| Lyna Mohamad |

HIS Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam yesterday urged youth to step up and play their role.

His Majesty also told the youth to not be stagnant, but to be active and dynamic at all times.

The monarch told youth to not to be complacent but focus on the spirit of philanthropic efforts taking as an example the Youth Entrepreneurship Steering Committee set up by His Majesty’s Government to take care and provide attention to youth.

The committee specifically acts as a facilitator for youth to start businesses and enterprises until they can truly be competitive, build their confidence and directly contribute towards the country’s development, His Majesty said.

His Majesty underscored this in his titah at the 14th National Youth Day celebration at the Plenary Hall of the International Convention Centre in Berakas yesterday.

The monarch was thankful for the commitment of the youth towards national development, not only for their involvement and initiatives, but also for their contribution for the drafting of government policies such as through the National Youth Congress 2019 and the National Youth Policy review.

Highlighting the significant interest of youth in the field of agriculture and agri-food as an entrepreneurial choice, His Majesty pointed out that agriculture has the potential to be developed.

Moreover, it is in line with the capabilities of youth to use new methods that are seen to facilitate the improvement of productivity and at the same time penetrate the overseas market.

Youth should also be congratulated for responding to the challenge for participating in a large-scale farm and agricultural exposure programme, His Majesty added, expressing confidence that this can bring about significant changes now and in the future.

Youth, added His Majesty, boosted by rapid technological advancement will not retrieve and leave favourite fields such as arts and creativity but will continue to explore various products to be developed.

All these are investments that need to be empowered. Hence the need for youth to step up to play their role, His Majesty said.

The monarch also pointed out that youth are no longer locked up in emptiness but have emerged with new ideas and in this regard, His Majesty’s Government has also taken steps to provide a number of entrepreneurship programmes for youth.

Last year, 60 contracts were provided, out of which 10 were awarded to youth entrepreneurs while the country targets 200 contracts until the end of 2021.

His Majesty stressed that the country does not want to become onlookers only, but also compete in the global arena.

However, His Majesty added that competition should not be empty-handed but filled with knowledge, experience and skills as without knowledge, experience and skills, nothing can be achieved.

The monarch believed that the youth are capable of fulfilling the characteristics of being knowledgeable, experienced and skilled and congratulated all youth for their commitment to develop the nation.