Latest news with #MCYS
The Star
a day ago
- Business
- The Star
BizBelia to empower Brunei youth: Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah
Sultan Hassanal delivering the titah at the 20th National Youth Day. - Photo: Borneo Bulletin/ANN BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: His Majesty Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Negara Brunei Darussalam, expressed strong hopes that youth will fully utilise the newly established Shariah-compliant micro-financing scheme to jointly propel the nation's economic growth. The monarch said the scheme offers local youth entrepreneurs access to financial resources from Brunei's financial institutions. Sultan Hassanal hopes it will stimulate the growth and development of youth enterprises and set an example for other financial institutions to involve youth more actively. With proper guidance and robust support from relevant parties, the Ruler is confident that youth entrepreneurs will shine not only nationally but also on the international stage. He voiced these views in a titah at the 20th National Youth Day on Saturday (Aug 16). The present generation of youth, the monarch noted, possesses a strong spirit and great leadership potential. The positive transformation shown by the youth signals their willingness to shoulder the heavy responsibilities of leadership, a key element in Realising Brunei Vision 2035. The government remains committed to empowering youth and providing a conducive environment for their growth. In pursuing Wawasan Brunei 2035, youth are pivotal as Drivers of Economic Transformation. Sultan Hassanal welcomed the shift in mindset from job seekers to job creators through entrepreneurship and business ventures. Acknowledging the challenges in obtaining financing to start a business—particularly for youth who lack business performance records or collateral— Sultan Hassanal announced the establishment of BizBelia, a Shariah-compliant micro-financing scheme for youth entrepreneurs. The scheme results from a strategic collaboration between the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports (MCYS) and Bank Usahawan Berhad. The Ruler also voiced concerns about exploitation of youth by criminal syndicates offering lucrative rewards. Sultan Hassanal cited reports of local youths involved in cross-border drug smuggling orchestrated by international trafficking groups. The monarch also warned of overseas job scam syndicates targeting youth, noting that such schemes threaten the future of Bruneian youth and the nation's social harmony. Efforts to combat these syndicates must be strengthened through education and awareness, law enforcement, and community support. Youth themselves should bolster resilience through religious knowledge and the Malay Islamic Monarchy (MIB) values to safeguard a successful and dignified future. The Ruler urged youth to cooperate with all segments of society, including senior citizens, in shaping Brunei's harmonious future. He extended heartfelt congratulations to all Bruneian youths for their commitment to developing and advancing the nation, stressing that youth remain the pillar of hope for Brunei's bright and glorious future. - Borneo Bulletin/ANN
The Star
05-06-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Brunei holds nationwide special prayers for health, well-being
Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Seri Setia Nazmi Mohamad during the Sunnat Hajat prayer at Suri Seri Begawan Raja Pengiran Anak Damit Mosque. - MCYS via BB/ANN BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports (MCYS) and its departments, in collaboration with community groups, organised a nationwide congregational Sunnat Hajat prayer and a special supplication for health and well-being on Wednesday (June 4). The prayers, followed by the congregational Asar prayer, were held simultaneously at major mosques across all four districts, with the participation of orphans, senior citizens from the Senior Citizens Activity Centres (PKWE), members of associations for persons with different abilities, women's organisations, mosque takmir (mosque administration) committee members, Muslim groups, village heads and penghulus, monthly welfare aid recipients, residents of welfare housing complexes, public-private sector partners and members of the public. In the Brunei-Muara District, the main venue was the Suri Seri Begawan Raja Pengiran Anak Damit Mosque in Kampong Madang, joined by Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Datuk Seri Setia Nazmi Mohamad. Meanwhile, in the Tutong District, the focal point was Hassanal Bolkiah Mosque in Pekan Tutong. In the Belait District, the event was centred at the RPN Kampong Pandan Mosque in Kuala Belait, while in the Temburong District, the Utama Mohammad Salleh Mosque in Pekan Bangar hosted the gathering. The inclusive participation, coordinated by the Community Development Department under MCYS, reflected the government's inclusive approach and the community's collective devotion and concern for the monarch. - Borneo Bulletin/ANN
