(Bandar Seri Begawan, 18th) In conjunction with His Majesty the Sultan of Brunei’s 80th birthday, the Kindergarten section of Chung Hwa Middle School, Brunei, held a warm and solemn celebration on the 13th of this month. The entire kindergarten community gathered to offer sincere birthday wishes to His Majesty, and to foster an awareness in the children to respect the nation’s ruler and to love their country.
Themed “Celebrating the Birthday of the Sultan of Brunei,” the event unfolded with light-hearted and engaging interactive quizzes. Through illustrated and verbal explanations, teachers guided the children to get to know His Majesty, learn that he was born on July 15, 1946, is celebrating his 80th birthday this year, and that he resides in the Istana Nurul Iman.
During the event, teachers also introduced the Brunei national flag, explaining the significance and meaning behind its colors, and outlined that during the Sultan’s birthday, the national flag is displayed all across the country as an important way to express patriotism and respect for the nation’s ruler.
In the fun quiz segment, teachers interacted with the children around topics such as “What does the whole country do on the Sultan’s birthday?” and “How do we show respect to the Sultan?” The children eagerly responded with answers like “celebrate, hang national flags, parade, have a holiday,” as well as “be good children, follow rules, love Brunei,” showcasing their love for the country and the Sultan.
Afterwards, all the children waved small national flags and sang an adapted version of the “Happy Birthday Song” and the traditional Malay celebratory song “Selamat Puja Usia” in unison, and exuberantly shouted “Happy Birthday, Sultan! We love Brunei!” filling the venue with a cheerful atmosphere.
The school administration stated that they hope, through this edutainment approach, to help children establish the right values of respecting the nation’s ruler and loving their country from a young age, cultivate the next generation to be courteous, righteous, patriotic, and family-loving, and together wish His Majesty good health and longevity, and for Brunei to prosper in peace and prosperity.