Bandar Seri Begawan - The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports through the Community Development Department ( JAPEM) is currently holding the International Humanitarian Fund Exhibition with the aim of creating awareness for members of the public as well as generous donors.

The three-day exhibition, which ends tomorrow, is being held at The Airport Mall in Berakas.

Present to officiate the start of the exhibition as guests of honour were Pg Dato Seri Setia Dr Hj Mohammad bin Pg Hj Abdul Rahman, Minister of Religious Affairs and Datin Paduka Hjh Adina binti Hj Othman, Acting Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports. Also present were members of the Legislative Council, Permanent Secretaries, members of the diplomatic community in Brunei and invited guests from various government agencies and NGOs.

On hand to welcome the guests of honour was Awg Hj Ismail bin Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Setia Dato Paduka Hj Hahim, Acting Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports. The ceremony commenced with the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah and thanksgiving prayer, followed by a welcoming speech by Awg Hj Ismail.

In his speech, Awg Hj Ismail conveyed his gratitude and appreciation to the members of the public, generous donors, government agencies and NGOs, as well as volunteers who had generously contributed and lent out their hands to help those in need.

The guests of honour were then invited to perform the ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially launch the three-day exhibition. They then went on a guided tour of the exhibition, led by Awg Hj Ismail.

Since its creation in 1991, the Fund has successfully established 21 International Humanitarian Funds with proceeds reaching up to a total of B$18,121,925.92.

The People's epublic of Bangladesh inaugural Humanitarian Fund for Flood Victims was established with total proceeds of B$532,500.00.

Meanwhile a total of 22 posters are being displayed at the exhibition which is open to the members of the public at the Atrium of The Airport Mall.

--Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin