Bandar Seri Begawan - Three award recipients who were recognised for their contributions in the country's youth development shared their gratitude to the Government of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam for the prestigious awards they received and placed hope that it will serve as a source of inspiration for more youth leaders and youths in general.

In an interview with the Sunday Bulletin the recipient of the Meritorious Youth Leader Award, Dato Paduka Awg Hj Sumadi bin Sukaimi, who is well-known for his involvement in many youth movements and activities, expressed his appreciation to His Majesty and described the award as a "top honour" for him from the government that appreciates his involvement and role in upholding the progress of the nation's youth.

"This is a national level honour that serves the youth and the people of the nation," he said.

"I hope this will be an inspiration for other youth leaders and the others in general to persistently serve and stand up for their religion, race and the nation and in instilling sincerity in delivering their service without expecting any material returns," he added.

He also hoped that more youths will be driven to relentlessly equip themselves with various skills and knowledge to prevail over the increasing challenges of today.

This, he said, should also be complemented with high moral values to prevent social ills "that may threaten the security of our generation of youths".

Dato Paduka Hj Sumadi also conveyed his admiration for His Majesty the Sultan and Yang DiPertuan of Brunei Darussalam, who he said gives youths in the country a special place and emphasis.

"His Majesty is very close to the country's generation of youths, and we should regard this as a precious honour."

Meanwhile, Ak Md Adibul Amin bin Pg Hj Marjuki, recipient of the 'Outstanding Youth Award' who is very active in pursuing his Al-Quran reading skills by winning various national-level Al-Quran competitions and earned top places in international competitions, said he is grateful to Allah the Almighty and His Majesty for the recognition. He is also an academic with an Accounting and Finance background.

He said this is an encouragement for him to improve his skills in Al-Quran reading and also in his academic quests.

"This will be a base for me to move forward in contributing to the country using both fields, and I hope this will be a pushing ground for myself and other youths to strive better in realising His Majesty's vision for a `Zikir Nation' and towards our Vision 2035," he said.

On the other hand, Maim Bokok Temburong Youth Association, established in 1984 and recipient of the 'Youth Association Award' has been an active organisation that provides activities, which have directive focus on community, economy and volunteering. Its president told the Sunday Bulletin that this award demonstrates His Majesty's concern with associationslike them, regardless if they are near or far.

"It is an honour and a point of success for us but this could not have materialised if there was no teamwork from all the members of this association," he said.

He said this is also made possible with the cooperation from various levels of government and private sector organisations.

"We hope there will be continuous support from these organisations so we could excel better," he added.

--Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin