Bandar Seri Begawan - To promote Brunei Darussalam as a location tor research on tourism from an academic standpoint, a Borneo Study Centre is being planned to be set-up.

Meanwhile, several projects such as the national library and a cultural centre have been put on hold following a review on both projects, but on a positive note, a national Sasterawan Award will be presented in conjunction with Language Month.

These were some of the topics discussed by the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Laila Diraja Dato Seri Setia Awg Hj Hazair bin Hj Abdullah during his welcoming speech, in which he talked about the ministry's plans and targets for 2013.

The minister also said that a database for less privileged people is also being fine-tuned and that work is being conducted to expedite the process of rendering financial assistance.

A Poverty Eradication Programme has also been implemented which will offer these individuals independence building and empowerment courses, as well as 'As-Syifa' and tuition classes facilitated by retired teachers.

For the 2013-2014 financial year, a budget allocation of $103,51,900 has been granted to the ministry, an increase of $5,300,410. An additional 22 posts have also been created within the ministry. A special budget for the implementation of youth development activities stands at $13,519,860, where some two million dollars is allocated to the National Service Programme.

The funds will also aid the Youth Development Centre in establishing short-term courses such as scaffolding, traditional medicine, skills associated with the golf industry and basic computing classes.

A five million dollar budget has been allocated to restore existing sports and recreational facilities.

Another half a million dollars was granted to the social welfare programme to help strengthen the ability of the government to play a positive role in strengthening the family institution, with another $300,000 allocated to non-governmental organisations - which have been urged to use the funds wisely.

With regard to culture and the arts, $400,000 has been allocated for the ministry to conduct cultural programmes including purchasing ethnic clothing, musical equipment, reviving the `Gambus', ethnic music and ethnic wedding festivals.

The ministry also has a $100,000 budget to promote the importance of developing a reading culture among local Bruneians.

--Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin