American Alumni Association Open For Membership By Kartika Rahman

Bandar Seri Begawan - American Alumni Association, which has recently been registered by the Embassy of the United States of America in Brunei, is now open for membership to all Brunei citizens and residents who have attended any study courses at a US higher education institution, a press release stated.

This initiative was the result of a steady and growing interest in US higher education which has led to the embassy working closely with a group of local alumnus in the formation of the association over the past few months.

The alumni association is aimed at seeking to promote and maintain friendship and cooperation among its members who are graduates of American universities or institutes of higher education and residing in Brunei; to promote social, cultural, educational and business links with other American Alumni in other countries; to provide advice and guidance to members and friends of members who intend to pursue Bachelor or postgraduate degrees in American universities; and to promote cultural, recreational and intellectual activities among its members. The American Alumni Association 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 mainitain 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 of the association.

"I commend the hard work and continuous efforts of the interim committee to make the American Alumni Association a reality. I hope the association can fulfil its goal in promoting social, cultural, educational and business links with other American Alumni in other countries and enrich and deepen understanding between members."

This was said by Interim President of the American Alumni Association, Pehin Orang Kaya Hamzah Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abdullah bin Begawan Mudim Dato Paduka Haji Bakar, Minister of Development.

"I am grateful to His Majesty's government for consenting to the creation of the new American Alumni Association. We hope this will give those Bruneians who have benefited from education in the US an opportunity to meet and share their experiences, as well as encourage new generations of Brunei scholars to pursue their education in the US," US Ambassador Mr Emil Skodon said.

For the current academic year of 20062007, the US has issued over 591,050 students and exchange visas, the highest total ever, which is a 13.9 per cent increase from 2005 and five per cent higher than the previous peak year of 2001. There are currently 21 Bruneian citizens studying in the US and the number is growing annually.

To register, contact the US Embassy at 2229670 ext 2132 or email USBN_alumni@hotmail.com. Parents are also invited to register details of students who are currently attending US institutions.-- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

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