American Alumni Association Launched

Bandar Seri Begawan - The Embassy of the United States of America in Brunei Darussalam announced the launch of American Alumni Association on February 26 at a reception hosted by Ambassador Emil Skodon at his residence.

At the inaugural meeting, members of the American Alumni Association elected Pehin Orang Kaya Hamzah Pahlawan Dato Seri SetiaAwang HajiAbdullah bin Begawan Mudim Dato Paduka Haji Bakar, the Minister of Development, as President of the Association.

The elected executive committee members are Pg Hjh Zabaidah bte Pg Hj Kamaluddin as Vice President, Hj Mohd Rozan bin Dato Paduka Hj Mohd Yunos as Genera] Secretary, Awg Jack Chai Ting as Treasurer and Mr Glen Rase as Committee Member at Large.

Under the Constitution of the Association as approved by His Majesty's Government and the Registrar of Societies of Brunei Darussalam, Ambassador Emil Skodon will serve as an ex-officio member of the executive committee of the association.

In his welcoming speech, Ambassador Skodon said, "I hope this association will become a forum where Brunei citizens and residents can come together to celebrate the value of their own personal American experience, find ways to share the benefit of that education with all of Brunei, and encourage future generations of Bruneians to study in the US."

Pehin Abdullah gave the inaugural address to the association. In his remarks, he reflected on the practical applications of his US education in his work in Brunei Darussalam, and how his US experience had benefited him both personally and professionally.

Due to a steady and growing interest in US higher education, the Embassy worked closely with a group of local alumni in the formation of the Association.

The four goals and objectives of the association, according to a press release, are firstly to promote and maintain friendship and cooperation among its members who are graduates ofAmerican universities or institutes of higher education and residing in Brunei Darussalam. Secondly to promote social, cultural, educational and business links with other American Alumni in other countries. Thirdly to provide advice and guidance to members and friends of members who intend to pursue bachelor or postgraduate degrees in American universities and lastly to promote cultural, recreational and intellectual activities among its members.

In the press release, the American Alumni Association states, "it strives to provide a social and educational outlet for graduates of American universities through regular activities and gatherings. The members will provide student outreach to citizens and residents of Brunei who are interested in attending an American university, and maintain a link with students while away at school. Upon returning to Brunei, students will have the opportunity to meet business contacts and become active members in the association."

The membership is open to all citizens and residents of Brunei who have attended a course of study with a minimum of three months, at a US higher education institution. For those interested to learn more about membership and association activities may contact Ms Megan Porter at 222-9670 ext 2132 or email to PorterML@State.gov. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

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