Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Masna, Ambassador-at-Large at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, consented to grace the St Andrew's School Peace Pole Dedication ceremony yesterday.

On arrival, HRH Princess Hajah Masna was greeted by Hj Mahrub bin Hj Murni, Permanent Secretary (Core Education) at the Ministry of Education, and the Principal of St Andrew's School, Jane Keasberry.

The Peace Pole Dedication ceremony was to com-memorate the peace dedication carried by Masahisa Goi, which started in Japan in 1955. His desire to dedicate his life to spreading the universal message, "May Peace Prevail on Earth", was in response to the bombings in Hiroshima and Nagasaki. He believed that peace begins in the hearts and minds of every individual.

Yesterday's ceremony began with a performance of the national anthem and the school's song by students, followed by a speech from the principal. In the speech, she expressed that the event was to spread the message of peace while encouraging people to learn to honour one another as well as to appreciate all creations on Earth, and the desired vision will gradually and surely become a natural way of life, a true culture of peace.

Furthermore, she added, the ceremony was also to recognise Yeo Yeo Chiew's winning entry in the 14th Annual Pals International Art Competition 2011 held in New York. The student's art piece lead to her winning the Peace Pole and also made Brunei the 194th country to receive the prize. The Peace Poles are handcrafted monuments erected the world over as international symbols of peace.

Aside from all this, yesterday's event also served to educate and promote world peace among children, as well as to showcase the school's choir and mini-orchestra, according to the principal.

During the ceremony, a slideshow presentation showcasing the history of the Peace Pole and a video presentation on Yeo Yeo Chiew's achievements were also presented.

This was followed by the unveiling of the Peace Pole by HRH Princess Hajah Masna and the "Song for the Pole of Peace" performed by the Junior Choir of St Andrew's School. HRH Princess Hajah Masna then consented to receive a 'pesambah' presented by Yeo Yeo Chiew, which was in the form of an artwork. Towards the end of the event, HRH Princess Hajah Masna also consented to view an exhibition displayed by the students. - Borneo Bulletin (15 May 2012)