His Majesty Calls On Students Light Of Excellence

London – His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah has expressed hopes for students to become a dynamic generation capable of bringing greatness and glory to Brunei.

His Majesty wished that they “become lights of excellence, not dim and sooty oil lamps”.

The titah was made at an audience ceremony for Bruneian students in the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland on Sunday.

The Brunei Monarch began the titah by touching on the events of the year 2003 which left many tragic effects.

His Majesty hoped that year 2004 would open a brighter chapter that would bring relief to everybody.

However, the students should view the situation as a process that sharpens their minds and awareness, especially as the country celebrates 20 years of independence next month.

“Every incident is a development that needs proper evaluation,” His Majesty said. “Sometimes the development is specific and limited, as in internal or domestic, sometimes it is universal.”

“Herein lies the true test whether a person is dynamic or insensitive to the things that are taking place.

“A dynamic person will follow any development with open eyes and an open mind, where as the unconcerned ones will stay forever in a tiny and dark cocoon, or world,” the Sultan said.

It is His Majesty's wish that Bruneian students in the United Kingdom become a dynamic generation that views every development with great awareness, so one day they would be able to produce great visions and ideas for the nation.

Brunei will celebrate 20 years of independence soon, and in those years, the country has developed rapidly in numerous fields and managed to interact, cooperate and even compete with other nations in the regional and international arenas.

Touching on the challenges brought about by the tide of globalisation, His Majesty said the nation has never taken the matter lightly in anyway.

His Majesty believed that not all things brought are good and suit national aspirations.

Hence, His Majesty called on all the students to be aware of the reality and be cautious so they are not trapped by the negative elements of globalisation.

He said that knowledge and wisdom are two different things, and the wisest ones are those who understand this fact.

Human resource is essential in the country's economic and social development and His Majesty's Government never hesitates to spend large amounts to provide the infrastructure and facilities to acquire highly educated and skilled work force. However, factors affecting morality and wisdom are never neglected and the students should be able to fulfil such an aspiration.

His Majesty hoped that the nation would continue to be peaceful and prosperous with the presence of the country's graduates in its management and administration.

No matter which university the students came from, they are the light that would continue to shine on the nation.

His Majesty made the call in his titah to the students at a Majlis Ramah Mesra or get together with Brunei students and other Bruneians in the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland.

The get-together ceremony took place on Sunday afternoon at one of the leading hotels in London.

On arrival at the hotel, His Majesty Sultan of Brunei Darussalam and Her Majesty Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha were greeted by the High Commissioner of Brunei on London, Pengiran Haji Yunus and wife, Pengiran Anak Hajah Fatimah, as well as officers and other staff of the High Commission in London.

Also attending the function were His Royal Highness the Crown Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, His Royal Highness Prince Abdul Malik, His Royal Highness Prince Abdul Mateen, Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Majeedah Nuurul Bulqiah and Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Hafizah Sururul Bulqiah as well as other members of the Royal Family.

The function began with the Doa Selamat led by Pehin Dato Ustaz Haji Awang Abdul Aziz Bin Juned, State Mufti.

The doa selamat was followed by a presentation of mementoes by the students to His Majesty Sultan of Brunei and Her Majesty Raja Isteri.

Dayangku Hajah Adawiyah Binti Pengiran Haji Jaberuddin, representative of the Brunei students, in her welcoming speech, expressed the students’ appreciation for the facilities and His Majesty's government for its continuing concern for the well-being of the students studying abroad and pledged to study and work hard.

Before leaving, His Majesty and Her Majesty as well as other members of the Royal Family consented to meet and mingle with the students and other Bruneians in the United Kingdom at the function.

Nearly 1,000 Bruneians attended the function that gave them the opportunity to greet His Majesty.

They comprised the Brunei students in the United Kingdom and Ireland, officers and other staff of the Brunei High Commission in London, the Brunei Investment Agency and families and other officers of the Brunei government, including members of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces who were undergoing in-service training courses in the United Kingdom as well as other Bruneians who were in the United Kingdom.

Presently, there are 776 students studying in the United Kingdom and Ireland in various fields.

They include 398 Brunei government scholarship students; 92 sponsored by Brunei Shell Petroleum and Brunei Shell Tanker; and, 286 private students.

Aside from the students, there are currently 44 government officers undergoing various courses in the United Kingdom and 24 members of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces who are undergoing military training.

The offices of the Brunei High Commission and the Brunei Investment Agency in London together consist of another 50 Bruneian staff and officers. -- Courtesy of Radio Television Brunei

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