The Korean Embassy in Brunei Darussalam hosted some 53 students in an orientation programme before their departure to South Korea in September to pursue their studies.
Out of this number, four students are under the Korean Government’s Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) programme, and the remaining are from Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) who are set to undergo their six-month Discovery Year in the Republic.
In his welcoming address, Korean Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam Sun Nahmkook advised students to always be mindful of their surroundings and safety while also enjoying their stay in South Korea.
In an interview, a GKS scholar, Siti Nurhana Hidayatul Nabillah Haji Roslan, shared that she would be pursuing a PhD in Business Administration at Sungshin Women’s University for four years.
She chose this course as it aligns with her background in computer science and management, which will help her gain deeper knowledge in areas like business strategy, innovation, and digital transformation.
“These skills are important for Brunei, especially as the country is working towards economic diversification and supporting the growth of MSMEs,” said the 27-year-old.
She added: “With that, I hope to contribute by helping local businesses improve their management practices and become more competitive through the use of technology, especially with the growth of Artificial Intelligence, which I believe—with proper knowledge on how to use it—will help their business become more successful.”
The former UBD student said that the GKS programme offers a valuable opportunity to pursue quality education with a global perspective while experiencing a new culture.
“I chose Korea because of its strong academic reputation, especially in the fields of innovation, technology, and management. I believe the knowledge and experience I gain through this programme will help me contribute meaningfully to the growth of MSMEs in Brunei,” said Siti Nurhana.
When asked what she looks forward to in Korea, she said experiencing a new study environment.
“Another aspect is interacting with students from different backgrounds and cultures, improving my Korean language skills, and I think the food! Overall, I hope to grow both professionally and personally during my time in Korea,” she concluded.
Another GKS scholar, Nurul Shahdatul Farhanah Haji Pungut, is set to pursue a Master’s in Life Sciences (Cell Biology) for two years at Korea University.
The former UBD student said that having a degree in Biomedical Science provided her with a strong foundation in human health, diseases, and lab diagnostics.
“I seek to expand my knowledge of cell biology, disease development, and medical interventions. This knowledge is essential for advancing medical research, improving diagnostics, and developing better treatments,” said the 24-year-old.
“I believe it is especially relevant to Brunei, particularly in improving our healthcare system, supporting medical research, and producing skilled professionals, which aligns closely with Wawasan 2035,” said Shahdatul.
She continued that the GKS programme gives her access to a broader range of choices for advanced learning and research opportunities in her field.
For her, GKS also offers strong financial support and resources, which greatly help reduce the financial burden.
“I also value the cultural exchange opportunities the programme provides. I chose Korea because of its world-class universities and cutting-edge research facilities, especially in the biomedical field. The country’s strong focus on innovation and scientific development provides an ideal environment for my academic and professional growth,” she said.
She added: “Beyond academics, I look forward to experiencing Korea’s rich culture, meeting new people, and exploring different traditions. I believe this mix of learning and cultural exchange will help me grow both personally and professionally, making my time in Korea truly meaningful.”
On her part, Ayda Faezah Anuar will be pursuing a Master’s in Rehabilitation Science, majoring in Biohealth Convergence for three years at Inje University.
She decided to choose the course due to her area of interest, where the curriculum focuses on neuroscience, covering sensory and cognitive function.
“These modules are critical for developing a deep understanding of the nervous system, which is fundamental to designing effective rehabilitation programmes,” she said.
She added: “This can prepare me to bring back advanced rehabilitation methods to Brunei and help build services for recoveries and inclusive care.”
For the 23-year-old, one of the main reasons she applied for the GKS programme because it offers a wide and diverse range of programmes across many universities.
“The list of fields is extensive, and that flexibility really appealed to me. I was able to find a programme that genuinely fits my interests and long-term goals. Moreover, GKS emphasizes building global connections, which can help utilising international knowledge to serve local needs,” said Ayda.
She also chose South Korea because of its advanced research environment, especially in healthcare and biotechnology.
“I am looking forward to gaining hands-on experience in the lab and seeing firsthand how advanced South Korea is in terms of technology and medical research,” she continued.
Outside of academics, the scholar is excited to immerse in Korean culture, meet people from different backgrounds, and improve her Korean language skills.
“I believe this cultural exchange will give me a broader perspective and help me become a more well-rounded individual,” she concluded.
THE BRUNEIAN | BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
