His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam yesterday consented to launch the Knowledge Convention 2012 at the ICC in Berakas. The theme of this year is 'Luxury of Health is the Foundation of the Nation's Welfare' or 'Nikmat Kesihatan Asas Kesejahteraan Negara'.

The theme, according to the Minister of Health, Pehin Orang Kaya Johan Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Adanan bin Begawan Pehin Siraja Khatib Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji MohdYusof, portrays the importance of health in all aspects of life.

"It not only covers healthcare affairs, but also the practice of healthy living for every individual, family and community. Healthy citizens are definitely able to contribute to a more active, productive and dynamic life and together generate a more robust socio-economic well-being for the sake of the country. The theme is also in line with the nation's Brunei Darussalam 2035 Vision towards a high-quality life of the citizens," he added.

Also present at the opening ceremony were His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister's Office; HRH Prince Mohamed Bolkiah; His Royal Highness Prince Haji Sufri Bolkiah; His Royal Highness Prince Haji Jefri Bolkiah and HRH Prince 'Abdul Malik.

Following the speech by the Minister of Health, His Majesty then consented to officiate the event with a titah, and launching of the event which showed a three-minute video of the monarch's benevolence towards his subjects in terms of healthcare provisions.

The Prime Paper was delivered by Pehin Datu Seri Maharaja Dato Paduka Seri Setia (Dr) Ustaz Haji Awang Abdul Aziz bin Juned, the State Mufti, with the topic 'Healthy Lifestyle and Healthy Eating Habits From the Islamic Perspective'.

His Majesty and the royal entourage then consented to view the exhibitions at two separate halls - the Multipurpose Hall and the Balai Kenangan.

The Knowledge Convention continues today with another Prime Forum discussing this year's theme by three panellists comprising Dato Paduka Dr Awang Haji Isham Haji Jaafar, Executive and Medical Director at the Jerudong Park Medical Centre; Pengiran Dr Haji Mohd Khalifah Pengiran Haji Ismail, Acting Chief Director of Health Services at the Ministry of Health and Professor Dr Muhaya Muhammad, Motivational Lecturer and Ophthalmology Practitioner from Malaysia.

Seminars and workshops are also on-going until tomorrow, with various discussions related to health, panelled or delivered by officers from the Ministry of Health, Jerudong Park Medical Centre, UNISSA, Islamic Dakwah Centre, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Education, RIPAS Hospital and two foreign lecturers Dr Hussein A Gezairy, the Advisor to Director General, World Health Organization and Professor Dr Muhaya Muhammad from Malaysia.

The exhibitions, seminars and workshops are open to members of the public since yesterday until September 17 from 9am to 5pm. - Borneo Bulletin (12 September 2012)