Brunei National Service Programme PKBN

PKBN: Strengthening the youth
on: December 26, 2016

| Danial Norjidi |

THE National Service Programme (PKBN) is a youth development programme that carries the aim of producing youths who are responsible, disciplined, dynamic, united and courageous, and who contribute to the country’s socio-economic development and strengthen national defence.

Implemented under the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, the goal of PKBN is to enhance the spirit of patriotism, commitment and resilience among youth in addition to strengthening the understanding contained in the constitution of the state and the national philosophy of Malay Islamic Monarchy (MIB).

Among the objectives of PKBN stated on their website are: create excellent Bruneian youths; enhance committed and resilient patriotism; strengthen understanding and produce youths that are faithful and devoted; foster a sense of solidarity; form positive character and the spirit of volunteerism; and produce youths that are responsible and steadfast, energetic and full of confidence.

Since its pilot project in December 2011, PKBN has continued to make great strides towards the aspiration for the nation to produce youths who will actualise Brunei’s Vision 2035, with its 6th and most recent intake accounting for 359 youths – the largest number of participants to date.

The 359 youths began their PKBN journey when the 6th intake was launched in a ceremony that took place at the PKBN Training Camp in Mukim Batu Apoi of the Temburong District on December 10.

The 6th intake comprises 281 male and 78 female trainees. 15 trainees have been given the opportunity to take part in the first phase of the ‘Mind and Self-Discipline Migration’ through the Innovation of Visionary Youth programme, which is a pilot programme co-organised by the Community Development Department (JAPEM) and the Student Development Centre of Politeknik Brunei.

On hand as the guest of honour to launch the ceremony was Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof, the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports.

In a speech, the minister said that the newly completed training camp was in accordance with the titah of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, during the passing out parade of the first PKBN intake in 2013, which stated:

“In implementing this programme, it is necessary to ensure that its curriculum, infrastructure, trainers, supervisors and equipment are the best in required standards.”

The minister said that it was evident from His Majesty’s titah that high priority is given to youth development training in Brunei Darussalam, particularly through the PKBN.

“The PKBN has been able to make great strides in the strengthening and enhancing of its image and position as a strategic national programme, which excels in producing youths that are dynamic, patriotic and responsible.”

“In addition to being a new landmark to raise the profile of the Temburong District, we believe that this training camp will contribute in the long run, to the creation of various economic activities for the people of Temburong, while at the same time improving the socio-economic conditions of the Temburong populace.”

He also said that the training camp’s function will take on a greater significance after the completion of the Temburong Bridge Project in the next few years.

A total of 281 boys and 78 girls will undergo an extensive programme for the next 100 days, during which they will be exposed to physical training, character-building, patriotic events and community service, which are all in accordance with the national concept of the MIB.

The minister congratulated the new trainees, as well as their parents and guardians, whom he said had responded well to the Brunei Government’s call to develop themselves through participation in the PKBN Training Camp.

The minister said he was very proud of the youths who have shown concern towards their future and chosen to prepare themselves by taking the challenge of being part of the 6th PKBN intake which began on December 4 and will end on March 13, 2017.

“As the graduates of this programme, you are expected to be role models who will motivate other youths out there in supporting and ensuring the success of the government’s objectives for realising Brunei Vision 2035 through the strengthening of identity, competitiveness, brilliance and creativity in line with the PKBN motto of ‘Bersedia, Berkhidmat, Berbakti’,” said the minister, concluding his speech.

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin