Members of the Brunei Darussalam Women Council, Brunei Shell Ladies Association, Brunei Darussalam Nurses Association (PENJURU) and PEKERTI Association personally conveyed their greetings to Her Majesty Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha on the occasion of Her Majesty's birthday.

The gathering was held at the ICC last night.

Accompanying Her Majesty Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha at the Birthday celebration were HRH Pengiran Isteri Azrinaz Mazhar, HRH Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah, HRH Princess Hajah Rashidah Sa'adatul Bolkiah, HRH Princess Hajah Majeedah Nuruul Bulqiah, HRH Princess Hajah Hafizah Sururul Bulqiah, HRH Princess Hajah Masna and Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Amal Umi Kalthum Al-Islam.

Upon arrival, Her Majesty and other members of the Royal family were greeted by Datin Hajah Fatimah binti Dato Seri Setia Abang Hj Razali, President of Brunei Darussalam's Women Council who is also the chairperson of the organising committee.

Datin Hajah Fatimah in her welcoming remarks said, "In conjunction with Her Majesty's birthday celebration, the Brunei Darussalam Women council organised a thanksgiving prayer ceremony on October 6 at the Jame's Asr Hassanil Bolkiah with 500 people attending the ceremony."

The President of Brunei Darussalam's Women's Council also highlighted that they always kept track on current development especially in facing challenges of globalization and info communications technology that are progressing rapidly.

To improve the knowledge and skills of members, the Brunei Darussalam Women's council has organised a basic computer literacy course. An accounting course will also be conducted for Treasurerer of each association.

She also revealed "Brunei Darussalam's Women Council as a member of the Asean confederation of women's organisations will be attending the Asean conference on womenomics and 13th General Assembly of the Asean confederation of women's organisation on the theme "Globalised Economy" from November 20 - 232008 in the Philippines."

After the speech, Her Majesty Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha consented to cut the birthday cake.

This was followed by the presentation of a special birthday card and pesembah by Brunei Darussalam's Women Council, Brunei Shell Ladies Association, Brunei Darussalam Nurses Association (PENJURU) and PEKERTI Association.

To liven up the celebration, members of the associations performed a number of songs and dances. - Borneo Bulletin (12th Oct 2008)