On 13 Syawal 1446 equivalent to 12 April 2025, Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah organised the Hari Raya Aidilfitri Celebration Ceremony at the International Conference Centre, Brunei Darussalam.
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 and His Majesty the Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha binti Al-Marhum Pengiran Pengiran Anak Haji Mohamed Alam were pleased to attend this ceremony along with the Royal Family.
This event is the 21st time organized by Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah since the event was first held in 2003. The Hari Raya Aidilfitri Celebration Ceremony organized by Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah gathers participants from different backgrounds every year to give them the opportunity to meet and greet the beloved king and pay their respects to the Sultan in a more friendly and lively atmosphere. The participants who are highlighted every year consist of community groups that are identified as being able to provide importance in generating well-being, welfare and importance to religion, king, race and nation.
With the generous blessing of 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, this year's event was themed "Community Unity in Achieving National Aspirations". This theme reflects Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah's commitment to nurture the spirit of cooperation, unity, and harmony among the community by uniting various levels of society, to create strong synergy towards achieving common progress, in line with the aspirations of Brunei Vision 2035.
In support of the theme, Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah highlighted several groups of participants who played an important role in approaching, understanding and facing the needs of the community more deeply. They are a key channel in assembling and nurturing, bridging relationships, and guiding community members towards more holistic development.
The first group represents the local community at the grassroots level who understand the needs and aspirations of the local population towards strengthening the spiritual values, harmony and well-being of the community. They consist of members of the Takmir Committee of the Mosque and Surau; member of the Mukim and Village Consultative Council; and Neighborhood Supervisors. The second group of participants consisted of micro, small and medium entrepreneurs as well as local corporations who implemented economic development and capacity building programmes to enhance skills and knowledge towards building a sustainable and resilient society. Meanwhile, the third group consists of Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and several private companies that implement rehabilitation and socio-economic programmes to help improve the quality of life of the community and certain groups in need of assistance.
The commitment and role of all groups of participants is expected to have a positive impact on the harmony and well-being of a united, resilient, inclusive and dynamic society to achieve the nation's aspirations – Brunei Vision 2035.
The programme began with the recitation of surah Al-Fatihah and Doa Selamat which was recited by Yang Berhormat Pehin Datu Seri Maharaja Dato Paduka Seri Setia (Dr.) Ustaz Haji Awang Abdul Aziz bin Juned, Mufti of the Government of Brunei Darussalam. This was followed by a welcome prayer by Yang Berhormat Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (B) Dato Paduka Seri Awang Haji Halbi bin Haji Mohd. Yussof, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department and Minister of Defence II as Chairman of the Board of Directors of Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah.
The highlight of the ceremony was the speech of 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.
The programme continued with a video screening entitled "Community Unity in Achieving National Aspirations" which showed the involvement of various levels of society in implementing volunteering, community, and community capacity and socio-economic development programmes towards building a united and successful Brunei society in line with the strong national approach 'Whole of Nation Approach' to support the aspirations of Brunei Vision 2035.
The ceremony was enlivened by a stage performance from the students of Sekolah Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, a combination of children from Kindergarten, Primary School students and Secondary School students with the leadership of the instructors of Sekolah Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah.
In line with the theme and categories of participants highlighted in this year's celebration, a total of 20 agencies from the government, private and non-governmental sectors participated in the exhibition by showcasing their respective initiatives and programmes in supporting social unity and national development, such as through community programmes, social enterprises, education, counselling, and technological innovation. This exhibition illustrates the importance of synergy between all sectors in strengthening the spirit of unity to realise the nation's aspirations, by rewarding collective efforts that drive socio-economic development and achieve success as an integrated and resilient society.
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 and His Majesty the Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha binti Al-Marhum Pengiran Pengiran Anak Haji Mohamed Alam then welcomed all participants present. In addition to providing an opportunity for the participants to mingle with the much-loved king, this event will also certainly inspire and stimulate the participants in carrying out their respective roles.
Also present at the ceremony were Pengiran-Pengiran Cheteria, Cabinet Ministers, Deputy Ministers, Permanent Secretaries, Deputy Permanent Secretaries and special guests.
