B E Y O N D | J A N . T O M A R . 2 0 2 2 | I S S U E 2 7Brunei celebrated it’s 38th National Day on 23rd February 2022, despite being in the midst of the third COVID-19 pandemic wave. The event showcased the National patriotic spirit in a parade to mark the Sultanate'sindependence at the Taman Haji Sir Muda Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien (SOAS). The annual celebrations were themed on ‘Menjayakan Wawasan Negara’ or ‘Accomplishing the National Vision’ and graced by His Majesty Sultan HajiHassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam. Over 3000participants including employees from various government agencies, community groups, and sportingassociations took part in the march-past. This year’s parade also featured COVID-19 frontliners to highlighttheir efforts in combating the pandemic.Assistant Professor Dr. Deeni Rudita Bin Idris was one of the Oath Reading Team members or ‘Pasukan IkrarKebangsaan’ for this year's National Day celebration. Dr. Deeni was nominated by UBD to represent theuniversity after which he went through a selection process conducted by the Ministry of Culture, Youth andSport. Personal achievements and contributions to the country were amongst the criteria considered by theselection committee. Dr Deeni was nominated because of his active involvement in voluntary work andCommunity Outreach projects, and being the lead in clinical operations for the UBD Vaccination Centre. Onceapplicants were shortlisted, they were invited to an audition to read the oath in front of a panel of judges whoscrutinised all aspects of presentation including pronunciation. Ultimately, 38 people, including Dr. Deeni, wereselected to join the oath reading team from over a hundred nominees . These people were employees fromvarious ministries including the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Defence, and privateorganisations such as Brunei Shell Petroleum (BSP) plus NGOs such as the Red Crescent Association, and D R . D E E N I R U D I T A R E P R E S E N T E D U B D A S A NO A T H R E A D E R A T T H E N A T I O N A L D A YC E L E B R A T I O N S 2Dr. Deeni Rudita Idris (Assistant Professor) people who are differently abled. The Oath Reading Team underwent aseries of oath reading training which Dr. Deeni found rather difficult butenjoyable at the same time. The team members also had to undergomarching training for the field performance. Despite the challengesimposed by the COVID-19 pandemic and the SOPs put in place, thetraining went smoothly and successfully with everyone’s commitment anddedication.Dr. Deeni commented on his experience: “I am honoured to be part of theOath Reading team – it is something that I have always wanted to do! Ibelieve as Bruneians it is our responsibility to show our patriotism, passion,commitment, and loyalty to the Sultan and our country. Furthermore, as alecturer, I believe I play a big part by becoming a role model to mystudents, to lead by example – inspire them to be patriotic – to love ourcountry and work together to develop Brunei Darussalam and to make‘Vision 2035’ a reality. Also, by being part of the Ikrar team, I was able tomeet many young, inspiring, and patriotic Bruneians who are devoted tothe country! The 38th National Day celebration is a wonderful memory andmy greatest personal achievement for 2022. Alhamdulillah!”Top right: Dr. Deeni Rudita Idris at one of his rehearsals for oath reading practice at Taman SOAS. Bottom left: The Oath ReadingTeam performing the march past the Royal Dias at the 38th National Day celebration. Bottom right: Dr. Deeni (middle) taking acommemorative photo with fellow oath readers.
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