HIS Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam consented to visit the 3rd National Service Programme (PKBN) pilot project at the PKBN training camp at the Games Village in Berakas.

Upon arrival, His Majesty was welcomed by the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Laila Diraja Dato Seri Setia Awg Hj Hazair bin Hj Abdullah, Deputy Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, Datin Paduka Hjh Adina binti Othman and other senior government officers as well as PKBN Camp Commander Major (Rtd) Mohammad Dollah.

Yesterday’s visit began with the Royal Salute and singing of the National Anthem after which His Majesty consented to inspect a guard of honour comprising 129 male and 70 female trainees.

His Majesty also witnessed the ‘Sorak Program Khidmat Bakti Negara’ (PKBN Cheer), the singing of ‘Sedia Berbakti’, a march past, martial arts presentations, as well as some amazing acrobatic shows by the PKBN trainees.

Following the performance at the Parade Square of the Games Village, His Majesty then visited the Royal Brunei Technical Services (RBTS) booth, where His Majesty was welcomed by the CEO, Hjh Rosmawati Hj Manaf.

His Majesty also consented to view an exhibition on PKBN pilot projects including the first and second projects and got up-close with the paintball activity at the Paintball Arena, where His Majesty fired a paintball marker before proceeding to the Lecture Hall of the Games Village.

At the Lecture Hall, His Majesty viewed an exhibition and a watched video presentation before proceeding to the Male Trainee Hostel, where His Majesty witnessed an entrepreneurship performance and workshop, as well as religious activities.

The male trainees also showcased the folding of a Dastar, which is a traditional Malay headgear, and Sinjang, a woven cloth worn as part of the traditional male clothing in the Malay culture, both of which are usually worn during formal functions.

From the Male Hostel, His Majesty witnessed the obstacles course performed by the trainees and viewed the PKBN equipment exhibition in Block B before proceeding to Block A of the Female Trainee Hostel.

At the Female Hostel, His Majesty consented to witness religious activities conducted at the Female Surau as well as other activities and workshop organised by relevant agencies.

His Majesty’s visit yesterday concluded with a luncheon with the trainees, invited guests, trainers and religious teachers, followed by the signing of the Royal Parchment in commemoration of His Majesty’s visit to the 3rd PKBN and received a pesambah presented by Pehin Dato Seri Setia Awg Hj Hazair. - Borneo Bulletin (7 March 2013)