BRUNEI Darussalam is host to the inaugural ASEAN Rover Moot, where over 300 Rover Scout members from around the region participate in various activities geared towards enhancing life skills and regional solidarity.

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, who is also the Patron of the Brunei Darussalam Scouts Association (PPNBD), officially launched the event at the Youth Centre in the capital yesterday.

His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office, and the Chief Scout of PPNBD; His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik; and Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Masna, Ambassador-at-Large at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs were also present.

During the event, His Majesty presented the PPNBD Medals to several local and regional scout members.

The Rakis Medal was presented to former PPNBD Commissioner of Training Haji Yahya bin Haji Yusof and Vice President II of PPNBD Haji Damit bin Haji Chuchu.

The 1st Class Meritorious Award – Gold was awarded to PPNBD’s Chief Commissioner Haji Badar bin Haji Ali, while the 2nd Class Meritorious Awards – Silver were presented to Manager of PPNBD’s Tree Planting Project Haji Othman bin Durani, Chief Executive Officer Haji Md Zali bin Arsad, and former Secretary General Haji Zainuddin bin Haji Jaafar.

His Majesty also presented PPNBD’s International Friendship Award Medals to several regional scout leaders from Asia-Pacific, as well as souvenirs to contingent leaders from the participating countries.

Earlier during the gathering, Rover Scouts from participating nations, who were dressed in their respective countries’ scout uniforms, marched with their national flags and delivered a scout’s ‘Message of Peace’ performance to the audience.

During the programme, the participants are divided into groups and will stay in different camp sites in the four districts, with activities on exploration, community service, culture and environment to focus on the pillars of the United Nations’ (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Themed ‘One ASEAN, One Community in Scouting’, the Sultanate was selected to host the 1st ASEAN Rover Moot during the 8th ASEAN Scout Association for Regional Cooperation (ASARC) held in the Philippines last November.

Rover Scouts from seven ASEAN member countries and a number of countries from Asia-Pacific are taking part in the gathering.