Bandar Seri Begawan Friday, 02 March 2007 - TWELVE students today received the Supreme Commander of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces Scholarship while six others received the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) Scholarship at a Scholarship Award Ceremony at the Officers' Mess in Berakas Garrison. The very prestigious scholarships are offered annually by the Ministry of Defence.

Present at the ceremony as the Guest of Honour was the Deputy Minister of Defence, Yang Berhormat Pehin Datu Singamanteri Colonel (Retired) Dato Seri Paduka Haji Mohammad Yasmin bin Haji Umar.

In his remarks, the Deputy Minister of Defence highlighted that maintaining operational readiness and transformation are both key priorities for defence. In order to satisfy those priorities, the Ministry of Defence requires knowledgeable, skillful and talented human resources.

He quoted the recent titah of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Negara Brunei Darussalam marking the 23rd National Day, where His Majesty stressed that "… human resources must be the main focus … The management of human resources must be planned in a systematic way to produce experts and intellectuals. … Without them, we will not be able to move forward … in line with other countries in the region and globally."

In the Ministry of Defence, His Majesty, as the Minister of Defence and the Supreme Commander of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces, consented to introduce the Supreme Commander of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces Scholarship in August 2005. In February 2006, His Majesty again consented to introduce a new scheme, the Royal Brunei Armed Forces Scholarship. The scholarships portray His Majesty's wisdom, encouragement and generosity in identifying, attracting and nurturing promising Bruneian students to be the next generation of leaders, who will make a difference and produce a lasting impact to the nation's defence and security, as well as national development, and to the society and community at large.

The scholarships have very stringent selection criteria ensuring that the best of each cohort of Form 6 students are chosen to join the Ministry of Defence and the Royal Brunei Armed Forces. The selection goes beyond academic ability. Candidates must possess sound personal qualities and character, and strong leadership potential, and have a solid Co-Curricular Activities record. With these criteria, it ensures that the selected few deserve the prestige and honour of the scholarships.

For this year, 6 'A' Level students and 6 Sijil Tinggi Pelajaran Ugama Brunei (STPUB) students have been awarded the Supreme Commander of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces Scholarship. The Royal Brunei Armed Forces Scholarship meanwhile was awarded to 2 'A' Level students and 4 STPUB students.

The scholarships open the door to a sterling education at some of the best and most renowned universities abroad. They also provide the scholars with a suite of development programmes. They will be put through a systematic grooming process which starts from Day 1 of the scholarship, and continues on during the span of their careers.

"This is the first time the scholarships are awarded to Sijil Tinggi Pelajaran Ugama Brunei (STPUB) students," the Guest of Honour said. "It will enhance the application of Islamic principles into the management and administration of defence. It will also solidify the military discipline that is based on faith and taqwa (bewaring of Allah). All these are in line with the nation's aspirations."

In his 2007 New Year titah, His Majesty stated that "Our development strategy is one that is balanced between the physical and the spiritual. The two must co-exist hand-in-hand for the greater good. A development that is balanced will not disappoint anyone."

The scholars will begin a new chapter in their lives. They join the ranks of 24 outstanding young Bruneians who have been awarded the very prestigious scholarships. Today is the first step of a long and exciting yet challenging journey for the young men and women.

The Deputy Minister for Defence expressed hope that the scholars would develop endurance and showcase determination, commitment and continuous dedication to defence, the country and society. "You symbolise the values and hope for the future of the Ministry of Defence and Negara Brunei Darussalam," he said.

He also urged the students to make the most use of the many learning opportunities available along their way and to "expose yourselves to the community outside the educational institution environment and always seek out new challenges beyond your comfort zone."

After graduating, the scholars will return to answer the calling of the nation. As Ministry of Defence Scholars, they will look forward to a challenging and rewarding career that tests and stretches their limits. They will also gain the experience and confidence that will stand them in good stead in whatever challenges they take on beyond the Ministry of Defence and the Royal Brunei Armed Forces.

Signing on behalf of the Supreme Commander of Royal Brunei Armed Forces Scholarship was represented by the Acting Permanent Secretary of Defence, Pengiran Dato Paduka Mashor bin Pengiran Ahmad. While signing on behalf of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces Scholarship was the Commander Royal Brunei Armed Forces Scholarship, Yang Dimuliakan Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General Dato Paduka Seri Haji Awamg Halbi bin Haji Md Yussof.

 
This year, high proportion of the Form 6 students receiving both scholarships came from Sayyidina Ali Secondary School consisting of 4 students. Meanwhile 2 of them are from MSPSBS, one from MDPMAMB and another from Berakas PTE.

The recipients of this year's Supreme Commander of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces Scholarship are as follows. They will eventually pursue careers either as civilian officers in the Ministry of Defence or as military officers in the Royal Brunei Armed Forces.

Sijil Tinggi Pelajaran Ugama Brunei (STPUB) (at least 6 Grade As)
Sekolah Menengah Arab Lelaki Hassanal Bolkiah

Course of Study : Usuluddin
1. Norsalwana bte Hj Ibrahim
2. Taahirah bte Hj Suleiman (potential military officer)
3. Fahzilleana Emey Hj Ahmad Alisa Eswan (potential mil. officer)
4. Noria Fatriah bte Hj Abdul Mutalif (potential military officer)
5. Fayyadhah bte Latip
6. Md Redzuan b Meludin (potential military officer)

'A' Level (at least 3 Grade As)
1. Charlene Bong Yin Siet - Physics - SM Sayyidina Ali
2. Lim Wen-Jei - Bio Medical Engineering - MSPSBS
3. Wong Wee Chin @ Kelvin - Aeronautical Eng. - MSPSBS
4. Lai Suan Loong - Chemical Engineering - SM Sayyidina Ali
5. Lim Tzia Woon Vivienna - Bio Medical Engineering - SMSA
6. Hjh Farizah bte Hj Abdullah - Economics - MDPMAMB

The recipients of this year's Royal Brunei Armed Forces Scholarship are as follows. They will eventually pursue careers as military officers in the Royal Brunei Armed Forces.

Sijil Tinggi Pelajaran Ugama Brunei (STPUB)
(at least 4 Grade As and 2 Grade Bs)
1. Adibah bte Hj Mohamed - Syariah - SMALHB
2. Auni 'Afifah bte Hj Ali Hassan - Syariah - SMALHB
3. Md Ayza Azrine b Ayahani - Usuluddin - SMALHB
4. Mohd Saifullah bin Haji Bolhassan - Usuluddin - SMALHB

'A' Level (at least 2 Grade As and 1 Grade B)
1. Nurzawanah bte Abdul Gapar - Elec. Eng. - SM Sayyidina Ali
2. Muhd Qamarul Arifin bin Hj Ramli - Mech. Eng. - PTE Berakas