Her Royal Highness Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah graced the annual Toyota Classics 2012 and presented donations to charity organisations amounting to B$81,000 at the Arts Centre of Jerudong International School (JIS) last night.

Prior to the arrival of Her Royal Highness at the main hall of the Arts Centre, the ensemble arranged a special composition with the playing of the national anthem to near perfection.

Three charitable organisations received B$27,000 each. The Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Learning Ladders Society, Dato Paduka Awg Hj Abd Rahman Hj Mohiddin received the donation on behalf of the foundation.

Receiving on behalf of Pusat Ehsan Al-Ameerah Al-Hajjah Maryam was its Policy and Planning Trustee, Hj Ahmad bin Hj Abdul Rahman, while Galen Singh, a fundraising officer, represented Dana Ihsan Annur Harian.

Last night's showcase was the 18th edition of the Toyota Classics held in Brunei and the first time it was held away from the International Convention Centre, Berakas, which has been a home for the orchestra for the last 17 years.

In his welcoming speech, Mr Ninan Chacko, Managing Director of NBT highlighted that the main appeal of the Toyota Classics is its purpose as a charity event.

He also expressed his gratitude to Her Royal Highness for the continued support and generosity to the charity organisations to assist them in their respective important and meaningful community services.

The spectacle last night was the composed and self-styled performance of renowned ensemble Vienna Chamber Orchestra, with the main hall turning into silence and guests appreciating the energy and quality of the showcase.

Mr Ninan also took the opportunity to express his appreciation to Mr Koichiro Inagaki, Senior Vice President of Toyota Motor Asia-Pacific, Singapore, the co-sponsor of the Toyota Classics series.

Among those present during the musical showpiece was the Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, Datin Paduka Hjh Adina binti Othman, as well as foreign dignitaries and other invited guests. - Borneo Bulletin (11 November 2012)