HIS Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam consented to view the exhibition, which is being held on the sidelines of the Knowledge Convention 2014 at the International Convention Centre (ICC), during its launching ceremony yesterday.

The exhibition displays different types of booths showcasing details on Brunei’s latest infrastructures for coastal protection, flood control, public safety and information on raising public awareness on the importance of water.

The theme of the convention, ‘Science & Technology: Catalyst of Development and Enhancing the Ummah’s Quality of Life’, highlights the importance of science and technology in enhancing the quality of life of the people.

The exhibition is divided into six zones – each covering various fields with regard to achieving the Brunei National Vision 2035.

Zone I focuses mainly on catalysts contributing to the growth of the nation, including the combination of the Islamic heritage with modern day science and technology.

Whilst Zone II displays the usage of science and technology for the management of the nation’s infrastructure.

Zone III showcases a ‘Water for Life’ concept highlights government’s mounting uphill struggles in ensuring the provision of clean water for the nation.

Zone IV displays ‘Warisan Gemilang’ – a compilation of iconic projects and progression of infrastructure initiated by His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam.

The Survey Department holds the fort at Zone V, exhibiting its functions in verifying the moon sighting in compliance to Islam. The correspondence regarding astronomy in the Islamic standpoint is also a part of the display.

The final zone covers the ‘Investigation, Realisation & Discovery’ features of His Majesty’s regime in keeping its track in line with the monarch’s titahs.

On the other side of the exhibition hall, the ‘touch and feel’ experiment of sound and lights which is handled by the Oil and Gas Discovery Centre (OGDC), is set up incorporating different areas of science.

“The exhibition is an excellent tool for promoting science and technology as it covers various topics that correlate physics in the study of fibre optics, and ICT in terms of programming and their applications in the real world,” said Nur Karnina Karim, Head of Marketing and Public Relations, OGDC.

A student from Datu Ratna Haji Jaafar Primary School in Kiarong, Mohammad Danial Yaziq Mohammad Yusaini, who took part in one of OGDC’s science experiments, said that it was his first time participating in making slimes.

The exhibition acts as an informal learning tool through interactive exhibits (4-D) for visitors, especially for children and primary school students to develop and stimulate their interest in science and mathematics.

The one-week exhibition is open to the public starting from October 30 at 2pm to 5pm; 9am to noon and 2pm to 5pm on October 31 and 9am to 5pm on November 1 to 4. - Borneo Bulletin (29 October 2014)