By Azrol Azmi
Her Majesty Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha yesterday consented to launch the Domestic Science Exhibition 2007, in conjunction with His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam's 61st birthday celebrations.
Also present at the launching ceremony were HRH Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah, HRH Princess Hajah Rashidah Sa'adatul Bolkiah, HRH Princess Hajah Masna and YAM Pengiran Bini Hajah Faizah.
The event started with the recital of the al-Fatihah and was followed by welcoming remarks by Datin Hajah Fatimah binti Dato Seri Setia Haji Abang Razali, who is the co-chairperson of the exhibition.
Datin Hajah Fatimah said that one of the objectives of the exhibition was to strengthen the relationship between Pertiwi and other agencies through demonstrations, displays and sales, apart from showcasing the skills of Bruneian women in the art of cooking and handicrafts.
This year, 14 Mukims, and as well as Royal Brunei Catering (RBC), participated in the exhibition.
In addition, individual women were able to compete in different Domestic Science activities that included cooking, baking cakes and pastries, preparing light food and making handicrafts.
Her Majesty consented to present prizes to the winners of the individual competitions and the winning Mukim in the Domestic Science Exhibition, which was Mukim Pengkalan Batu.
Prior to that, Her Majesty delivered a titah.
Her Majesty also consented to officially launch the Domestic Science Exhibition with a ribbon-cutting ceremony before viewing the exhibition with Their Royal Highnesses.
Her Majesty was invited to launch a cookbook by RBC entitled "Royal Brunei Catering: Collection of Recipes". The book is available in two different languages, English and Malay.
Her Majesty was then presented with a copy of the cookbook and consented to sign a souvenir to commemorate the launching of the book.
Her Majesty also took the opportunity to cut pieces of hair from two young children, a boy and a girl, in a traditional ritual called "Papat Jambul". It was part of a demonstration by Mukim Berakas on traditional Malay practices for new-borns.
- Borneo Bulletin
(27th August 2007)
