1st National Conference for PWD with Different Abilities

The 1st National Conference for Persons with Different Abilities (PWDs) held its opening ceremony yesterday at the International Convention Centre (ICC) in Berakas.

It was officiated by Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Dato Seri Setia Haji Awang Nazmi bin Haji Awang Mohamad.

The event, part of the Brunei Mid-Year Conference and Exhibition (Brunei MYCE) 2025 calendar, was jointly organised by the Council for the Welfare of Persons with Different Abilities (MKOKU), the Community Development Department (JAPEM) under the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports (MCYS) and the Brunei Youth Council (MBB).

MKOKU President Malai @Sharifah Adila Surya binti Malai Haji Abdullah delivered welcoming remarks, describing the conference as a platform to discuss the strengths, services, and challenges faced by PWDs, explore international best practices, and examine the nation’s role in supporting the life cycle needs of persons with disabilities through policy measures.

The minister then highlighted the Sultanate’s commitment to building a more inclusive society and empowering PWDs, noting key achievements and ongoing national efforts.

The ceremony also saw Nurul Huda binti Haji Muhin receive the Outstanding PWD Award and Pengiran Datin Hajah Noraini binti Pengiran Dipa Negara Laila Diraja Pengiran Haji Abd Momin receive the PWD in Service Award, both from Pusat Ehsan Al-Ameerah Al-Hajjah Maryam, in recognition of their significant contributions.

Certificates of appreciation were also presented to sponsors, speakers, and facilitators, concluding with a group photo session.

The conference is expected to draw 300 participants, including government officials, private sector HR personnel, teachers, business owners, associations, and social enterprises working with PWDs.

The opening ceremony featured a keynote speech by Chairperson of the ASEAN Disability Forum (ADF) and Honorary Treasurer of the International Disability Alliance (IDA) PT Lim Puay Tiak.

He emphasised ADF’s crucial role in advocacy and coordination among disability organisations, stressing the imperative inclusion of PWDs’ voices in all decision-making processes.

The first day continued with several panel discussions.

Aspiring to serve as a platform for learning and exchanging best practices from both local and international perspectives, the conference also aims to produce a discussion report and recommendations to ensure national policies are more inclusive and impactful in meeting the needs of the PWD community. – Lyna Mohamad

Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Dato Seri Setia Haji Awang Nazmi bin Haji Awang Mohamad presenting the Outstanding Person with Different Abilities Award to Nurul Huda binti Haji Muhin at yesterday’s opening ceremony for the 1st National Conference for Persons with Different Abilities (PWDs) at the International Convention Centre in Berakas. PHOTO: RAFI ROSLI

Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Dato Seri Setia Haji Awang Nazmi bin Haji Awang Mohamad in a group photo. PHOTOS: RAFI ROSLI

Source: Borneo Bulletin