Sunday, July 13, 2008

Brunei new Tourism icon rising


By Jon Tampoi

The new Kampong Ayer Cultural and Tourism Centre will be the latest landmark in Bandar Seri Begawan as it takes shape in the water village, with distinct Malay architectural elements incorporated.

It will house an exhibition set up by the Brunei Museum Department and display contemporary lifestyles, economic activities and handicrafts from different villages.

It will also have an observation tower and basic facilities to cater to foreign and domestic tourists. Attending a blessing ceremony yesterday were guest of honour the Minister of Industry and Primary Resources Pehin Orang Kaya Setia Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Dr Awg Hj Ahmad bin Hj Jumat, Deputy Minister of Industry and Primary Resources Dato Paduka Hj Hamdillah bin Hj Abd Wahab, the Permanent Secretary at MIPR Dato Paduka Hj Mohd Hamid bin Hj Mohd Jaafar, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports Dato Paduka Awg Hj Jemat bin Hj Ampal, senior officers from MIPR and Ministry of Culture Youth and Sports as well as various government and tourism agencies.

The guest of honour led the blessing ceremony with the scattering of pandan leaves that was followed by other dignitaries.

A doa was recited and this was followed by a briefing and viewing of the plans and illustration of the complex by Architect Ghani.

The complex that is located at Kampong Lurong Si Kuna will proceed with its construction until its official opening in 2009 at a cost of BND3 million. This project is carried out by the Tourism Department.

With construction in progress, the blessing ceremony will enhance safe and successful completion of the project and adding to another of Brunei's attractions.

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin Sunday

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