Berakas: His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah ibni His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office, attended the Premier Forum of the Knowledge Convention 2025, which took place on the morning of 27th September. The forum focused on the theme “Negara Ditanai Dengan Sedekah,” translating to “The Country is Upheld with Charity.”
According to Radio Television Brunei, the event was organized in conjunction with His Majesty The Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam’s 79th birthday celebration and was held at the International Convention Centre in Berakas. His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik, the brother of the Crown Prince, was also in attendance. Upon arrival, the Crown Prince was welcomed by several dignitaries, including Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Indera Setia Diraja Sahibul Karib Pengiran Anak Haji Idris bin Pengiran Maharaja Lela Pengiran Muda Abdul Kahar and the Co-Chairpersons of the Knowledge Convention 2025 Steering Committee.
The forum began with the reading of Surah Al-Fatihah by Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Paduka Seri Utama Dato Paduka Seri Setia Haji Awang Salim bin Haji Besar. The Minister of Development, Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Muhammad Juanda bin Haji Abdul Rashid, delivered the welcoming address. He emphasized the importance of charity as a responsibility for ensuring that the country remains a field of blessings and prosperity.
During the forum, Dato Seri Setia Doctor Awang Haji Mazanan bin Haji Yusof, Assistant Mufti for Buhuth, highlighted the government’s role in providing free assistance as a form of charitable practice. Awang Haji Shamshol bin Haji Omar, Deputy Permanent Secretary for Policy and Religion at the Ministry of Religious Affairs, explained how charity can bolster community solidarity, strengthen human relations, and enhance societal harmony.
Doctor Awang Haji Hambali bin Haji Awang Jaili, Assistant Rector for Research and International at UNISSA, discussed the impact of charity on national development, addressing its role in economic, educational, and social progress. The event concluded with a doa selamat, also read by Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Paduka Seri Utama Dato Paduka Seri Setia Haji Awang Salim.
The Knowledge Convention Exhibition further emphasized the principle of charity as a foundation for national prosperity and the importance of collective efforts to enhance charitable practices throughout the nation.