Minister warns youths not to overspend, but invest wisely
Written by Writer on Friday, October 17th, 2008
Minister warns youths not to overspend, but invest wisely
Friday, October 17, 2008
THE Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports yesterday warned youths not to overspend amid the global financial crisis.
Pehin Orang Kaya Setia Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Dr Hj Ahmad Hj Jumat, the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, called on youths not to overspend, but to invest wisely instead.
He was speaking to 28 participants of the Ship for Southeast Asian Youth Programme (SSEAYP) 2008, who paid a courtesy call to the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports yesterday.
He advised the participants not to heavily depend on the government, but make an attempt to seek employment opportunities from the private sector.
Some 14 male participants and 14 female participants from the government and private sectors as well as private individuals were choosen to participate in this year’s SSEAYP.
The minister also highlighted the importance of teamwork and self-discipline during the trip to foreign countries, during a dialogue with the participants.
“You are the reflection of good attributes of Brunei; you are the ‘duta kecil’ (small ambassadors) to Japan.”
“Do not underestimate your potential and do not be afraid of making mistakes, instead learn from your mistakes and gain experiences,” he added.
The meeting session then proceeded with a speech by Norhayati Hj Nordin, leader of the Brunei contingent of SSEAYP 2008.
She said that one of the SSEAYP’s objectives is to strengthen networks and solidarity between Japanese youths, as well as youths from Asean member countries. It also aims to improve regional cooperation among youths, she said.
“During the last two years, the programme focused more on discussion whereby the topics discussed were towards global issues,” she said.
This is the 24th time that youth programme involved Brunei’s participants since its official involvement in 1985. The SSEAYP 2008 will start on October 21 until December 11.
The main objective of the programme is to build understanding and international cooperation among Asean and Japan youths. The programme’s objectives also include gaining knowledge of various activities from different aspects of culture, economy and politics.
Norhayati told The Brunei Times that this year’s programme focus more on discussions and assignments and less of cultural or social activities compared to the past few years.
She further said that the programme will help to enhance the leadership skills of the participants and widen their knowledge of other countries and their people.
Also present at the dialogue session was Dato Paduka Hj Jemat Hj Ampal, permanent secretary at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports. (NJA1)The Brunei Times
