UBD Pledge: Students Weigh In
By Khairunnisa Ibrahim

Bandar Seri Begawan - The pledge to raise the image of Universiti Brunei Darussalam has received mixed reactions from some Bruneians.

A woman who identified herself as Shaz Lim said the promise by UBD vice-chancellor Dato Paduka Dr Ismail Duraman was timely as the university needed to expand on its courses to attract students.

She said the fact that she didn't qualify for UBD and it not offering the major of her choice led her to choose to study in Perth, Australia.

"I didn't qualify for UBD because I didn't get a credit' in Malay. But even' if I had qualified, I think I would have chosen to study abroad anyway. When you go overseas to study, you get to learn how to be independent in unfamiliar countries with different cultures and different ways of living."

It was also her interest in media studies that compelled her to go to a foreign university. "I went to Australia to study Media and Communications because it wasn't offered by UBD. In fact, UBD's choice of courses is limited and narrows the scope and potential for local graduates."

Overcoming the lack of options should be made a priority, she stressed. "As the only university in Brunei, UBD should expand its choices to give local students more options and opportunities."

A UBD graduate who only wanted to be identified as Asmadi said if given the opportunity, he would have preferred studying abroad but gave in to lack of funds and his parents' preference for a local education.

"I didn't qualify for a scholarship to study abroad, but I managed to get one to UBD. My parents are not well-off and I have many younger siblings. My parents need me here to help take care of the family," he said.

Asmadi dismissed the perception that the quality of UBD education was inferior to those of foreign universities. "It is not that UBD is not good. I have had good lecturers who were energetic and inspiring.

"Most of the subjects I took were interesting and relevant to the present-day situation. I have learned a lot and gained valuable knowledge from my years in UBD, which is what any university education should provide."

Rather, he said it was the perception of potential employers and fierce competition from other graduates that made being a UBD graduate less than ideal.

"Some of my friends who studied abroad have already got jobs now. They are employed in Brunei Shell Petroleum, or in private companies, or as teachers in various schools. I am still waiting to be employed. I have already sent out applications, but I haven't got favourable responses so far."

Whenever a job opening in the government is advertised, said Asmadi, plenty of graduates would apply for the same positions. "Whenever I apply for a certain post, I know that many of my former coursemates would apply for it too because we share the same qualifications."

Unlike Shaz and Asmadi, Maiza expressed preference for the local university. "UBD offers several courses that I am interested in. Besides, when graduates get a government job, they will be paid the same wage whether the degree is earned in Brunei or overseas."

Although studying overseas allows one to experience new cultures and gain independence, Maiza argued that attending the local university did not limit her horizons. "During my studies, I took several courses where as part of our projects we had to travel to other places in Borneo. There we learned to fend for ourselves and we also learned about other cultures."

Another UBD graduate, Shah, does not dispute that studying abroad has its advantages. But he also pointed out that distractions Icould affect a person's studies while being abroad. Several of his friends had been awarded scholarships to study in Cairo, Egypt, he said, and some of them did not manage to complete their degrees. .

"My friends had large allowances which they used for various activities that distracted them from their education. Plus, the lack of parents and other authority figures gave them less motivation and focus to study," the former Islamic studies faculty student said.

For Shah, where one studies bears little consideration as long as one is willing and sincere. "UBD is as good as any other university, as long as the student wants to learn. Even if he or she chooses an excellent university, it doesn't guarantee he or she will obtain a good education." -- Courtesy of The Brunei Times

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