IT WAS a
spectacular display of candlelights, torches and glow-sticks which brightened
the Taman Hj Sir Muda Omar 'Ali Saifuddien (SOAS) in the capital, when hundreds
of people gathered to mark the Earth Hour themed "I will if you will"
yesterday evening.
Lights all around the SOAS field were switched off at 8.30pm sharp
while illuminations around the SOAS mosque were dimmed.
The global campaign observed here was made even more special when His
Royal Highness Prince 'Abdul Malik showed up in support of the event and
mingled with participants.
HRH also officiated Brunei HSBC's "Earth Hour Ride", a
night-cycling ride in Bandar Seri Begawan participated by more than 150
individuals, including Minister of Industry and Primary Resources (MIPR) Yang
Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Utama Dato Seri Setia Hj Yahya Begawan Mudim
Dato Paduka Hj Bakar.
At 8.30pm sharp, HRH sounded the horn which kickstarted the
15-kilometre night-cycling ride starting at the Taman SOAS.
Upon returning to the Taman SOAS after a 50-minute ride, YB Pehin Dato
Hj Yahya told The Brunei Times that he participated to support the grassroots
members and non-government organisations (NGOs) that also took part in the
night-ride for the cause.
"The government is already doing its part by coming up with
various initiatives towards energy saving, so now we must start from the bottom
up. The public, and private sector must now do their part," he said.
The MIPR minister underscored that everyone should note: "Every
hour is Earth Hour, and should not just be observed today."
Youth organisations, NGOs, individuals and even companies in the
private sector turned up to support the world's largest environmental event, by
sitting in the middle of the field waving their torches, glow-sticks and
candles in the air for an hour.
Also supporting the event were the Energy Department at the Prime
Minister's Office (EDPMO) and the Department of Electrical Services.
Permanent Secretary (Downstream and Power) Hj Jamain Hj Julaihi who was
present in an Earth Hour T-shirt, said he was impressed with the turnout.
"This shows there is now a level of awareness on the importance of
energy saving. I was also impressed with the cyclists who took part in the
cause, including YB Pehin Dato Hj Yahya who led the group," he said.
Hj Jamain said it showed the commitment to energy saving and saving the
environment, not only from the public but even from senior government officials
including the minister.
"This is a very good sign. We should now make energy saving as
part of our lifestyle and daily routine. We also need to teach our children how
important energy saving is," he said.
Also present was Director of Tourism and the appointed envoy for Earth
Hour, Sheikh Jamaluddin Sheikh Mohamed.
The other landmarks were the Jerudong Park and Kg Ayer Cultural and
Tourism Gallery.
However, a huge number of commercial organisations and education
institutions also participated by either completely switching off their lights,
non-essential lights or dimming them.
This is the third year the Sultanate has joined the world in supporting
the cause.
RACHEL THIEN
The Brunei Times
Business & Investment Opportunities
YourVietnamExpert is a division of Saigon Business Corporation Pte Ltd, Incorporated in Singapore since 1994. As Your Business Companion, we propose a range of services in Strategy, Investment and Management, focusing Healthcare and Life Science with expertise in ASEAN. We also propose Higher Education, as a bridge between educational structures and industries, by supporting international programmes. Many thanks for visiting www.yourvietnamexpert.com and/or contacting us at contact@yourvietnamexpert.com
No comments:
Post a Comment