The newly completed Centre for Work Competency Tests and Training Building for the Ministry of Development (MinDev) and its departments was officially opened yesterday in a ceremony held at the centre’s Indera Pahlawan Hall. The opening coincided with the ministry’s Israk Mikraj Celebration 2011, which was held at the same venue.

The event began with the mass recital of surah al-fatihah, led by Awg Mohammad Ali Sabri Al-Hafiz bin Hj Yusof from Institut Tahfiz al-Quran Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah.

This was followed by the presentation of a mock key by the representative of the contractor for the building project, Walltique Sdn Bhd to Awg Marzuke bin Hj Mohsin, the Acting Director-General of Public Works, who then handed over the key to Awg Hj Mohd Rozan bin Dato Paduka Hj Mohd Yunos, Permanent Secretary (Administration and Finance) at the Ministry of Development.

The new building was officially opened by the Minister of Development, Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Hj Suyoi bin Hj Osman. Among those present was YAM Pengiran Anak Hj Abdul Quddus.

Also present to witness the opening were Awg Hj Suhaimi

bin Hj Gafar, Permanent Secretary (Technical and Professional) at the Ministry of Development; Awg Eddie bin Dato Paduka Hj Sunny, Deputy Permanent Secretary at the Ministry; and officers and staff of the Ministry of Development and its departments.

Managed by the Architects Unit, Technical Services Department of the Public Works Department (JKR), Ministry of Development, the construction project for the new building commenced on March 10, 2010 and was completed on July 9, 2011, at a total cost of B$2,334,949.95.

The building is equipped with an auditorium that could accommodate 220 people, a meeting room, two syndicate rooms, a library, nine officers’ rooms and a spacious room to accommodate 20 staff members. A ‘surau’ equipped with a restroom and ‘wudhu’ area had also been incorporated into the building.

Meanwhile, the Israk Mikraj celebration, which was organised by JKR, saw a religious talk on “Lessons from Israk Mikraj” by Ustaz Hj Mail bin Hj Besar, Head of Research and Planning at the Policy, Planning and Research Section, Ministry of Religious Affairs; and a tausyeh performance by students of Institut Tahfiz al-Quran Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah.