Bandar Seri Begawan - Six students and two teachers from Pehin Datu Seri Maharaja Secondary School (SMPDSM), Mentiri, and the Tutong Sixth Form Centre (PTET) left the country yesterday for a nine day summit between June 17 and 25 at the Malay College Youth Development Summit (MCYDS) taking place at the Malay College Kuala Kangsar in Ipoh, Perak.

Cikgu Merdiah of SMPDSM when interviewed by the Bulletin explained that their school as well as PTET was invited by the Malay College Kuala Kangsar to join the youth development summit.

The Brunei delegation is required to prepare a presentation based on the theme of 'World Peace Begins in School'. Cikgu Merdiah also added that there will be a cultural performance comprising a play by SMPDSM students entitled 'Nakhoda Manis' and a singing performance entitled 'Cabuk Cabuk Bertali Rambai'. In addition, a project exhibition will also be set up where the Brunei representatives will bring Brunei-themed souvenirs and magazines to promote the Sultanate.

Siti Fatimah Az Zahra binti Abdul Kadir, 14, and Lim Chiu Teing, 15, expressed their excitement to the Bulletin, saying, "I'm looking forward to meeting other students there and I hope they are all friendly". Lim Chiu Teing highlighted that they had undertaken many extra classes in the afternoon to prepare for the summit and that she hopes everything goes well.

A student representative from PTET, Ak Syazwan bin Pg Sulaiman said he and his peers underwent one month of preparation that consisted of presentations, traditional dances and setting up a catalogue of Brunei traditional delicacies.

When asked about their take on the theme of the summit, students of SMPSM suggested that communication skills are important to strengthen bonds among students while PTET students believe that the school - as a socialising institution - will assist in the building of relationships among fellow students and teachers.

The Malay College Youth Development Summit aims to bring out the leadership qualities among promising students and to develop their sense of responsibility towards their respective communities.

Brunei is among seven countries invited to the summit by the Malaysian college.