His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam yesterday morning consented to attend the Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah's Hari Raya Celebration at the ICC.

Accompanying His Majesty were His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister's Office, and HRH Prince 'Abdul Malik.

Upon arrival, His Majesty was greeted by members of Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Board of Directors.

In a welcoming speech by the Chairman of Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Board of Directors Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia Haji Awg Abu Bakar bin Hj Apong, he said: "This year's celebration includes participants who are strategic partners and volunteers of Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah. Strategic partners are government and non-government agencies who have worked together with Yayasan in implementing projects inline with Yayasan's objectives.

"Yayasan believes it is more effective and cost-efficient to implement programmes with strategic partners, as the alliances encourage roles that complement each other," he added.

The chairman also expressed his appreciation to the volunteers of Yayasan.

"Yayasan also appreciates the involvement of volunteers in a number of Yayasan initiatives, especially in the involvement of implementing humanitarian aid for the tsunami and earthquake victims of Aceh," he said.

Touching on one of the volunteers' contribution, he mentioned the field of intervention in education, which is to assist primary school students of Kampong Bolkiah to raise their performances in PSR.

"The programme not only provides tuition for students during the weekend, but also raises their spirit, self-confidence and motivation. The project, which started a few years ago, has proven its success with 100 per cent passes," he said.

The event also saw His Majesty delivering a titah. This was followed by performances by the students of Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah School.

His Majesty also had the opportunity to tour the exhibition booths, showcasing numerous welfare projects under Yayasan, as well as booths set up by Yayasan strategic partners.

More than 1,000 people attended yesterday's celebration, comprising agencies that have worked together with Yayasan in realising a number of welfare and community projects, as well as recognition for the agencies' invaluable contributions to Yayasan.

Yayasan appreciates the commitment and close cooperation of its strategic partners.

It also signifies the collective spirit among government agencies and NGOs in developing and raising the standard of living in the Sultanate. - Borneo Bulletin (14th Oct 2008)