Fadley Faisal
Screen and media graduates of Mahakarya Institute of the Arts Asia (MIAA) received their certificates and diplomas on Friday at the The Empire Cinema.
Co-founders Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran Anak Hajah Nurul Amal Munjiatul Athirah binti Pengiran Sura Negara Pengiran Anak Haji Muhammad Bey Muntassir and film director Siti Kamaluddin also attended.
MIAA Dean Dr Alex Fischer looked into the number of hours the graduates spent on producing content while studying at the institute.
He continued with the volume of industry and professional projects the MIAA students have been a part of in the past two years thanking the Authority for Info-communications Technology Industry of Brunei Darussalam (AITI) and the Ministry of Transport and Infocommunications (MTIC) for their support.
Twenty graduates from MIAA have proven themselves resilient, determined and passionate throughout their time at the institute.
During their course, the students produced short films, music videos, documentaries as well as kickstarted MIAA originals such as Rojak TV and Ketaman that will be passed down to the next batch of students.
Diploma of Screen and Media student representative Yusman Asyraaf bin Abdullah, at his valedictorian speech, shared his journey as a student of the institute.
“I remember the first day of class vividly in my head, we were awkward and when Dr Alex asked us what we wanted to do after we graduate, we all had the same answer not knowing that we’ll all be different but important components of something beautiful,” Yusman Asyraaf said. He also encouraged graduates to keep the bond they have formed and continue to collaborate in future projects.
MIAA Alumni Nurhamizah binti Hamzah said, “After graduating from MIAA, all of us have been working in the industry.
“We want you all to follow our steps in improving the Sultanate’s future creative and film industry. The number of graduates today itself showed how the future of the Brunei film industry will be in good hands.”
She reminded graduates to continue practicing what has been taught in the institute – to be disciplined, to be humble and to never stop learning.
The ceremony also showcased a behind-the-scenes video on the journey of graduates including the works that was produced.
Permanent Secretary at the MTIC Ir Haji Mohammad Nazri bin Haji Mohammad Yusof presented the certificates.
MIAA was established in 2019 to provide a skills-based training for local content creators to elevate the quality of the local film and media industry.
The institute partnered with TAFE Queensland (Australia) to design a Screen and Media programme specific to the requirements of the industry in the Sultanate.
