BSP Boosts Support For STEP Centre
By Laila Rahman

Bandar Seri Begawan – BruneiShell Petroleum Company Sdn Bhd (BSP) presented a cheque worth B$150,000 to the Science. Technology and Environment Partnership (STEP) Centre, Ministry of Education, in a ceremony held yesterday at the main conference room of the Ministry building.

BSP is the first partner of STEP Centre. The partnership was marked with the signing of MoU between the company and the Ministry of Education in March 1999.

Yesterday's contribution is part of the company's social investment in supporting the development of education especially in the promotion of Science and Technology in Brunei Darussalam.

The ceremony began with opening remarks delivered by Awg Koh Hong Puah, the Acting Head of STEP Centre.

He explained that with the assistance from BSP, STEP Centre had successfully implemented annual competitions through four programmes for every government and private school in the country, namely the Robotech competition, Primary School Science Olympiad competition, Secondary School Science Olympiad and the Lego Mindstorm Competition.

According to Awg Koh Hong Puah, statistics show a general increase in participation levels, indicating the positive response from the educational institutions in all of the activities held.

He added that in addition to medals and awards, other value added skills had been gained by all the participating students, such as communication skills, presentation techniques, increased confidence and research skills.

"It is believed that these skills are very highly needed when the students enter the career life, particularly if they choose to work with industries like BSP," he said.

The best student that meets the regulations in the Primary School Science Olympiad and Secondary School Science Olympiad competitions and who emerges overall champion in Lego Mindstorm will be supported to become the national representative at international level. The competition will be fully sponsored by His Majesty's Government through the Ministry of Education, he added.

"Currently, STEP Centre has successfully held a Mathematics Seminar entitled `Solid Waste Management' and conducted a training programme on creating robots using Lego."

Awg Koh Hong Puah added that STEP Centre with the assistance ofthe Schools Departments will perform research on results of the Science and Mathematics subjects from 2006. The Centre is also to meet with Mathematics and Science teachers in identifying the needs and aids required at the primary and secondary schools.

STEP Centre had also implemented various science and mathematics programmes for primary and secondary schools intended for students categorised as "average students". A student awareness programme called the "Immersion Programme" will also be introduced to upgrade our students' commitment levels, he added.

As for secondary and pre-university students, STEP Centre is currently still evaluating the Brunei Biology Olympiad Competition, Brunei Mathematics Olympiad, Brunei Physics Olympiad and Brunei Chemistry Olympiad.

According to Awg Koh Hong Puah, the entire programme is meant to provide opportunities to the students in the country to compete at national and international levels whilst creating student interest in science and mathematics subjects.

"With respect to the environment, STEP Centre is currently active in making plans to provide awareness at primary school level on the importance of the environment."

The Acting Minister of Education, Pa Dato Seri Setia Dr. Hj Mohammad later received the contribution on behalf of STEP Centre from the Acting Managing Director of BSP Co. Sdn Bhd, Awg Hj Zainal bin Hj Mohd Ali. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

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