BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN (Borneo Bulletin/Asia News Network): The Brunei Darussalam Scouts Association (PPNBD) celebrated its 90th anniversary on Sunday (Jan 29) with a carnival at its headquarters in Kampong Beribi, highlighting the organisation’s journey for the past nine decades.
Permanent Secretary (Core Education) at the Ministry of Education (MoE) Dr Shamsiah Zuraini Kanchanawati Tajuddin, the guest of honour, toured the exhibition showcasing the PPNBD’s history.
The organisation was established in 1933, said PPNBD President Dato Paduka Ar Idris Abas in his opening remarks.
A PPNBD branch was opened in the Tutong District in 1936, while the Belait District branch was established in 1940. A branch in Temburong District opened in 1974.
In 1976, the national scout movement was accepted as an associate member in the Asia-Pacific Scout Region.
In 1981, the association was accepted into the World Organization of the Scout Movement (WOSM) as the 117th member.
Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah became an honorary patron of WOSM on Nov 1, 1993.
In 1995, the organisation joined the International Union of Muslim Scouts.
Dato Paduka Ar Idris said PPNBD conduct activities both local and on regional and international levels, joining those jamborees and scout conferences, including ones held at the Asean, Asia-Pacific and World Scout levels.
PPNBD will send 20 members for the 25th World Scout Jamboree in Saemangeum, South Korea this year.