His Majesty the Sultan graced the third National Youth Day celebrations yesterday at the Indoor Stadium in Berakas. Also present at the ceremony were His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah and HRH Prince 'Abdul Malik.

The ceremony began with the reading of the Surah Al-Fatihah and a doa-selamat by the State Mufti.

The Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Dewa Major General (R) Dato Seri Pahlawan Awang Haji Mohammad bin Haji Daud gave a welcoming speech, which was followed by His Majesty's titah.

Reading of the Youth's Oath (Ikrar Belia), were presented by youths from a different associations including the Girl Guides, Boy Scouts and the Army Cadets.

The event then saw the presentation of a short skit depicting how a youth can excel in life through education - rejecting negative influences such as drugs, alcohol and unruly behaviour. The skit also portrayed the deterioration of a youth who was uneducated and trapped in a life of drugs. He ended up breaking the family unity and leading a life of regret.

The skit is a reminder of how a youth can succeed if determined and perseveres to become the kind of youth the nation can be proud of.

This was followed by the announcement of the winners of Youth Awards in three categories - the Youth Business Award, the Youth ICT Award and the Excellent Youth Award.

The National Youth Day celebration came to a close after His Majesty presented awards to recipients. - Borneo Bulletin (3rd August 2008)