ASEAN culture takes centre stage

 

 

 

The car park in front of the Royal Regalia in capital last night came alive with a show of culture from around the region.

 

From traditional music of the gulingtangan to a demonstration of Indonesia’s silat, Thailand’s Benediction and Laos’ Baslop dances, it was a homage to the diversity of the ASEAN community, particularly the nation, Indonesia, Thailand, Philippines and Laos.

Dubbed ‘We are One’, the first-ever ASEAN mini concert was organised by the Culture and the Arts Division, Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports (MCYS) in conjunction with the 69th birthday celebration of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam.

Present at the event as the guest of honour was the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, Dato Paduka Dr Hj Affendy Pehin Orang Kaya Saiful Mulok Dato Seri Paduka Hj Abidin and spouse, Acting Director of Culture and the Arts Division Hjh Fatimah Hj Aji alongside foreign dignitaries and representatives from the respective nations.

Meanwhile, in Belait, youth bands highlighted the dangers of smoking and drugs through songs at the Tudung Saji stage.

Organised by the Belait Youth Council with the theme ‘Stay Away from Drugs and Smoking’, there were performances by various bands known as Simply Slumber, Stormfield, Zero Band and Melodia with members within the age range of 18 to 25 years old.

“We chose this theme because it’s one of the major social problems for youth in the country so tonight we want to spread a message to the youth encouraging them not to smoke and do drugs, and to remind them it is better to do music and performances,” said the Vice President of the Belait Youth Council, Dr Hj Azasahibul Hj Zainal Abidin.

“We would like to wish His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam a long life and to express our gratitude for how much he has given to the people of Brunei,” he added. Present as the guest of honour was the former Vice President of the Belait Youth Council, Dr Hj Jumat Idris.

The event ended with a handover of souvenirs to the guest of honour and a group photo.