Stranded Students Face Uncertain Fate
By M K Anwar

Bandar Seri Begawan - The fate of the Nepalese and Bangladeshi students stranded here in Brunei remained uncertain yesterday.

Weekend learnt that a meeting had taken place with the Nepalese students yesterday with top members of the management of the alleged private educational institution in trying to find a solution to the problem.

Students attending the meeting informed that there were no new developments on the issue at hand.

The meeting had merely outlined the choices that the students could take. One of the choices, such as taking Diploma classes instead of the applied Bachelors or MBA programme, had been mentioned over and over again, they said.

Students said they will be rejecting this, as it meant they will have to study something that they have done already.

All of the Nepalese students have already received their Diploma certificates from schools in their home country.

Many commented that this was a backward move as they had come here to advance their studies.

The public meanwhile has reacted to the plight of these students too. Many are hoping for swift action by relevant authorities involved, as this is certainly an embarrassment for Brunei.

Many have taken pity on the students, who have come all this way hoping to gain knowledge but have got nothing.

Haji Mohammad, a retired teacher, when contacted yesterday expressed his outrage.

"They (the institutes) will pay a high price in this matter," he said. "The excellence and reputation of our education system will no doubt be in jeopardy," he further remarked.

Other private education providers in the country, who also contacted the Weekend, commented that this incident will affect the reputation of Brunei as a destination for overseas students.

Sharon Chin, the Operation Manager for the Micronet Computer School, said that it was an irresponsible act of the said institute.

"These students have come very far to find a decent education and look what has happened to them," she added.

A Marketing Manager of another school also hoped something positive will turn up for the students to continue their education.

Weekend learns that the Nepalese students will be meeting with officials from the Ministry of Education again today.

A Bangladeshi student speaking to the Weekend yesterday said that they will be returning back to their home country in less than a week.

"I just wanted to get my money back. We are not very rich people. It's the sweat and effort of my father to see me further my studies," he lamented. "And now I will have nothing to show him," he added. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

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