarding the environment. During the camp, participants will engage in a number of activities and exchanged views and ideas on environment issues. They will also hold discussion session on ways to beautify beaches in the country.

The 7th National Sport Festival continued Tuesday night with several events. One of the events was the basketball championship for women's team event. It took place at the Multipurpose Hall of the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium Complex in Berakas.
 

Two teams played last night. In the first match, the Brunei Muara District team played against the Banks Association. In another match, the Tutong District team met the Temburong District team. The final game for women's team event will be held on Friday while the men's teams will take place on Saturday.
 

Tonight, two men's teams will be held. The ABDB Sport Council will play against the Belait District and the Banks Association meets the Temburong District. The matches will be held at the same venue.