By Za'im Zaini
Her Majesty Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha yesterday underscored the importance of healthy diet in leading a healthy life at the launch of the Domestic Science Exhibition 2006 and prize presentation ceremony, held in conjunction with His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam's 60th birthday celebration.
"Heart-related disease is still a cause behind many deaths in this country and (one of) the causes of these diseases involves the issue of an unbalanced diet.
"A healthy diet is the basis for a healthy life with ample exercise and participation of the family in activities," said Her Majesty in a titah delivered at the ceremony, organised by Brunei's Pertiwi Association, at the International Convention Centre (ICC) in Berakas.
Her Majesty also called on children, youth and society in general to make it a habit to eat healthy food. Such practice, she said, will assist in the development of a new generation that is aware of the effects of diet on their health.
Her Majesty also added she was delighted that this year's exhibition featured a performance that showcased our culture and also emphasised on issues in maintaining a perfect household. Her Majesty also congratulated the participants of the competition.
Her Majesty was accompanied to the ceremony by HRH Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah, HRH Princess Hjh Rashidah Sa'adatul Bolkiah, HRH Princess Hjh Majeedah Nuurul Bulqiah, Her Royal Highness Princess Hjh Masna and Her Royal Highness Princess Hjh Noor Ehsani.
Upon arrival at the ICC, Her Majesty and the royal entourage were greeted by members of the organising committee led by co-chairpersons of the event, Datin Hajah Fatimah binti Dato Seri Setia Haji Abang Razali and Datin Hajah Siti Hajar binti Pehin OKSS Dato Haji Mohd Yusof.
Her Majesty then presented prizes to the winners of a competition organised by Pertiwi Brunei. Her Majesty and the royal entourage later toured the exhibition and watched a cultural performance on a Brunei-Malay wedding and also launched a cook book titled "Citarasa Pertiwi" published by Pertiwi. All proceeds from the sale of the book will be donated to welfare projects.
Meanwhile, Datin Hajah Siti Hajar in her welcoming remarks said "This year's exhibition is based on a modern and traditional concept that is hoped to generate concern among women, especially mothers, on the challenges of modern lifestyle in the IT era, especially in preserving the Brunei-Malay Customs.
"Brunei's way of life needs to be handed down to the next generation and it is hoped that the performance that will be showcased during the exhibition will remind the current generation and the future generation of our cultural heritage that needs to be preserved."
The competition between associations in composing the 'Balasan Hantaran Pertunanagan dari Pihak Pengantin Perempuan' or wedding gift from the bride to the groom was won by Pekerti, while Bistari and Pertiwi from Belait took the second and third places respectively.
Some of the items featured at the competition showed the ability of women in groups and individually in areas of craftsmanship, cooking and designing. Also on display were craft work from special needs people, school children, youth and villagers as well as edible items for sale and participation of representatives from other friendly nations including Cambodia that exhibited silverware, Canada that showcased Inuk Shuk, Canadian Wild Rice Maple Syrup and other maple-based products, Malaysian products 'Anyaman Ketupat' and Malay cakes, Myanmar jade accessories, cotton fabrics and lacquer ware, Pakistani clothing, handicraft, carpets and food.
The Philippines showcased the 'Mother of Pearl' and handicraft and art; desserts from Singapore and handicrafts from Thailand.
Meanwhile, individual prizes were also presented to the winners by Her Majesty. In category B1, (preparing 'Aneka Acar' dish) Pg Hjh Hameni Pg Jahari came first, 2nd place went to Pg Hjh Siti Rohaniwati Pg Hj Abd Rahim and Dyg Maisalamah Bte Jurulaki Hj Moksin finished third.
In category B2, (preparing cuisine with fish) Dyg Saadiah Bte Jurulaki Hj Moksin won the top prize, followed Dyg Chaya Binte Samat and Norsiah Hj Momin in second and third places. The category for preparing meat-based cuisine was won by Dyg Nornani Hj Kipli.
Category B4 for cuisine based on chicken was won by Pg Hjh Hameni Pg Hj Jahari, 2nd place went to Dk Farah Sauhana Pg Rosli and 3rd place went to Pg Hjh Minah Pg Damit.
The top prize in B5 category for design and Adap-Adap rice went to Hjh Siti Bte Mohamad, followed by Chaya Bte Samat and Norsiah Hj Momin.
In category B6 (fruit design) Jurinah Bte Jumaat, Dk Farah Sauhana Pg Rosli and Chaya Bte Samat finished first, second and third respectively.
In Category B7, (Sirih Junjung design) the winner was Jurinah Binti Jumaat, followed by Chaya Binti Samat and Hjh Arbiah Binti Othman.
In Category B8 (Bunga Telur design) Chaya Binti Samat finished first, followed by Hjh Raziam Bte Ibrahim. Category B9 for 'Kedudukan Bunga Dian' was won by Jurinah Binti Jumaat, while Dk Farah Sauhana Pg Rosli and Saadiah Binti Jurulaki Hj Moksin finished second and third. Category B10 for 'Lapik Gangsa and Bunga Rampai' was won by Pg Hjh Minah Binti Pg Damit, followed by Hjh Siti binti Mohaamad and Pg Hjh Siti Rohaniwati Pg Hj Abd Rahim.
- Borneo Bulletin
(21st August 2006)
