The British High Commissioner to Brunei Her Excellency Alexandra McKenzie hosted the Chevening Reception at her residence, celebrating the achievements of Brunei’s Chevening scholars preparing to embark on their journey.
In her welcoming remarks, the high commissioner expressed her admiration for the resilience and adaptability of the scholars.
“It is a true privilege to celebrate these outstanding individuals who have not only excelled academically but have also embraced the rich cultural exchange that the Chevening program offers. They are a testament to the enduring partnership between the UK and Brunei, and I have no doubt they will continue to be agents of positive change in their communities and beyond,” she said.
Three scholars were honoured at the reception namely; Umair Akmal Hj Noor Ahsffian, taking MSc in Climate Futures: Science, Society and Politics at Leeds University; Dr Chiao Yuen Lim taking MSc in Health Data Analytics and Machine Learning, MSc in Health Data Analytics and Machine Learning; and Jasmine Kristin Wong Mei Yik, LLM in Law and Technology at Queen’s University Belfast.
Her Excellency also extended her gratitude to the Chevening alumni who attended the event, noting that their continued engagement and support of the programme have been invaluable in fostering the next generation of leaders.
The event was attended by the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Defence, Brigadier General (Retired) Dato Seri Pahlawan Haji Alirupendi, Deputy Secretaries, Poh Kui Choon (MinDEF) and Dr Chin (MoE), and Chief Executive of AITI, Haji Jailani bin Haji Buntar as well as other senior officials, current Chevening scholars, Chevening alumni, and the scholars’ families, underscoring the close-knit and supportive community that has developed around this prestigious scholarship programme in Brunei.
The event concluded with a dinner and networking session, where scholars, alumni, and guests had the opportunity to share their experiences, insights, and aspirations.
The Chevening Scholarship is the UK government’s global scholarship programme, funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and partner organizations. The programme offers future leaders from across the globe the opportunity to study in the UK, developing the skills and networks necessary to drive positive change in their home countries.
The applications for the 2025-2026 Chevening Scholarships are now open until 5 November 2024, 12:00 (GMT). For more information on how to apply, please visit www.chevening.org/scholarship/brunei/
THE BRUNEIAN | BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
