5DiscoverNEWSThe Minister of Industry and Primary Resources and Anti-Corruption Bureau speak at APB Seminars UBD receives students from the Bansomdejchaopraya Rajabhat UniversityUBD’s Academy of Brunei Studies (APB), invited Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Utama Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Yahya Begawan Mudim Dato Paduka Haji Bakar, the Minister of Industry and Primary Resources, on 9 October 2012, to give a seminar entitled “Malay Islamic Monarchy (MIB) and the Environment: The Role of the Sea and Marine Life.”Awang Haji Abd Raub Haji Mohd Yassin, the Deputy Director of the Anti-Corruption Bureau also gave a seminar on 2 October 2012 on the role of the MIB philosophy in preventing bribery.Over 460 students from various faculties attended both seminars, which were held as part of the compulsory MIB module PB-1501. Both seminars sought to show how the integration and practice of the teachings of the MIB philosophy can address current and relevant issues. On 4 to 13 November 2012, UBD received 34 undergraduates and two lecturers from the Bansomdejchaopraya Rajabhat University (BSRU), Bangkok, Thailand. This second batch of students and lecturers from the Bangkok-based university were at the university for a 10-day Cultural and Language Learning Programme. This programme was organised by the Continuing Education Centre (CEC) as part of the Global Discovery Programme (GDP).Sirikhuan Waesama-ae, a second-year student from the BSRU’s Faculty of Education, expressed her happiness at being given an opportunity to be part of the programme in Brunei.“I feel ecstatic to be here, learning how Bruneians study. I hope to find friendship, learn the language and associate with other Muslims in the country,” she said. “I already hope to come back here again next year.”Arinchai Mongkonsakunkit, another student from the BSRU studying the same course remarked enthusiastically, “I particularly like to learn the lifestyle and history of the country. It is something I can bring back home to share with friends and family.”Najimah Hayati, one of UBD’s volunteer buddies for the visiting Thai students, spoke on behalf of her fellow UBD peers, saying, “We want to strengthen the relationship between Brunei and Thailand; to build friendships, learn their language and have fun.” Najmah and the other volunteers are on UBD’s Bridging English course. Questioned on any difficulties they encountered, the UBD students replied, “Even though there is a language barrier, through basic English and body language, we find the challenge amusing and helpful in building a strong relationship.”“We would like to go (to BSRU) if we get the chance, as it would be an interesting experience,” they added.The programme ended with a closing ceremony during which cultural performances were presented by the BSRU students. The ceremony was officiated by the Acting Director of the Continuing Education Centre, Nor’Azmah Haji Yunus, and was held at Tarindak D’Seni in Bandar Seri Begawan.
< Page 4 | Page 6 >