12-Nov-06

SOME 150 children with special needs, their families and health personnel from Ripas Hospital yesterday attended the Hari Raya celebration of the BAG Networks and coordinated by Kathis Management Services at the Child Development Centre in Kampung Kiarong yesterday.

The 350 attendees enjoyed musical performances by Kathis Management Services and a hearty feast. At the end of the celebration, Mahmud Haji Jeludin, the operations manager, and Pengiran Haji Emran PSW Pengiran Haji Ahmad, head of marketing and communications, both of BAG Networks distributed green packets to the children.

``This is the first time that BAG Networks organised something for the special needs children, and we hope that this will be a continuous effort on our part,'' said Mahmud.

``The main objective of the event is to enhance public awareness on needs, requirements and interests of these special persons, especially children, in facing the challenges of life to adapt themselves and how they should be given equality and full participation in every aspect of life,'' said Nur Khadijah Haji Ismail, the head of business development in Kathis Management Services.

``Our role in this celebration is solely as sponsor where we provided funding and support for the food and green packets,'' said Pengiran Haji Emran. The celebration is part of BAG Network's community service done throughout the year.

``We are a local company so this is the best way to give something back to Brunei, since our work force is made up of mostly locals, if a Bruneian company does not give back to Brunei, who is going to?'' added Mahmud.

Meanwhile, over 100 guests gathered yesterday at the Jerudong Park and Polo Club, for Maybank's Hari Raya open house celebrations.

Encik Azizul A. Rashid, Country Head and General Manager of Maybank Brunei, said the annual function is part of the bank's community relations programme.

The Malaysian-style open house is a platform that allows different communities to celebrate each other's festivities in a spirit of mutual respect and understanding, said the general manager.

Maybank has been operating in the nation since 1960, and already has three branches here.

The Hari Raya spirit continues with the working but informal visits of the Information Department Director, Awang Haji Amer Hamzah bin Pehin Dato Haji Zakaria, and his delegation to the houses of two village heads in the Tutong District.

The visits aim to strengthen bonds between village heads and the residents.

The director went to the villages to hear problems and complaints likely to be raised by the community.

The official's first visit was to Awang Abd Wahab bin Haji Abd Rahman, village head of Kg Kuala Tutong/Penabai in Mukim Pekan Tutong.

The department officials then proceeded to the residence of Kg Sengkarai and Serambangun's village leader, Awang Haji Momin bin Abd Razak.

During the visit to each house, the director discussed with the villagers the government's plan to improve their neighbourhood and likewise urged the people to organise themselves into a community to help facilitate the projects to be undertaken by the government. The people also expressed their hopes and disappointment regarding development plans slated for their area, especially Kenangan Beach, which has escaped the attention of authorities despite it having potential as a tourist spot.

The director also gave an inspiring speech to the villagers calling for community spirit before a spread of delicacies was served by the hosts. Brunei Times