YAYASAN SHHB HARIRAYA GATHERING

I was invited to Hariraya gathering at ICC on 13 October 2008 organised by Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah. Big turnout with His Majesty and entourage gathered with Yayasan volunteers and starategic partners. In the titah, His Majesty said the issue of poverty in the country is not as serious compared to other nations, but it can be managed better through the use of natural resources. His Majesty noted in a recent article in the World Bank's "World Development Report 2007" that agriculture can help reduce the poverty rate as much as four times compared with other economic sectors.His Majesty also lauded the role of volunteers which has grown to a strong 564 member team since 2005. On Yayasan starategic partners. Yayasan realises that it cannot operate on its own without the support of government agencies and other non-government organisations Through these strategic alliances, skills of human resources and financial assistance can be maximised for effective development of these programmes. His Majesty said that based on the need, His Majesty has consented to the setting up of a National Council on Social Issues to handle pressing issues and help facilitate programmes by relevant agencies to tackle the situation in a more effective and organised approach.

Yayasan teachers involved in ushering the guests into their seats at Plenary Hall ICC. His Majesty The Sultan lauded the efforts made by the foundation in setting up a volunteer unit which has grown to a strong 564 member team since 2005.

HM arrival greeted by members of the stretegic partners. The monarch noted that as a social institution, Yayasan cannot operate on its own without the support of government agencies and other non-government organisations.

Everybody was waiting for the best part of the gathering.... makan.

We had Glutinous Rice Roll with Red Beans, Beef Lung Rendang, Buttered Spring Chicken, Seafood Sambal Noodles, Lamb Wellington, Soft Roll with Egg and Corned Beef (Roti Dayang and Puff stuffed with Feta Cheese, Spinach and Pine Seed. How's that ?

Addation to those menu we had Pineapple and Almond Pudding with Cinnamon Honey Sauce, Teh Tarik and soft drinks.

Stand still, saluting the national anthem, Allah Selamatkan Sultan.

This is the best memento, pen with royal emblem on it.

The paper bag also contained big slice of cake put in a container with royal emblem. It really was a memorable gift.

Yayasan strategic partners put up display of their activities. The Sultan with keen interest was briefed by Dato Paduka Haji Alimin.

Pusat Ehsan with HM's daughter herself as a person responsible for the running of the institution had contributed to the well-being of sector of society that need help and guidance.

Waiting for HM arrival into their booth. The pictures displayed were those activities on helping the Tsunami victims in Aceh.

Keen interest from young visitors. Brunei with Yayasan and non-governmental institutions were first to deliver help to Aceh Tsunami victims.