HIS Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam yesterday took a closer look at the progress of the National Service Programme (PKBN) and met hundreds of the country’s young men and women currently immersed in the second intake of the three-month-long training programme.

Upon arrival at PKBN Training Camp’s Parade Field in the Sports Village of Hassanal Bolkiah Sports Complex, His Majesty was greeted by the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, YB Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Laila Diraja Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Hazair bin Haji Abdullah.

His Majesty later received a royal salute and inspected a guard of honour mounted by 245 PKBN trainees led by Major (Rtd) Mohammad bin Dollah, the PKBN Camp Commandant.

Following the inspection, an energetic performance put up by the PKBN trainees transformed the parade field into a training ground showcasing the trainees’ physical and mental capabilities in different aspects they have attained during the training.

His Majesty, with other guests including families of the trainees, witnessed well-coordinated performances including a marching parade and showcases in martial arts and physical exercises. The performance segment also saw the PKBN trainees reciting the Surah Al-Hasyr Verse 17-24, chanting the PKBN cheer and singing their song “Sedia Berbakti” together.

A doa selamat was later read by the Head of PKBN’s Religious Unit, Ustaz Awang Haji Abdul Afiq bin Zainuddin.

Following the performances, His Majesty took a closer look at two new programmes recently introduced in the PKBN Camp; Leadership Arena & Multitask Elements (command task) and the Climbing Tower Arena (rock climbing and abseiling) which have been introduced as part of the enhancement of training programmes in increasing the trainees’ endurance and durability in overcoming challenges.

His Majesty then proceeded to the Administration Block of the Sports Village where he viewed a photo gallery of the PKBN and later signed on a parchment to mark his visit to the PKBN Camp. His Majesty also consented to receive a ‘pesambah’.

At the end of the event, His Majesty met with hundreds of trainees from the second intake of the PKBN, made up of 149 men and 96 women aged between 16 and 21 years old. The trainees were joined by their family members.

While meeting the trainees, His Majesty was keen on their development and inquired about some of the trainees’ progress in the programme. PKBN trainees and their family members also took the golden opportunity to have their photographs taken with their beloved monarch.

Prior to leaving the event, His Majesty consented to a group photograph with the second intake of the PKBN and its officials.

The second intake of the PKBN commenced on December 22 last year and the trainees’ training will conclude on March 24, 2014. - Borneo Bulletin (20 March 2014)