Latest news with #Al-MuhtadeeBillah
The Star
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
Brunei crown prince joins new Islamic year prayer
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN (Xinhua): Brunei's Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister's Office Al-Muhtadee Billah had evening graced the end of the Islamic year and new Islamic year 1447 Hijrah prayer ceremony, local media reported. According to the local daily Borneo Bulletin on Friday, the event took place at Jame'Asr Hassanil Bolkiah mosque near the capital, Bandar Seri Begawan, and the gathering served as a moment for prayerful reflection, seeking divine blessings for the nation's continued peace, prosperity, and well-being in the year ahead. The annual national-level hijrah celebration in Brunei was jointly organized by Brunei's Ministry of Religious Affairs, the Ministry of Home Affairs, and the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism, according to the Borneo Bulletin. Brunei is located in the northern part of Borneo Island in South-East Asia and has a rich and long-standing Islamic cultural heritage. - Xinhua
The Star
17-06-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Crown Prince inaugurates Scouts Training Centre
Prince Al-Muhtadee Billah takes a closer look at one of the exhibitions. - BB/ANN BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: Prince Al-Muhtadee Billah Hassanal Bolkiah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister's Office, who is also the Chief Scout of the Brunei Darussalam Scouts Association (PPNBD), graced the 75th Anniversary of Cub Scouts in Brunei Darussalam and the inauguration of the the Scout Training and Camp Centre, on Tuesday (June 16). Also present at the event was His Royal Highness Prince Abdul Malik. Upon arrival, Their Royal Highnesses were greeted by the Minister of Development Datuk Seri Setia Mohd Juanda Abd Rashid, in his capacity as Acting Minister of Culture Youth and Sports; Minister of Home Affairs Datuk Seri Setia Ahmaddin Abd Rahman; and PPNBD President Datuk Paduka Ar. Idris Abas. In a sabda (speech), the Crown Prince described the occasion as a symbol of the Scouts Association's continued commitment to developing disciplined, responsible and patriotic youth aligned with Brunei Vision 2035. He expressed pride in the achievements of the scouting movement since the establishment of the Cub Scouts, highlighting its key role in shaping character and leadership through activities that instill confidence, responsibility, and a spirit of volunteerism. With the full operation of the new training centre, the Crown Prince is confident it will become a centre of excellence for scout leadership, unity and skills development, while contributing to the goal of building a resilient society. The Crown Prince also acknowledged the vital contributions of scout leaders, volunteers, parents and educators—many of whom are teachers—in ensuring the movement's continued success. He further extended appreciation to the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, and the Ministry of Education for their unwavering support towards the growth of the scouting and other cadet movements in the country. 'The scouting identity and values,' he said, 'can inspire success beyond the movement, empowering young citizens to shoulder responsibilities with patriotism and foresight.' Themed 'Our Scouts, Our Future', the celebration reaffirms the continued commitment of the PPNBD to producing a resilient, dedicated and devoted young generation for the nation through progressive and inclusive non-formal education. - Borneo Bulletin/ANN
The Star
07-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Brunei Crown Prince urges stronger Asean unity amid rapid tech disruption
Prince Al-Muhtadee Billah delivering his speech at the 17th Conference of Asean Ministers Responsible for Information on May 7, 2025. - BB BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: Prince Al-Muhtadee Billah Hassanal Bolkiah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister's Office, on Wednesday (May 7) called for deeper regional collaboration to address the fast-evolving digital landscape and the disruptive impact of emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence. In a speech at the official opening of the 17th Conference of Asean Ministers Responsible for Information (AMRI) at the Indera Samudera Grand Hall, The Empire Brunei, the prince underscored the urgent need for Asean to keep pace with technological advancements, while safeguarding the integrity and inclusivity of the region's shared digital future. 'As we move further into the digital age, with some of our nations even leading the charge in innovation, a high literacy rate is essential. It empowers our people to navigate and harness the digital space effectively,' he said. While the digital shift brings opportunities for growth and innovation, it also poses complex challenges. The prince noted the rise of Artificial Intelligence as one such development that adds layers of difficulty to the already dynamic information landscape, making it crucial for the Asean information sector to evolve in step with these changes. 'I am encouraged to see AMRI collaborating with other sectors to proactively address these issues. This cross-sectoral approach is essential in ensuring that our region not only keeps pace with digital transformation but also safeguards the security and resilience of our digital environment,' he said. Under the theme 'Media Advancing Joint Understanding' or Maju, the 17th AMRI brings together information ministers, senior officials, and dialogue partners from across Asean and beyond, to explore strategies for promoting media as a unifying force in the region. In his speech, the prince also expressed support for Malaysia's Asean chairmanship this year under the theme 'Inclusivity and Sustainability', noting it reflects the region's ongoing efforts to strengthen unity while confronting external pressures and global uncertainty. Looking ahead to the Asean Community Vision 2045, which is expected to be adopted at the upcoming 46th Asean Summit, the prince stressed that the success of the Vision depends on effective public communication. 'It must be transformed from merely a policy framework into a shared aspiration embraced by all,' he said. Brunei Darussalam's digital transformation journey was also highlighted. His Royal Highness noted that the nation was among the first Asean member states to complete its 'Analogue Switch Off' in 2017, marking a milestone toward a fully digital broadcasting era. The prince commended the Asean information sector for its contributions to regional literacy and integration since AMRI's inception in 1989, particularly in fostering peace, stability, and unity across South-East Asia. 'His Majesty's Government remains committed to enhancing cooperation and making meaningful contributions to build regional resilience and prepare for future shocks,' he added. The 17th AMRI was attended by ministers and officials from all 10 Asean member states, Asean Plus Three dialogue partners – China, Japan and South Korea – as well as Timor-Leste. - Borneo Bulletin/ANN
The Sun
07-05-2025
- Politics
- The Sun
ASEAN information ministers start meetings in Brunei
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: Malaysia's Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching is scheduled to meet her ASEAN counterparts here on Wednesday, the first day of the 17th Conference of ASEAN Ministers Responsible For Information (AMRI) and Related Meetings. The two-day meeting, among other things, will discuss strategic progress on media and information, address emerging issues such as disinformation, misinformation, digital inclusivity and the ethical use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) as well as digital transformation. Brunei's Crown Prince Al-Muhtadee Billah, who is also the Senior Minister at the Prime Minister's Office, addresses the AMRI opening ceremony, held in a hotel here today. Besides ministers and senior officials responsible for information from ASEAN member states, the attendees also include representatives for ASEAN Plus Three, namely China, Japan and South Korea. Teo is leading the Malaysian delegation for the two-day event. Also in the Malaysian delegation are Information Department (JaPen) Communications and Community Development Service Division director Muhammad Najmi Mustapha and Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) Head of International Affairs Division Norhani Mohamad Adzhar. The delegation also includes MCMC Director II (ASEAN and Bilateral) Fatin Nabiha Ab Aziz, Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) Executive Editor for International News Service Mohd Shukri Ishak, as well as other high-ranking officials from the Communications Ministry and its agencies. On the sidelines, ministers and senior officials responsible for information from ASEAN member states and ASEAN Plus Three leaders are scheduled for an audience with the Sultan of Brunei Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah at Istana Nurul Iman on May 8.
