Novel House To Exhibit WBC Ware
By Husin Ismail

Bandar Seri Begawan - Kampong Burong Pinggai Ayer, home to five generations of Bruneians, has been selected by the Women Business Council (WBC) for showcasing its products during the Visit Brunei 2008.

The decision was taken during a recent visit by the Deputy Minister of Industry and Primary Resources Dato Paduka Hj Hamdillah Hj Abd Wahab and members of the WBC to Kampong Ayer as part of the preparations for the Visit Brunei 2008. The minister was invited by Major (RTD) Sopiah Husaini, president of the WBC. Dato Hamdillah said the house has its unique long history which is why it was selected for the purpose.

He said the present owner, Aida Pengarah Dato Paduka Othman, who was also a member of the WBC, said she was the fifth generation living in the house.

"I am sure the history and stories associated with the house will definitely interest tourists rather than showing them what we have here."

Three months ago, Aida has moved to another place to make her house a permanent place for showcasing WBC products.

Sopiah, who led the preparations for the visit by the Brunei Tourism Development Department delegation, said "This was part of our efforts in supporting the government to promote Brunei Darussalam in its tourism drive and the kenali negara kitani campaign.

"The preservation of the heritage and culture that the village had is one of the main aspects of the introduction of this village," Sopiah said.

Nur Hurriah Abd Majid, a member of the WBC, said that "by taking part in exhibitions locally, regionally or maybe globally we will promote our products.

"The package that the WBC offers here is already good. The tourists will, during the tour, get the chance to see the lifestyle of the people, the traditional handicrafts on display, the making of traditional cakes, the making of Kain Tenunan, witness a mock Malay wedding and a cultural show of traditional dances, while enjoying the typical Brunei cuisine."

The purpose of the working visit was to give the local tour operators and the media a glimpse of some of the products offered by the WBC members in Kg Burong Pinggai Ayer at the water village.

Damit Salleh, a famous hadrah player, welcomed the decision. "I am overjoyed to hear that this place will be used as the main tourist attraction. Now, I can entertain and share my traditional performing skills with tourists."

"I always get invitations from tourist operators to welcome their clients and I enjoy doing this as they always like it," said Damit. "My most popular performances are anding, begandam and bedundang with my drums. I've done shows for the Radio Television Brunei." -- Courtesy of The Brunei Times

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