Brunei Scouts' 80th Anniversary



Bandar Seri Begawan, January 1st, 2013 - The Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, Awang Haji Mohd Rozan bin Dato Paduka Haji Mohd Yunos during the unveiling of a logo in conjunction with the Brunei Scouts Association's (PPNBD) 80th anniversary at its building at Jalan Gadong yesterday, said, "As it is among the oldest organisations in civil society, the Scouts Association carries the potential to play a significant role in assisting the development of the country. The Scouts Association, in my eyes, can be looked at two ways - as a youth formation and as a volunteer-based organisation."

Awang Haji Mohd Rozan, who himself is a former scout member of the Sekolah Melayu Datu Mahawangsa Lambak scout troop in 1971, congratulated the Brunei Scouts Association on their 80th anniversary.

"The 80th year anniversary for any association is an accomplishment. It is quite remarkable. It is an achievement which has succeeded in going past the vagaries of life and coped with various problems up to an advanced age."

The permanent secretary emphasised that a positive influence is required from youths today to excel as role models to their peers; particularly in this era of globalisation.

The youth carries the potential to play a role as an agent of change in combating social ills. Such potential will turn to reality once youths possess the competency through avenues which are provided and implemented by youth organisations such as the Brunei Scouts Association.

"His Majesty underlined the factor of leadership and hoped that good and successful leadership would continue to thrive, particularly the person who is at the helm of the PPNBD. His Majesty also placed his hopes that the PPNBD will also be a platform to establish good leaders based on strong foundations. Training provided by PPNBD to youths should count heavily on character development and discipline so that youths will become generations who represent their times and era.

"It is essential those youths who become scouts do not grow tired and bored of lifting the spirits of others in addressing life's many challenges.

"I welcome scouts to possess self-awareness to participate in volunteering and to be able to think on the importance and facts of volunteering to serve. It provides benefits to the community and the people."

The Scouts Association has developed up to the point that all four districts have their own respective scout organisations. The association has grown to over 1,500 members since its humble beginnings in 1933 with just 12 members.

"I still remember the jungle and river in this area where my scouting peers from various schools used to go camping," the permanent secretary recalled in conclusion.

- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin -

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