IN CONJUNCTION with the ceremony marking the handover of key plaques to recipients of the National Housing Schemes in Meragang and Tanah Jambu, His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam visited Sayyidina Abu Bakar Secondary School (SMSAB) at the Lambak Kanan National Housing Scheme to show his care for the nation’s education system and students.

Upon arrival, the monarch was greeted by the school’s Principal Pg Maimunah Pg Haji Osman, with hundreds of students waving mini national flags gathered around the school’s compound as they eagerly anticipated the arrival of their ruler and interacting with him.

SMSAB has a population of 1,050 students from Years 7 to 11, Pre-Vocational from Years 7 to 10, BTEC I Introductory Certificate (4th Cohort), BTEC 2 Extended Certificate (3rd Cohort), BTEC 2 Extended Certificate (2nd Cohort) and BTEC 2 Diploma (1st Cohort). His Majesty made sure that he had a glimpse of the different aspects of the school’s operations.

Starting with various exhibition booths set up by students to showcase a fraction of the 40 clubs that make up the school’s curriculum, His Majesty toured a number of labs with students eager to demonstrate their school work and projects.

The monarch interacted with the students throughout the institution, particularly those with special needs, which showed the ruler’s care and concern for youths

During the tour, His Majesty also witnessed cultural performances carried out by students whilst being guided around the school by the principal.

After finishing touring the school, His Majesty consented to sign a royal parchment before proceeding to take a group photo with staff members and education officers of the school.

Hundreds of students assembled around different levels of the school’s buildings to bid His Majesty goodbye with patriotic calls of ‘Daulat Kebawah Duli Tuan Patik’ as the monarch left the school’s premises. - Borneo Bulletin (9 April 2014)