Borneo Bulletin Journalist Wins Prestigious Fulbright Scholarship

Bandar Seri Begawan - The Embassy of the United States in Brunei Darussalam is pleased to announce that Zul-Fakhri bin Maidy has been selected to receive the prestigious Fulbright Scholarship for 2007.

Zul-Fakhri - the fourth Fulbright Scholar from Brunei to pursue graduate education in the US since the reactivation of the programme in 2004 - will be leaving at the end of the month to begin studies for a Masters Degree in Journalism at the University of Missouri.

Zul has been working as a journalist at the Borneo Bulletin since he graduated with a BA (Hons) International Business and Management degree from European Business School London in 2001.

US Ambassador Emil Skodon said, "This is another milestone in our efforts to help Bruneian students take advantage of the wide-ranging opportunities for world-class higher education in the United States." "We hope many more Bruneian students will follow the example set by the Fulbright scholars and consider study in the US the American Embassy is prepared to provide prospective students the information they will need to get started on what could be the educational journey of a lifetime," he added.

"The reactivation of the Fulbright programme in Brunei fulfilled one of the points of agreement between His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam and US President George W Bush during their December 2002 meeting at the White House.

"The ideals of the Fulbright programme, to provide opportunities to study and teach in each other's countries, exchange ideas, and develop joint solutions to address shared concerns, are particularly fitting as Brunei and the US celebrate the 24th anniversary of diplomatic ties," the US Ambassador added.

Having been selected for the Fulbright award from a highly competitive pool of applicants, Zul was thankful for the honour of representing the Sultanate a Fulbright scholar.

He was also pleased with having gained entrance into University of Missouri, which offers one of the best graduate journalism programmes in the US.

During the courtesy call with the U S Ambassador Zul said, "This is one memorable experience! I am really looking forward to going to Missouri and beginning the MA programme."

Zul was also thankful for the support given by Brunei Press as well as the Management of QAF Brunei on his decision to further his studies.

During his undergraduate years, Zul spent a semester abroad at Berkeley College New York as part of his degree programme thereby giving him a general idea of what the American educational system and environment offers. He said such experience had given him an added advantage in terms of familiarity and adaptability.

"Going to Missouri could be an entirely different experience but I'm looking forward to the challenge. I'm thrilled at starting the course. However, I feel it's just as important to perform to the best of my abilities throughout the two years and finish on a high note."

Zul also had few encouraging words for future applicants for the Fulbright programme: "I'd say just go for it. Don't give it a second thought."

The Fulbright Scholarship is a programme of academic exchange for the promotion of global understanding.

Scholarship awards for the Fulbright Graduate Study Programme are offered to Bruneian citizens and permanent residents to allow them to pursue a degree in the United States. This award is for advanced students seeking to study for a Master's Degree.

Former Fulbright Scholarship recipients include Pg Dr Hishamuddin, Mohammad Yusra Salleh and Vivi Jafiana DP Hj Jaafar. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

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