The very first batch of MINDEF scholars recruited, they are the ones who went through the most administrative changes and saw the progression of the Scholarship and Training Division.
Nurul Syazana Hj Hassan
2nd Year
Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry
University of Oxford, UK
Three years after its inception, the scholarship has been somewhat demanding in the sense that it has been a period of ever-mounting expectations and that the administration requires that we fulfill an ever-changing set of goals - all for the sake of self-improvement, of course. For me, these past few years have taught me that it is not about pushing myself beyond my limits, but learning to take every challenge in stride and applying myself in novel ways to overcome them. You might be surprised by what you are truly capable of, and discover that the 'limit' that you may have imposed upon yourself is but an illusion.
Comprised of many sharp minds and witty personalities, some of these scholars will be one of the first MINDEF scholars to graduate in summer next year, and finally join the work force.
Ak Abd Aziz Pg Ali Hassan
Senior, 3rd Year
Economics, Politics & International Studies
University of Warwick, UK
I took off as a boy coming from a kampong in Seria. MINDEF has helped remarkably change my perspectives in life after taking the oath. With education in the UK and after undertaking attachments, survival camps and courses has enormously feed and cultivate my skills, not only leadership which we are specifically train for, but also as a person, Muslim and most importantly, Bruneian and what it takes to be a scholar. In my final year before graduation, i am very much looking forward to learn international law with hope that it will help me facilitate the Government in understanding issues pertaining to Brunei interests.
The largest group of MINDEF scholars so far, and the first to be sent to Egypt and the United States, these scholars experienced the need to be versatile and adaptative when mingling with such a diverse group.
Noria Fatriah Hj Abd Mutalif
2nd Year
Usuluddin
Al-Azhar University, Cairo
After living in Cairo for about a year, I find myself having a more global and forward-looking perspective on society. It reminds me of the first day of attachment last year, when i learned how to approach and interact with other people of different fields from mine. This year, I came back facing a very similar situation, meeting the other scholars and working with them for the first time. I hope to apply the knowledge I've gained from this summer attachment as well as the core values of MINDEF and integrate them into my daily experiences, so that I can be a better person for myself and for Brunei.
Our youngest scholars, just finished with their induction program and yet to experience their first years of college, will finally partake in the various attachment programs with the rest of the scholars in the summer of 2009.
Josephine Hong Chiew Yee
1st Year
East Asian Languages & Literature
Fudan University, China
Becoming a MinDef scholar has certainly changed me. I am more independent, out-spoken and open-minded than before. Not only has the induction programme provided me with a platform to discover my potential and capabilities, it served as a preparation for my university life away from home. I am confident that I will do well in my studies while enjoying my time abroad with all the new experiences.
Our Scholars
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