BRUNEI STUDENTS’ UNION OUTREACH TOUR: MAKTAB SAINS PADUKA SERI BAGINDA SULTAN

​BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, TUESDAY 20th August 2019 – The Brunei Students Union (BSUnion) collaborated with the Brunei Religious Officers Student Association (BruROSA) to hold a two-day outreach programme at Maktab Sains Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan (MSPSBS) on the 19th and 20th of August 2019, themed “Author of Your Future: Creating Your Own Storyline”. There were a total of 210 upper-six students who participated on both days, led and facilitated by members of the BSUnion, BruROSA, and other Bruneians studying in the United Kingdom and Eire. Teachers were also in attendance, with more emphasis on teachers in the careers section of MSPSBS.
The programme aims to provide a safe space for students to express concerns about their future, and helps them realise the potential that lies within. It also encourages students to reflect on and pursue their own career pathways, while instilling motivation by reminding them of their significance in shaping the future of the nation.
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Day 1 (19th of August 2019) began with the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah by Muhammad Iqbal bin Emran (General Secretary of the BSUnion), and continued with an opening remark from Mohammad Harith Syafiq bin Mohammad Halim (Religious Secretary of the BSUnion and President of BruROSA) explaining the roles of BruROSA and the BSUnion as student bodies representing Bruneian students in the United Kingdom and Eire. The day continued with an ice-breaking game, a warm-up session, and finally the ‘Amazing Race’ event. The ice-breaking game, ‘Finding Nemo’ helped students feel more familiar with each other, while the warm-up session led by Ak Mohd Faiz bin Pg Mohd Suffree (Head of Social Events of the Brunei Hall Student Committee) helped them physically prepare for the ‘Amazing Race’ itself. The five checkpoints for the race consisted of activities geared towards helping students realise the importance of teamwork and communication, and to improve themselves in that regard.

Day 2 (20th of August 2019) began, again, with the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah, and proceeded with three talks provided by Ahmad Syauqie bin Hj Satia (Human Resources Officer of the Society for Community Outreach & Training, Universiti Brunei Darussalam), Ak Mohd Faiz bin Pg Mohd Suffree, and Dk Nurin Nabeelah Pg Hj Abu Bakar (Vice President of Administration and Finance of the BSUnion) titled “Looking Through a Different Pair of Eyes”, “Not Too Late”, “Not Your Own Author” respectively, touching on different aspects of student life and insights on excelling in the professional arena. The winners for the ‘Amazing Race’ were announced soon afterwards, which included a short discussion on various lessons learned from the activities organised. This was followed by a sharing session within small groups in which students could voice out their concerns, while senior facilitators address them and comfort worried students. The event came to a close with the presentation of a Token of Appreciation from MSPSBS to BruROSA and the BSUnion; given by Miss Ani Suryani and Cikgu Huzaimi to Dk Nurin Nabeelah Pg Hj Abu Bakar.

The event was very well-received among the participating students, who were very receptive throughout both days. The students commented that they found it incredibly valuable for their future endeavours and that it helped them gain further insight into what lies ahead after the completion of their ‘A-levels’. They also mentioned that it has motivated them to do better for the upcoming exams. Teachers in attendance also found the programme to be quite helpful and were very pleased with the students’ engagement throughout.
The final sixth-form centre on the Outreach Tour is Sekolah Menengah Sayyidina Ali, which will take place on Thursday, the 22nd of August 2019.