DEPUTY SULTAN GRACES INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE

Bandar Seri Begawan - "This will enable the country and nation to be competent and achieve benefit in the middle of global growth, hence empowering the nation and securing the Sultanate's place in the eye of the world."

This was stated by the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Laila Diraja Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Hazair bin Haji Abdullah at the National Conference on Empowering Reading Culture 2013, which was held yesterday at the Songket Hall, Rizqun International Hotel, Gadong.

The guest of honour was HRH Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Deputy Sultan.

The minister shed light on how the culture of reading would produce a knowledgeable society.

He highlighted that the direction of the conference is to realise Brunei's Vision 2035 (Wawasan Brunei 2035) and to promote the implementation of SPN21 (National Education System for the 21st Century) which are towards better quality of life and a dynamic and resilient economy.

The minister added that among the 17 working paper presenters, five are from overseas namely Singapore, South Korea, New Zealand, Australia and Japan while the other 12 presenters are from Brunei Darussalam.

"The target group of this international conference are librarians, principals, sub-district heads, village heads, students and private persons. It is hoped that the exposure, exchange of experiences and good habits that are obtained from the conference will help expand interest in reading among locals and students."

The two-day conference is assembled for the first time by gathering three ministries and associations - a joint organisation by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, the Department of Schools, the Department of Islamic Studies, the Ministry of Religious Affairs (MORA) with the Brunei Darussalam Library Association.

Also present at the conference were Cabinet Ministers, members of the Legislative Council, deputy ministers, invited guests and conference participants.

--Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin