Bruneian students in Australia open up about their educational journey, offering insights into the experiences that shape their time Down Under.
Beyond its sun-drenched beaches and iconic wildlife, Australia proudly presents a cultural tapestry that is not only diverse and multicultural but also fosters a community characterised by an acceptance that transcends, gender, race or creed.
While Australia is known as an ideal destination for travel, this accepting outlook — combined with a future-oriented education system, low crime rate and proximity to Southeast Asia — means the island continent also holds immense potential as an educational haven for scholars from Brunei.
The Bulletin recently spoke with three Bruneian students currently undergoing their postgraduate studies through the Australia for ASEAN scholarship.
Spanning three cities, these Bruneian scholars provide insights into their university experiences and the unique perspective of being Bruneian residents in Australia.
The great Aussie hospitality
“Growing up, because our education was more UK-based, it naturally felt like after A-Levels, the United Kingdom (UK) was the place to go. I never took Australia into account,” said Mansurah Azlan.
The 26-year-old, who is pursuing a Master’s in counselling at Flinders University in Adelaide, admitted it was a daunting task to decide which city or university to explore.
Nevertheless, with extensive research and assistance from varsity representatives, the transition to university life in Adelaide proved to be “smooth and easy”.
“The first week was very busy, with moving in and (dealing with) student coordinators. For my university, the student coordinators were very adaptive to my needs.
“They picked me up at the airport and provided a starter bundle with snacks, information and guidance on where to go in Adelaide and what to do,” she added.
Natasha Rhymin, currently pursuing a Master’s in project management at RMIT University in Melbourne, initially had concerns about the Land Down Under.
She worried about finding halal food and potential prejudice due to her race or religion.
Recalling her arrival, the 29-year-old shared, “On my first day in Australia, finding a sim card was a challenge. I approached someone for directions, and he not only guided me but also took me to the location to get the sim card.”
She found out quickly the friendliness and helpful nature of Australians and was pleasantly surprised by the abundance of halal food in Melbourne, which she found incredibly
comforting.
In addition to the wonderful local hospitality, the universities attended by these students didn’t stop at merely sharing information about the city.
They extended their support by offering vital social and mental health assistance for international students, addressing their varied needs.
Vernon Vincent, currently pursuing a Master’s in Environment at the University of Western Australia in Perth, shared that the university’s international student department provided a compassionate ear.
“They offer counselling, legal advice, and assistance in finding accommodation for students facing challenges,” he said.
The 25-year-old added that the department regularly organises events, even bringing in support animals to help students alleviate stress, especially during exam periods.
Vincent also noted that the university provides valuable healthcare services, allowing students to receive diagnoses and certain forms of treatment.
“For an upcoming student moving to Australia, where the primary concerns revolve around belonging and security, especially for someone new to the country, it’s truly reassuring to know that these kinds of support are readily available.”
Finding home away from home
Navigating student life abroad can be challenging, marked by shifts in both scenery and culture. Thankfully, for these three students, Australia’s diverse community and vibrant diaspora offered a comforting sense of home away from home.
For Mansurah and Natasha, both Malay Muslims, the strong ASEAN presence served as a comforting reminder in their respective cities, offering an abundance of halal Southeast Asian food and eateries.
With over 800,000 Muslims in Australia, making Islam the second-largest religion, both students easily found community, connecting not only with fellow international students but also with fellow Muslims in the country.
Mansurah specifically noted the significant presence of Malaysians and Indonesians in Melbourne, either studying or residing there.
“I often randomly crave laksa, and just below my apartment, there’s a Malaysian restaurant. It’s not Brunei, but it’s close.”
Yet, it wasn’t just the tasty halal food that connected the postgraduate students to memories of home.
The discovery of a robust Muslim community in their cities became equally pivotal, offering support during the fasting period of Ramadhan and providing companionship for the festive Aidilfitri celebrations.
For Bruneian Muslims, Ramadhan and Aidilfitri carry profound spiritual and cultural significance. These occasions serve as a time to express gratitude for loved ones still present and to cherish the memories of those who have departed.
Natasha shared about a community at her university in Sydney named ‘Rumah’, established by Malaysian and Bruneian students. This community, she said, aims to foster camaraderie between both nationals, given their shared cultures.
The primary goal of ‘Rumah’, she explained, is to cultivate a sense of belonging among its members through communal and cultural events, including group iftar gatherings during Rama-dhan and open houses to celebrate Aidilfitri.
Recalling her experience, the 29-year-old shared, “A Malaysian friend of mine from ‘Rumah’ invited me to perform the Aidilfitri prayer at the Malaysian Hall. It was one of those things that made me feel better, made me feel more at home.”
Meanwhile, for Vernon, staying connected to home was simple. With Perth sharing the same time zone as the Sultanate, he faced no difficulty in reaching out to his loved ones whenever homesickness struck.
Discover Australia
Beyond the kindness and support they received, Mansurah, Natasha, and Vincent agreed that one of the greatest charms of the land in the heart of the Southern Hemisphere, is its sheer beauty.
Candy-coloured sunsets, vast mountain ranges, captivating lakes, lush green landscapes, distinctive wildlife, and contemporary architecture collectively contribute to the ineffable allure of the Land Down Under.
“Adelaide has a lot of beautiful beaches with sunsets that’ll leave you breathless. The hills near the city, like Adelaide Hills, a conservation park, where kangaroos roam freely, are the best part,” shared Mansurah.
For Natasha, a self-proclaimed foodie, Melbourne’s vibrant coffee scene and delicious oysters at the South Melbourne Market stand out.
“There’s also Phillip Island where you can witness the world’s smallest penguins emerging from the sea,” she added.
Meanwhile in Perth, Vincent highlighted King’s Park, emphasising its rich history tied to the indigenous Australians of Australia. The park features flora culturally significant to Indigenous Australians, blooming during periods of significance to them, he added.
Despite some initial worries, Down Under turned out to be a delightful surprise for the three Bruneians. They were greeted with warm hospitality and a community that made the adjustment to university life in Australia easy.
When they return to Brunei, they will join a growing cadre of alumni from Australia’s world-class universities. According to the most recent Times Higher Education World University Rankings, 11 of these universities ranked in the world’s top 200.
