Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Rashidah Sa'adatul Bolkiah attended the Volunteerism Forum organised by Girl Guides Association to mark the 60th anniversary of the association yesterday. The event was held at the RTB studio in the capital.

Upon arrival, Her Royal Highness, the President of the Girl Guides Association was greeted by the working committee. Also in attendance was HRH Princess Hajah Masna as the Vice President of the association.

The forum began with the recital of surah al-fatihah by Dyg Hjh Fatimah binti Hj Abdul Ghani followed by a welcoming speech by the chairperson of the forum, Dyg Hjh Noraini binti Hj Ibrahim.

Three panellists were invited at the forum. Prof Madya Dr Hj Hashim bin Abdul Hamid from Universiti Brunei Darussalam said it is not easy to move forward in an association to stimulate national identity of its members by implementing tasks voluntarily because it requires great desire and bigger responsibility not only in doing voluntary jobs as we are also engaged in daily activities. The initiatives also require close cooperation and an optimistic attitude.

An invited panellist from Malaysia, Datuk Nik Faezah binti Nik Mustapha highlighted on WAGGS principle in Asia-Pacific in carrying out activities based on volunteerism concept among the member states.

Awg Hj Mail bin Hj Besar, Head of Policy and Studies of the Ministry of Religious Affairs highlighted on volunteerism work in carrying out activities according to the Islamic perspective and urged Ummah, regardless of age and gender, to always conduct welfare activities be it for the individual, family, monarch, religion and the nation.

Vice President III of Girl Guides Association, Datin Hjh Masni bin Hj Ali stressed that volunteer work brings new aspects in life and also brings benefits to the community. What is more important, however, is the responsibility to the family, monarch, people and the nation.

HRH also presented souvenirs to the invited speakers. - Borneo Bulletin (14th February 2011)