His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah, Brunei's Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade is set to officially launch Brunei's National Pavilion Day this morning at the Shanghai World Expo 2010.

As one of the 246 countries and international organisations taking part in what has been dubbed the 'world's biggest expo' that will run until the end of October, Brunei Darussalam's pavilion is set around a 1,000-square-metre area with its overall design based on the theme of "Now...for the future" that is set to reflect the Sultanate's commitment not only the immediate needs of the people, but even more importantly the long term aspirations of its youth and future generations in accordance with its National Vision of 2035.

According to the schedule, HRH Prince Mohamed will be attending the flag raising ceremony, set to be held in the Green Hall. From there, the Prince will then move on to the Expo Centre for the main event of the launching of the Brunei National Pavilion Day.

HRH Prince Mohamed is scheduled to deliver a Sabda after a welcoming remark by a Chinese senior official, which will be followed by a traditional Brunei wedding performance.

Twenty prominent Bruneian figures will be present to witness this auspicious occasion.

They include Pehin Kapitan Lela Diraja Dato Paduka Awg Goh King Chin, Pehin Bendahari Cina Dato Paduka Onn Siew Siong, Dato Paduka Lim Beng Thai, Dr Hj Kamaruddin bin Dato Seri Paduka Hj Talib, President of the Brunei-China Friendship Association, Mr Ang Swee Chuan, Vice President of Brunei China Friendship Association, Dr Chan Sui Kiat, President of Chinese Chamber of Commerce (BSB) who is also the vice president of Brunei China Friendship Association.

After the launching ceremony and reception, His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah will head on to the Chinese pavilion and to the Brunei Darussalam Pavilion.

The main concept of the interior of the pavilion revolves around the traditional patterns that reflect the nation's way of life.

Huge pictures of Brunei's rich culture decorate the vast cavernous interior of the pavilion, as too are pictures of the various popular tourist sites.

All the while, the overall design concept forms a unique tapestry of Brunei's rich heritage and its future ambitions while staying true to its way of life.

But the walls of the exterior of the Brunei pavilion showcases the story of the preservation of the country's untouched natural environment rainforest.

Indeed walking towards the main entrance to the Brunei pavilion gives a person the impression that they are about to walk through an actual rainforest.

There are eight circular features that represents the eight strategic plans for the development of Brunei Darussalam while the rotating structure at the side of the building symbolises the revolving way of life within the various traditions whilst also preserving its natural environments. - Borneo Bulletin (8th May 2010)