Bandar seri begawan: His Royal Highness Prince 'Abdul Malik ibni His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah, Minister At The Prime Minister's Office And Chairman Of Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Committee of Governors, emphasized in a sabda at the Opening Ceremony of the International Conference on Community Outreach and People Empowerment 2026 that a strong community is built not solely on economic development but also on love, concern, and mutual support. His Royal Highness highlighted that community service should be viewed as a culture of life, instilling responsibility towards fellow human beings and contributing to the well-being of the nation.
According to Radio Television Brunei, the inaugural conference was a collaborative effort between Sultan Sharif Ali Islamic University (UNISSA) and Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, in partnership with Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia and Universiti Al-Quran Al-Sultan Abdullah Ahmad Shah Pahang. The event was held at Balai Khazanah Islam Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah and was attended by various dignitaries, including Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Indera Setia Diraja Sahibul Karib Pengiran Anak Haji Idris, Chief of Adat Istiadat Negara as Chairman of the Yayasan Board of Directors, and other notable members of the board.
The ceremony commenced with the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah and doa selamat, led by Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Paduka Seri Utama Dato Paduka Seri Setia Awang Haji Salim bin Haji Besar. The Acting Rector of UNISSA, in his welcoming speech, discussed the conference's theme, 'Memperkasa Khidmat Masyarakat ke Arah Pembangunan Ummah Lestari,' emphasizing the sustainable development of the community.
His Royal Highness further elaborated that the strength of a community is evident when neighbors assist each other, youth engage in charity work, and companies actively contribute back to the community. The conference included a keynote paper presentation by Doctor Dayang Hajah Ummi Fa'izah binti Haji Abdul Rahman from UNISSA, focusing on the importance of empowering communities.
Following the formal proceedings, His Royal Highness viewed an exhibition that showcased various community service activities. The two-day conference aims to serve as a platform for the exchange of ideas and best practices in volunteerism, humanitarian efforts, and community development.