Seven outstanding students were awarded scholarships by the Brunei Shell Joint Venture (BSJV) companies on Thursday, to pursue higher education in the United Kingdom (UK).
The candidates were feted during a signing ceremony at the Indera Kayangan Ballroom of the Empire Brunei and will pursue fields of Engineering (Aircraft, Mechanical and Chemical) and Data Science.
In his opening remarks, Acting Managing Director and Commercial Director of Brunei Shell Petroleum (BSP) Co. Sdn Bhd Haji Md Azmi Haji Md Hanifah emphasised the importance of being future-ready in an increasingly dynamic world.
“What the last few years have taught us is that – the world is ever-changing, and we must be ready for any change that comes our way.”
“The future will require different skill sets and capabilities, as the world transitions into a more digitally oriented economy with the backdrop of sustainability and climate change,” said Haji Md Azmi.
The BSP Acting Managing Director and Commercial Director hopes the candidates will take the scholarship opportunity as an avenue to be future-ready by pursuing valuable knowledge, experience and expertise that will progress the country to meet Wawasan 2035 and beyond.
In-Service candidate, Ahmad Faid Haji Ismat expressed his gratitude for receiving the award and will be continuing his studies in Data Science at the University of Sheffield.
“I’m glad that BSP continues to develop experienced professionals. After a decade at BSP, it’s becoming clear that we can uncover valuable insights from huge and complex datasets using Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Data Science.”
“I aspire to further progress the digital transformation journey at BSP upon my return. I intend to contribute by enhancing decision-making, optimising operations and providing the company with a competitive advantage.”
The event also awarded First Class Achievers 2022/2023 to nine students who were presented by the guest of honour, the Ministry of Education (MOE)’s Permanent Secretary (Higher Education), Dr Awang Haji Azman Ahmad.
First-class achiever Nur A’ishah Haji Khairul Amir Shahrin, who took General Engineering at Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD), shared her appreciation to BSP for the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
“The prestigious scholarship provided me sufficient resources throughout my studies in UBD and I have been exposed to the real-life competitive working environment during my work attachment in BSP. I am looking forward to joining BSP this September to contribute to the betterment of our nation and country.”
Present during the ceremony were MOE’s Acting Permanent Secretary (Core Education) Aliuddin Haji Abdul Rahman, Managing Director of Brunei Liquified Natural Gas (BLNG) Sdn Bhd Hjh Farida Dato Talib, BSP Human Resources Director Erwienna Shafienaz Abu Bakar, senior government officials and officials from the awarding BSJV companies.
“The BSJV Scholarship program has been in place for more than half a century, beginning in 1972,” read a statement, with more than 830 scholarships granted; giving young Bruneians the opportunity to pursue higher education.
The scheme echoes His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah’s titah during the recent celebration of the 18th National Youth Day where His Majesty expressed hope for the youth to be the catalysts of change for a brighter future and capable of realising the country’s aspiration of Wawasan 2035. – Rafidah Hamit
THE BRUNEIAN | BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
