BSUnion joined Projek Kasih Lebaran 2020 which was hosted by @sukarelawanbelia.bn. The project aims to give back to the community by helping to clean the houses of the elderly and to create a close knit bond between the younger and older generations. BSUnion members were assigned to help clean and organise the houses of the elderly community located in the district of Tutong. The project was held on 2 consecutive Sundays and in collaboration with other organisations including local higher education institutions. 16w Throughout the month of Ramadhan BSUnion members have participated in SCOT's 3000 meal challenge. The Social Kitchen initiative included helping to cook and distribute meals to the COVID-19 frontliners and the less fortunate. The Social Kitchen is led by single mothers who are supported by SCOT through training and entrepreneurship opportunities to further create a more sustainable and independent lifestyle. The 3000 Meal Challenge was open to the public and aim to collect donations to fund the meals made from the Social Kitchen with the target of 3000 meals by the end of Ramadhan. With the help of other institutions and organisations, SCOT was able to achieve their target, with BSUnion being the contributor with the most meals donated! The BSU high council are immensely proud of our members, especially the society leaders for leading this initiative and working together towards a goal that benefits the underprivileged in Brunei! Thank you to those who have participated, donated and volunteered throughout this whole month! This would not have been possible without you all! Thank you to @scot_brunei for hosting this meaningful and impactful initiative LONDON, THURSDAY, 4th March 2020 – The Brunei Students’ Union in the United Kingdom and Eire (BSUnion) hosted the ‘Brunei University Challenge 2020’ at The Royal School of Mines, Imperial College London on Saturday, 29th February 2020.
A total of 13 teams, consisting of 4 students per team, participated in the event. The event showcased these teams competing against each other in the battle of intelligence and knowledge to see which team will rise to the top. The morning session saw the preliminary rounds, whereas the quarter final, semi-final and final rounds were held in the afternoon. The questions asked were difficult and challenging, with a wide range of topics including humanities, science and knowledge on Brunei. In attendance to spectate the semi-finals and the finals were the guest of honour, Her Excellency Pengiran Hajah Rooslina Weti binti Pengiran Haji Kamaludin, The High Commissioner of Brunei Darussalam to the United Kingdom, along with officers from the High Commission of Brunei Darussalam to the United Kingdom, The Brunei Students’ Unit, and students from different universities in the United Kingdom. Before the semi-final rounds began, Dayangku Nurin Nabeelah binti Pengiran Haji Abu Bakar, The Vice President for Administration and Finance of The Brunei Students’ Union in the United Kingdom and Eire gave her speech, congratulating all the teams who participated and making the event the most participated Brunei University Challenge since it was introduced. Each team played incredibly, showing off their world knowledge and impressing the audience with rarely known facts. Two teams battled for the title of champion in the final round; ‘Kurapak Kampung Kitani’ and ‘Artificial Intelligence’. In the end, ‘Kurapak Kampung Kitani’ brought the trophies home. The guest of honour, Her Excellency Pengiran Hajah Rooslina Weti binti Pengiran Haji Kamaludin, The High Commissioner of Brunei Darussalam to the United Kingdom, was then invited to award prizes for the champions, Kurapak Kampung Kitani, and the runner-up, Artificial Intelligence, and also handed out certificates to all the teams who participated in the event. The event ended with a group photo session and refreshments served at Brunei Hall, London. The Brunei University Challenge is sponsored by Brunei LNG Sdn Bhd (BLNG), Royal Brunei Airlines and Findlay. here to edit. LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM, SATURDAY, 23/11/2019 - The Brunei Religious Officers Student Association (BruROSA) had recently held the annual Kem Ibadah , for three consecutive days,Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 15th until 17th of November 2019 for Bruneian students studying in the United Kingdom and Ireland at Brunei Hall, London with its theme, ‘The Reconnection:Restoring Your Iman Network’.
Kem Ibadah is an annual religious camp held in the United Kingdom organised by BruROSA for Bruneian students in the United Kingdom and Ireland. The main objective of this camp is to motivate the students to strive for success not just in their academic studies but, also in the understanding of the religion. A total of 74 students including the BruROSA members were gathered at Brunei Hall, London. The opening ceremony was held on 16th of November, where Her Excellency, Pengiran Hajah Rooslina Weti binti Pengiran Haji Kamaludin, the High Commissioner of Brunei Darussalam in the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland attended as the guest of honour. The chairpersons for this year’s Kem Ibadah is Mohammad Harith Syafiq Bin Mohammad Halim from University of Nottingham and ‘Afifah Binti Haji Mat Dani from University of Bath. Muhammad Aqil Bin Awang and Nur Arina Binti Haji Hamidun from Cardiff University are the camp commandants for the male participants and the female participants respectively. The event began with the recitation of surah An Nisa verses 36-38 by Ahmad Zakwan Bin Haji Mohd Salleh from Imperial College London, followed by the translation by Abdul Halim Bin Anuar from Loughborough University. The highlight of the day was the amazing race which took place at Hyde Park, where groups of participants compete in various games. The rest of the day was filled with meaningful indoor activities including ice breaking sessions and quiz on Islamic Events.On 17th November 2019, participants gathered at the prayer hall for their Subuh prayer and later on had a small forum and a feedback session between the organisers and the participants. The chairpersons and camp commandants gave their farewell speeches and held a small gift exchange between all participants. Nur Shahirah Binti Haji Bakar from University of Edinburgh, representing the female participants mentioned “I have learned about how ukhuwah can be very rewarding to ourselves if it is Lillahi Taala. Friends can be the ones who can help bring ourselves to Jannah. It is our responsibility to take care of each other and remind each other of Allah.” in her speech at the closing Ceremony. CARDIFF, SATURDAY, 09/11/2019 - Brunei Students Society Cardiff (BRUSCA) has organized their annual "Homeless Day" in conjunction with the "Maulidur Rasul". BRUSCA have chosen the day of Maulidur Rasul to implement this charitable act or ‘sadaqah’ to revive the sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad S.A.W (Peace be Upon Him), while also strengthening the bond between the Bruneians in Cardiff. The purpose of 'Homeless Day' is not only to help the people who are in need but also to ensure that the students appreciate the 'rezeki' that they receive in their daily life. This day teaches the students the importance of giving as they have first-hand experience to realize the small impacts made by them would create a big difference in other people’s lives.
On this day, BRUSCA members have volunteered to distribute the food towards people who are in need, which can be found within Cardiff City Centre area. 50 packs of food and water have been prepared by the committee and packed in non - plastic containers, to promote the 'Go Green' Initiative. The event started after the Zuhur prayers, where they meet in the City Centre. The students were into four groups, spreading themselves to different parts of the area to distribute the food. Each group brings around 10-15 packs of food and drinks. The distribution of food lasted from 1.00 pm to 3.00 pm. The remaining 10 packs were donated to the Al-Manar Centre. In the evening, the former Brunei Religious Officers Student Association (BruROSA) president, Muhammad Aqil bin Awang lead the Isya Prayers, which was held in Cardiff University Students Union Building. Afterwards, BRUSCA members were able to enjoy the hearty food that they have brought for the event, which preceeded by playing a game of 'Kahoot'. The theme for the Kahoot regarding the history of Prophet Muhammad S.A.W. (Peace be Upon Him). The event ended with a session of 'Nasyid' that was performed together by the students. This event and celebration have reminded the students about the teachings of Islam. The act of generosity in giving food towards the poor would help strengthen the moral values that we all possess, thus, improving ourselves for the better. UNITED KINGDOM & EIRE, TUESDAY, 12th NOVEMBER 2019 – Maulud Nabi is the observance of the birthday of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him), which lies on every 12th Rabiulawal on the Islamic calendar (9th November 2019 for this year). This is a momentous occasion which gives us all an opportunity to reflect on the history of the Islamic Faith and strengthen relations between ourselves as students a long way away from home. Bruneian students across the United Kingdom & Eire have had their respective celebrations in this regard, organised by their respective societies. Brunei Glasgow Society Brunei Glasgow Society (BruGlas) held an event on 9th November 2019 which began with Maghrib prayers, followed by Tahlil, Isya’ prayers, recitation of some verses from the Al-Quran, as well as the recitation of Dzikir Marhaban Syarafil Anam. Food was never forgotten, as society members had lovingly prepared dinner consisting of various dishes, namely: homemade nasi lemak with sambal, salmon teriyaki, bingka susu, and Scottish macaroons. Brunei Southampton Society Brunei Southampton Society (BruSton) also held an event on 9th November 2019, which consisted of mass Maghrib and Isya’ prayers, followed by their bi-monthly Tahlil, as well as the recitation of Dzikir Maulud. The event ends with a hearty dinner of Bruneian food. Brunei Newcastle Society
Brunei Newcastle Society (BruCastle) had the privilege to celebrate Maulud Nabi with their Malaysian counterparts on the 8th November 2019. The event was held in the ETAL room, Newcastle University Student’s Union. The event proceeded with the recitation of Dzikir Maulud and ended with a hearty potluck dinner. BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, THURSDAY 22nd August 2019 – The Brunei Students Union (BSUnion) collaborated with the Brunei Religious Officers Student Association (BruROSA) to hold an outreach programme at Sekolah Menengah Sayyidina Ali (SMSA) on the 22nd of August 2019, themed “Author of Your Future: Creating Your Own Storyline”. There were a total of 141 upper-six students who participated in the event, which was 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 the presence of teachers in the careers section.
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. The event was blessed with the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah by Abdul Halim Anuar (BruROSA Member), and proceeded with an opening remark from Mohammad Harith Syafiq bin Mohammad Halim (Religious Secretary of the BSUnion and President of BruROSA) introducing the BSUnion and BruROSA and explaining their roles as unions supporting Bruneian students in the United Kingdom and Eire. The day continued with an ice-breaking game, three talks, and a sharing session within small groups. The first talk was delivered by Siu Tzyy Wei (Toastmasters Club, Universiti Brunei Darussalam) titled “Still Surviving” which explored the importance of perseverance, drawing on her experience with overcoming cancer in her youth – “You have a choice to live your life your way”. The second talk was delivered by Aiman Haji Roslan (President of Brunei Sheffield Society ), discussing general student tips and recalling his time as a secondary school student in SMSA himself and reminding everybody that “it will all be worth it in the end”. The final talk was given by Ahmad Syauqie bin Hj Satia (Human Resources Officer of the Society for Community Outreach & Training, Universiti Brunei Darussalam) titled “Looking Through a Different Pair of Eyes” who spoke on the importance of actively seeking knowledge and opportunities in life. The event then proceeded with sharing sessions within small groups, where students could voice their concerns and questions, and senior facilitators could address and comfort them in that regard. The feedback received was very positive, with students saying that it encouraged them to take ownership and responsibility of their future, and helped them think about such matters in the long-run. Students also commented that it helped them feel less worried about life after ‘A’ levels. Teachers present also found the programme quite valuable for students and felt that it will motivate students to do better for their upcoming exams. 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. 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. BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, WEDNESDAY 14th August 2019 – The Brunei Students Union in the United Kingdom & Eire (BSUnion) collaborated with the Brunei Religious Officers Student Association (BruROSA) to hold an outreach programme at Maktab Duli Pengiran Muda Al-Muhtadee Billah (MDPMAMB) and Pusat Tingkatan Enam Sengkurong (PTES) on the 10th and 14th of August 2019 respectively. The outreach tour was themed “Author of Your Future: Creating Your Own Storyline”. A total of 230 upper-sixth students from MDPMAMB and PTES (114 and 116 students respectively) participated in the event, which was led and facilitated by members of BruROSA, the BSUnion, as well as other Bruneian students studying in the United Kingdom & Eire. Several teachers were also in attendance, with more emphasis on the presence of teachers in the careers section of the schools mentioned.
The programme aims to provide a safe space for students to express concerns about their future and help them realise the potential that lies within. It also encourages students to reflect on and pursue their own career pathways, while also instilling motivation and reminding them of their significance in shaping the future of the nation. The event at MDPMAMB on the 10th of August 2019 was blessed with the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah by Awangku Mohammad Hisyam Al-Yura bin Pengiran Haji Zainal Abidin (President of the BSUnion). This was followed by an introductory talk given by Mohammad Harith Syafiq bin Mohammad Halim (Religious Secretary of the BSUnion and President of BruROSA), in which he represented the BSUnion and BruROSA, explaining their roles as unions serving Bruneian students in the United Kingdom & Eire. This was followed by an ice-breaking session, three talks, and a sharing session held within small groups. The first talk was delivered by Muhammad Za’eem bin Abdul Majid (President of Brunei Southampton Society –BruSton) titled “Al-Kalam Ad-Doa” which emphasised the power of believing in oneself in achieving greatness. The second talk was delivered by Nurnafaizzan Syahmi bin Nordin (Vice President, & Equality and Diverstiy Officer of Brunei Students of East Anglia –BruSEA) in which he opened up about the difficulties he faced while studying, and emphasises the simple fact that struggles are what stimulate growth and development – “Complacency is the enemy of progress”. The third talk was given by Muhammad Iqbal bin Emran (General Secretary of the BSUnion) titled “Real Intention with a Sincere Heart”, which explored the importance of living life with honesty and sincerity – be it in one’s studies, or when helping others, highlighting the significance of intention (or ‘niat’/‘nawaitu’). The sharing session which followed, then allowed students to voice out their concerns within small groups and receive reassurance and comfort from more senior facilitators. The event ended with closing remarks by Mohammad Harith Syafiq bin Mohammad Halim. The event that took place at PTES on the 14th of August 2019 was blessed with the recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah by Mohammad Harith Syafiq bin Mohammad Halim. Opening remarks introducing BruROSA and the BSUnion were then given by Dk Nurin Nabeelah Pg Hj Abu Bakar (Vice President of Administration and Finance of the BSUnion). This was followed by an ice-breaking session, two talks, and a sharing session in small groups. The talks were by Muhammad Iqbal bin Emran and Nurfaizzan Syahmi bin Nordin, who both delivered similar presentations as those given in MDPMAMB: exploring the importance of sincere intentions, as well as the role of struggles and difficulties in personal growth – “I am a student for life, I am a student of Life.” The sharing session then allowed students to open up to their own groups with regards to concerns surrounding their future endeavours, while facilitators could reassure and comfort them in that respect. The event ended with the recitation of Surah Al-Asr by Abdul Halim Anuar. The students gave very positive feedback for the events, saying that they found the talks inspiring and relatable, and commenting that the talks filled them with motivation to improve their results and to work harder for the upcoming exams. The BSUnion and BruROSA will be carrying out similar programmes in Maktab Sains Paduka Seri Baginda Sultan (19th and 20th August 2019) and Sekolah Menengah Sayyidina Ali (22nd August 2019). BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, TUESDAY, 06/08/2019 - The Brunei Religious Officers Student Association (BruROSA) had recently held a summer break project, Unsung Heroes, on two consecutive days, Sunday and Monday, 4th and 5th of August 2019 at the parking area of Jame’ Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque with its theme, ‘Diamonds in the Rough’.
Unsung Heroes is an annual charity drive organised by BruROSA which focuses on the construction workers around the city. This charity drive is all about giving back to these hard working heroes around the city, and would hopefully raise public awareness of the less fortunate and also to promote safe migration in the country. A total of 15 members of BruROSA were gathered at Masjid Jame’ Asr Hassanil Bolkiah parking area on Sunday morning, 4th August 2019, where food and drinks are received from different sources. The event continued on the following day, starting at as early as 6 in the morning, this time with 21 volunteers. They started by receiving food donations and then packaging and distributing them afterwards. At 11.30am, the volunteers allocated themselves into 4 groups, going to 10 different construction sites, where lunch packs were given to about 345 workers in total. Some of the construction sites were at Jalan Kampong Salambigar, Sekolah Menengah Rimba and Dewan Kuliah Universiti Brunei Darussalam. BruROSA is an organisation that liaises between the Bruneian students in United Kingdom and Ireland in terms of religious affairs, and Unsung Heroes is one of its annual events, among many others such as Kem Ibadah, Umrah Tour, Photography and Writing Competitions, which will be held in the United Kingdom throughout the 2019/2020 academic year. We hope that we can continuously hold such worthwhile events in the next following years. |