PWM'S COLOURFUL GALA NIGHT
The members of Persatuan Warganegara Malaysia (PWM) celebrated the association's 5th annual Lunar New Year Gala Dinner 2008 at the Plenary hall of the International Convention Centre in Berakas Saturday night. With the theme "Unity, Peace & Prosperity", the function was attended by nearly 2,000 people.
Present as the guest of honour was the Minister of Home Affairs, Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Laila Diraja Dato Paduka Awang Haji Hazair, President of PWM, Mr. Simon D Gelan, and other senior government officers as well as staff from the private sector and executive members of PWM organizing committee.
The guests were greeted and welcomed by the Lion Dance Troupe of Chung Hwa Middle School. The Malaysian High Commissioner to Brunei Darussalam, Dato' Ku Jaafar Ku Shaari, also the patron of PWM, in his speech said the Lunar New Year gathering was held in the hope of further strengthening the cordial and close relationship that has long been existing between Malaysia and Brunei.
He was also proud of PWM's initiative in organizing the student award, which he believed would further encourage Malaysian Children to achieve better results.
He also urged all Malaysians in the Sultanate to work earnestly towards enhancing closer cooperation, understanding and harmony, as they are important elements in achieving peace and prosperity.
Mr. Jackson Ting, the Chairman of the Organising Committee for the event cum PWM Deputy President, in his speech highlighted the importance of PWM awarding and recognizing children who excelled in their academic studies.
The Academic Excellence Awards is to further motivate them to perform better in the future.
"This is consistent with PWM's aim to encourage closer cooperation and understanding among members of the Malaysian community in Brunei through the provision of opportunities for recreational, social and cultural interaction," he added.
In view of the upcoming association elections, he called upon all professionals and prominent members of the business community who are ready, willing and able, to come forward to serve PWM. This is because PWM requires new blood, fresh minds and brighter ideas, especially new leadership.
Mr. Jackson Ting added that PWM fully subscribes to the traditional Malay proverb, "Di mana Bumi Dipijak, Di situ Langit Dijunjung".
"We are therefore not only law-abiding and respectful of MIB, but we also recognize that we have a social responsibility to give back to the Brunei community. This is the least we can do, to sincerely thanks His Majesty in particular and His Majesty's government in general, for the steadfast support to Malaysians serving or conducting business in Brunei." He said.
A total of 352 students from Primary One to Upper Six received their Academic Excellence Award from the Minister of Home Affairs.
Top student Tiong Ying Hee who scored 9As said on behalf of other students, "We thank PWM for its care, concern and encouragement to the younger generation over the years, which have motivated us on the path towards academic excellence."
The audience was also treated to an entertainment by popular Malaysian singer, "Siao Hei", who is and ethnic Indian but sings professionally in Mandarin. There were also colourful dance performances by students of Chung Hwa Middle School and popular numbers from the local singers. The night concluded with the lucky draw.
Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin