His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu‘izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, and Her Majesty Duli Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha binti Al-Marhum Pengiran Pemancha Pengiran Anak Haji Mohamed Alam, together with members of the royal family, attended a Get-Together Ceremony with Citizens and Residents of Brunei Darussalam in the United Kingdom (UK) and Ireland at the Royal Lancaster Hotel.

The ceremony was held in a warm and cordial atmosphere, with His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam and Her Majesty Duli Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Hajah Saleha taking the opportunity to interact with student representatives prior to the programme. Their Majesties later signed the parchment and attended a luncheon with student representatives, reflecting Their Majesties’ close care and attention towards the welfare of Bruneian students abroad.
In a titah (royal speech), His Majesty highlighted the encouraging improvement in the academic achievements of Bruneian students in the UK, including the growing number studying at universities ranked among the world’s top 10. His Majesty expressed confidence in the ability of Bruneian students to excel at prestigious institutions and hoped that this excellence would continue to inspire others.
His Majesty also reminded students to make balanced and prudent use of digital technology, cautioning against digital fatigue and addiction. Students were advised to manage their time wisely, limit excessive use of social media and online gaming, prioritise face-to-face interactions and outdoor activities, and maintain close communication with university lecturers and Student Unit officers to ensure their overall well-being.
Meanwhile, Dayangku Nabilah binti Pengiran Behrin, the President of the Brunei Students’ Union (BSU), in her welcoming remarks, shared the theme of the ceremony, Raja Berwawasan, Belia Pemacu Cita Negara, highlighting His Majesty’s far-sighted leadership and the role of youth as key partners in national development based on the principles of Malay Islamic Monarchy (MIB). She also introduced BSU’s ‘AIS’ framework – Akar, Identiti dan Sistem – as a practical approach to nurturing future leaders among Bruneian students abroad.
A highlight of the event was Their Majesties’ consented meeting and greeting with approximately 1,130 Bruneian citizens and residents in the UK and Ireland, comprising students, government officers and visitors, symbolising the close and enduring bond between the Monarch and the people.
The ceremony was further enlivened by the playing of the national anthem, the recitation of Surah Luqman, a tausyeh performance, and the presentation of pesambah (souvenir) to Their Majesties, reflecting unity, loyalty and appreciation from Bruneian students in the UK and Ireland.