Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awang Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof, the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, yesterday praised the emergence of youth movements and associations in the country.

He said their alliance has proven to be a more effective approach in the delivery of different youth agendas across the country.

In his keynote address during the Brunei Chevening Youth Forum (BCYF) 2016 held at The Core, Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD), the minister remarked that youths who are engaged in union are found to be better organised and have a wider reach-out as opposed to lone movements. The 'One Youth, One Association' approach, he added, has forged connection with existing and newly formed associations.

He later urged youth leaders to be creative in activity planning, by not only convening them but also by involving themselves in the implementation of revolutionary initiatives, allowing them to seize opportunities in the digital and innovative world today.

"I welcome the participation of the youth in alliance-based activities whether in the community, sports or culture, through youth bureaus in their respective mukim and village consultative councils, mosque youths
committee or in any uniformed or voluntary associations," the minister said.

In his address, he also mentioned some of the many initiatives implemented by the government to ensure the youths are progressing in tandem with the nation's Vision 2035.

"The vision wants to see Brunei to have highly-affluent, skilled and successful people, with high-quality standards of living and a dynamic and resilient economy. To reach this goal, we should stay loyal to our king and the country, while tightly holding onto Islamic values and traditions," he added.

The minister also mentioned that one vital element needed to shape the future is 'positive youth development' that takes into account youth involvement in self-development, religion, knowledge, values and positive attitudes that generate youths that possess self-identity, are productive and strong.

He further shared that the `5C' concept inspired by several research academicians focus on five main areas in youth development - competence, connection, confidence, character and caring.

"This network (5C) is the foundation of the generation of positive youth that will eventually contribute their input. In other words, the youth will be agents of change by their active involvement and capability to lead in various situations and make changes," he said.

Despite many challenges posed in today's world especially or youths, the minister pushed for them to further look forward in their perspectives and continue strategic planning to attain their goals.

As the ever-changing global landscape comes in no time and presents new challenges, he said this needs the 'next generation' of youth to be constantly alert, to value their time and be proactive in their actions.

"Challenges are not only limited to a non-conventional scope such as work without borders, advanced technology, innovation-based life, emergence of social enterprises, speed of information, new media and others. This forces the youth to involve their peers who share the same interests to forge together as a group or an association," he said.

Source:
@BRUDIRECT.COM

by BruDirect.com

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