Japanese Govt Honours BERSATU Association
By P. Marilyn

Bandar Seri Begawan - The Ambassador of Japan to Brunei, Hashimoto Itsuo, last night on behalf of the Government of Japan awarded a Certificate of Commendation to BERSATU Association or SSEAYP (Ship for South East Asian Youth Programme) International Brunei.

The commendation of award was presented on the occasion of the 20th Anniversary of the establishment of the association.

The event was held at the Japanese Embassy at JIn Kota Batu. Mr Itsuo presented the award to Haji Jailani Haji Ibrahim, President of SSYEAYP International Brunei Association, who received it on behalf of BERSATU Association.

Mr Itsuo said, "The SSEAYP is dedicated to the idea of promoting friendship and understanding between Japan and Asean countries through various exchanges by the youth-on-board the ship.

"This requires giant efforts by both Japan and Asean member countries, and could not have been implemented without the support of the Government of Brunei Darussalam, particularly the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports," said the ambassador.

He also praised BERSATU for its efforts and enthusiastic cooperation.

"BERSATU Association has matured and expanded, and has become one of the most positively engaged Alumni among Asean member countries. It is a well-recognised body willing to engage in various activities through which it contributes to further solidify Japan-Brunei relations.

"The strenuous work and splendid contribution by each member of the association is really an asset to our bilateral friendly relations," the ambassador added.

The certificate is only awarded to individuals or associations that have contributed to enhance mutual understanding and friendship between Japan and Brunei.

The BERSATU Association has been playing a significant role in supporting Japan-Brunei relations, both in the ship-related programme and others of its own.

"In conjunction with the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the BERSATU Association, the Government of Japan recognises, with high esteem, the association's outstanding work in its achievements," he added.

Amongst those present during the event were Haji Ahmad bin Haji Abd Rahman, Deputy Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, officials from the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, Mr Hiroshi Sawada, Secretary-General, Brunei-Japan Friendship Association (BJFA) and senior officials from the Embassy of Japan.

The SSEAYP was initiated in 1974 by the leadership of the then Prime Minister of Japan.

In the following 34 years, the scope and participants of the programme have expanded with the growth of Asean members. In 1977, the then Prime Minister, Takeo Fukuda, put forth Japan's basic stance towards Asean member countries, which included 'heart to heart contact' as one of the key principles.

Throughout its history, the Asean-Japan Youth Ship has enthusiastically embodied this spirit and now, under the leadership of Mr Fukua's son, Mr Yasuo Fukuda, the present Prime Minister of Japan, the Government of Japan as well as the Embassy of Japan in Brunei Darussalam continues to uphold the principles. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

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