Bandar Seri Begawan - In conjunction with His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam's 66th birthday, Heads of Diplomatic Missions in the country yesterday presented the monarch with a 'Pesambah' inspired by His Majesty's unwavering support for Bruneian tradition, creativity and craftsmanship.

The gift, according to representatives from the Diplomatic Corps, is a model of a traditional kampong boat, decked out in the national colours of Brunei Darussalam, with the Royal Emblem, in gold, on silver decorations affixed to prow and stern. It rests on a three-tiered stand emblazoned with the 27 flags of the resident diplomatic missions.

They further explained the inspiration that brought about the idea of the gift. With invaluable assistance from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA), representatives of the Diplomatic Corps visited the workshop of a craftsman from Kampong Setia (Mukim Sungai Kebun) who is associated with the 'One Village, One Product' initiative, and selected this artefact.

This work of art, according to them, stands for all the other works of art and craft, and other important aspects of rural development and creative industries in Brunei, which have been given a boost by the initiative.

The gift also acknowledges Brunei's nautical traditions, thus aligning the corps with His Majesty's emphasis on the Sultanate's glorious history.

The gift's inscription reads: "A token of our admiration for Your Majesty's encouragement of Tradition, Creativity and Craftsmanship in Brunei Darussalam, through the 'One Village, One Product Programme'. Presented by the Diplomatic Corps, October 2012".

On the back, a separate plaque proudly describes the object's provenance as: "A product of Kampong Setia, Mukim Sungai Kebun".

Members of the Diplomatic Corps said they would be pleased to follow-up their collaboration with MoHA by finding other ways to support the "One Village, One Product" initiative in the future, including visits to other workshops or projects which have benefited from the programme.

--Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin