Brunei's Local News - Brudirect.com

Bandar Seri Begawan – His Royal Highness Prince Charles yesterday presented scrolls to 26 local graduates of the University of Wales Institute, Cardiff (UWIC) at University Brunei Darussalam's Chancellor Hall.

Upon arrival, His Royal Highness was greeted by UBD Vice-Chancellor Dr Zulkarnain Hj Hanafi. The Prince of Wales was accompanied by Her. Royal Highness the Duchess Of Cornwall and British High Commissioner to Brunei John Saville.

Yesterday marked the first time His Royal Highness presented scrolls to the students graduating in Brunei as Chancellor of UWIC.

During the event, His Royal Highness talked about Brunei's role in the Heart of Borneo (HoB) project and touched on the outstanding rainforests that beautify the country as well as Brunei's initiative to preserve the forests and wildlife.

"I hope the tree I've planted will survive," said His Royal highness Prince Charles, speaking of the planting of the 1,000th tree in the Belait district's Badas Forest Reserve as part of the reforestation project in the area, which represents an important landmark and forms part of the International School of Brunei's "Million Trees" project to restore forest continuity across Borneo.

The heir to the British throne also spoke of the importance of climate change and how it will affect future generations. His Royal Highness said that he was impressed with the determination of Brunei in preserving the forest and ensuring that climate change does not affect the country.

Prior to departing the event, Their Royal Highnesses inspected a special exhibition on Brunei's rich cultural heritage, which was accompanied by music by the UBD Gulingtangan (traditional Malay musical instrument) Club.

During their two-day visit to the Sultanate, the royal couple also witnessed a workshop for students on Islamic art techniques run by the Prince's School of Traditional Arts (PSTA), a charity organization based at the Prince's Foundation in Shoreditch, London.

Last July, PSTA took part in the annual Knowledge Convention at the International Convention Centre in Berakas where alumni member Unaiza Karim showcased some of the school's works.

The royal couple left the Sultanate yesterday afternoon. -- Courtesy of The Brunei Times