Bandar Seri Begawan - The Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Culture, Youth & Sports, Dato Paduka Awg Hj Jemat Hj Ampal, yesterday afternoon congratulated the 28 youths who were selected to represent the Sultanate in the 2009 SSEAYP (Ship of Southeast Asian Youth Programme).

As "ambassadors" of Brunei, the permanent secretary said it was imperative that they demonstrate exemplary behaviour at all times and uphold the Sultanate's culture and traditions.

"They must not be influenced by negative elements," he said. The Director of Youth & Sports, Awg Hj Mohamad Penglima Asgar Dato Paduka Hj Abdullah, said that the Brunei contingent, which is made up of 14 males and 14 females, would be led by National Leader Awg Hj Mohd Ibrahim Hj Jumaat.

The youths, who paid a courtesy call on the permanent secretary yesterday afternoon, have specially organised activities for the 53-day SSEAYP programme to promote Brunei's unique culture and traditions.

This year marks the 36th year of the programme, which aims to promote understanding and cooperation amongst Asean and Japanese youths. A total of 330 youths from 11 countries will be participating in this year's programme, which will run from October 27 to December 18, 2009.

The SSEAYP is an international youth exchange programme, which started in 1974 with consent of Asean nation leaders and Japan through a Memorandum of Understanding. The programme is organised and fully sponsored by the Government of Japan with cooperation from participating countries.

Among those who were present at yesterday's courtesy call were Acting Deputy Permanent Secretary Awg Hj Mohammad Hj Abd Rahman, as well as the Youth & Sports Department's Deputy Director I, Pg Sabri Pg Hj Mohammad, and Deputy Director II Awg Hj Mohd Dato Paduka Hj Hamdani. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

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