By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Sept 18: Over 1,000 Boys’ Brigade members from across Malaysia and abroad, including Indonesia, Macau, Hong Kong, Australia and the Philippines, gathered in Sarawak for the 25th National Pesta 2024, a five-day event aimed at strengthening their faith in Christ and fostering unity among the boys.
Held from Sept 16 to 21 under the theme “Impacting Lives for Christ,” the event featured various activities emphasising unlimited God, love for God, one another, and His creation.
Organised since 1966, the bi-annual gathering provides a platform for Malaysian Boys’ Brigade members to connect, learn, and grow together.
Representing Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg at the opening ceremony held at St Thomas Cathedral compound yesterday (Sept 17), Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports Development Dato Gerald Rentap Jabu commended the event for its emphasis on sustainability and its potential to positively impact the participants’ communities.
“The theme ‘Unlimited’ reminds us of the endless possibilities that lie ahead for the members and the significant impact that the Boys’ Brigade can bring back to their respective community.
“I am proud to know that initiatives have been taken by the organising committee to base this bi-annual event on the principles of sustainability indicated in the objectives under Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) which were adopted by United Nations in 2015,” he said.
The Association of Churches Sarawak (ACS) chairman Right Reverend Datuk Danald Jute, Brigade president Nicholas Yeap, Pesta 2024 organising chairperson Hii King Ong, Sarawak State Commissioners Sim Tze Sian, Sarawak Chaplain Reverend Dr Khoo Ho Peng and Honorary Sarawak Commissioner Joseph Tin were among those present.
He expressed optimism that the designated and planned activities over the next few days in this camp will minimise negative impacts for the host community here in Kuching and leave a beneficial legacy for all the participants as they go back to their respective hometown.
“This is in line with the SDG Cities Roadmap of which Sarawak has embarked on as the nation shifts towards more sustainable urban development,” he added.
He congratulated the organising committee, Sarawak Convention Bureau (SCB), Kuching North City Commission (DBKU), Kuching South City Council (MBKS) for their support and contribution in ensuring the smooth implementation of the various elements of the programmes that would deliver impact to the lives of the Boys’ Brigade.
“Segulai Sejalai-in unity, together with each other. I believe the spirit of Pesta will truly resound as we gather for fellowship and better understanding among the members through activities that will give back to the community.
“I hope that each participant in Pesta 2024 will have a meaningful and memorable time in Kuching,” he concluded.
During the opening ceremony, various awards were presented, including Officers Service Awards, Junior Gold Award, Duke of Edinburgh’s Bronze Award, Presidents Award, and Founders Badge. — DayakDaily
