SSEAYP 2007 Update

The Nippon Maru landed in Singapore on 8th November and left for Jakarta on 11th November. Jen 07 managed to send an email to give us all an update on their journey. Enjoy the pictures! Thanks Jen!

Chris 07 at the ASEAN-Japan Youth Leader's Forum in NYC, Tokyo
The 1st flaghoisting ceremony in Yokohama Port Japan



Brunei Darussalam and Cambodia's joint flag hoisting ceremony (I'm guessing it was raining)


At Brunei Darussalam's National Day Performance

Singapore Institutional visit with Chris, Faezah, Adai and Jen

And Cheryl 97 managed to send a picture of the Discussion Facilitators (thanks Cheryl!) this year in their smart uniform. :

Cheryl (3rd from L) with the other discussion facilitators

Bon Voyage MV Doulos!

The MV Doulos finally left Muara Port on Saturday 3rd November at 2pm after a one week stay where they received tens of thousands of visitors to the ship. Before the ship left, the crewmembers managed to express their gratitude to Bersatu and the host families for a most enjoyable homestay programme in Brunei Darussalam.

Dutch crewmembers presenting a cultural dance

The Captain saying goodbye

The Captain presenting a gift to Bersatu in appreciation for organising the homestay programme

The obligatory group photo

Also present were the Village Heads of Kampong Subok, Kampong Pudak and the President of Bersatu

The ship headed for Batangas in the Philippines where they will enter drydock and intensive maintenance carried out by the crew. In addition, some crewmembers will be carrying out various social contribution activities in the Philippines while in dry dock.

Thank you to all Bersatu members (especially Baim 01 and Norizan 01) who have worked very hard to make the homestay programme a success and of course to the Kampong Subok and Pudak Village Consultative Councils as well as all the host families for your gracious hospitality. Lastly, thank you MV Doulos, you have indeed enriched and inspired the life of Bruneians during your short stay here. Bon Voyage!

MV Doulos Homestay Programme

Bersatu was asked to organise a homestay programme for some of the Doulos crewmembers while the ship was docked in Brunei. And with the Nippon Maru giving Brunei a miss this year, we were happy to help. 90 crewmembers and their families were involved in the homestay programme over a period of 6 nights (homestay for only 2 days 1 night) beginning on the 27th October and ending on the 2nd of November.

The first night was hosted by the villagers from Kampong Subok. They had a welcoming ceremony and the morning after I joined the crewmembers and the villagers on a nice trek up Bukit Keramunting.

On the Sunday (28th October), the MV Doulos crew invited all the host families to the ship to show their appreciation for the host families.

Some host families at the Appreciation Ceremony


Visitors queuing to get onto the MV Doulos in the rain on Sunday



Ex-PYs with a Doulos crewmember from Mozambique trying to relive their days on the Nippon Maru.... (Norizan 01, Baim 01, Fakhri 04 and Wafiy 06)

With Joy (far right) and the captain

The 2nd and 3rd days of the homestay programme was held completely in Kampong Pudak with the help of the Kampong Pudak Consultative Council.

Some crewmembers trying their hand at berdondang

Host families and crewmembers at Kampong Pudak (2nd day)
Nell Fraley (USA) giving a hand with the washing up
Waiting for the boat to Kampong Pudak (3rd day)

The remainder (4th, 5th and 6th days) of the homestay programme was carried out by host families all over Brunei Muara and Tutong districts.

More ex-PYs (Nazmo 05, Mon 05, Var 05, Amal 02, Noor Aini 01/03, Hail 05, Mac 93) trying to relive their days on the Nippon Maru...

Many thanks to everyone who made the homestay programme a succesful and enjoyable one especially to Baim 01 (Kampong Pudak coordinator), Norizan 01(Kampong Subok coordinator) and Noor Aini 01/03

(Pictures courtesy of Baim 01)

Nippon Maru begins its voyage for 2007

The Nippon Maru today on the 1st November, left Yokohoma port today at 4PM (Japan Time) for Singapore. They are expected to arrive in Singapore on the 8th November. Bon Voyage PYs and safe journey.

Dolous arrives in Brunei!

Not as big (or as young) as our beloved Nippon Maru, but a mighty fine ship nonetheless

On the 27th of October, the MV Doulos docked at Muara Port for a 1 week visit to the country. As reported earlier the MV Doulos is run by a German non-profit organisation and is manned by volunteers from many different countries. These volunteers receive no payment. It is also considered to be the largest floating book fair.

Bersatu (as organisers of the homestay programme for 90 crewmembers spread over 6 days)was invited to the ship's Opening Ceremony that day with the Honourable Minister of Culture Youth and Sports as the Guest of Honour. Bersatu was represented at the ceremony by the President, Secretary-General and the Social Welfare Bureau Head.


The Minister and the Captain in their speeches amongst others, expressed gratitude towards Bersatu for helping organise the homestay programme.


Over 50 nationalities are represented on board the ship

The Minister officially opening the book fair

The President of Bersatu with Harmen Rebel from Holland who has been in the country for the past month to organise the Doulos visit

90 crewmembers are involved in the homestay programme. Each homestay lasts for 2 days and 1 night and is spread over 6 nights. The first night is hosted by Kampong Subok with the next 2 nights hosted by Kampong Pudak. The remainder of the homestay programme will be with various host families all over Brunei and Tutong districts (http://www.brunei-online.com/bb/tue/oct30h34.htm)

Will bring you some pictures of the homestay programme soon, so watch this space!