Three local students and two officials left the Sultanate yesterday to attend the 14th ASEAN+3 Student Camp for the Gifted in Science (ACGS) and the 16th ASEAN+3 Teacher Workshop for the Gifted in Science at the Seoul National University of Education, Seoul, South Korea from today to December 21.
The three students representing the Sultanate are Muhd Iqbaluddin bin Muhd Sihamuddin, Nur Insyirah binti Johari, and Nur Syahindah binti Sopian, Year 10 students from International School Brunei (ISB).
Adlina Rahayu binti Haji Zaini from Sayyidina Hasan Secondary School, participating as a teacher and mentor for the students, is accompanying them.
Adlina Rahayu in an interview said, “We will be sharing our gifted programme with ASEAN countries and at the same time learn about the gifted programme from South Korea when we attend the 16th ASEAN+3 Teacher Workshop for the Gifted in Science.”
“From the exchange, we can learn from the gifted programme in South Korea as they are more advanced in the area and we can share the education system with the Ministry of Education,” she said.
Meanwhile, the students will participate in the opening ceremony, keynote speeches, lectures and cross-national group presentations.
Nur Insyirah thanked the Government of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam for giving the opportunity to represent Brunei in the 14th ACGS.
“I hope that I can increase my communication skills and teamwork. I will give my best in representing the Sultanate,” she said.
The Brunei delegation’s participation is coordinated by the Ministry of Education, through the Centre for the Development of Gifted and Talented Education (EDGE).
The events are organised by the ACGS, with support from the Korean Ministry of Science and ICT and the Korean Foundation for Science and Creativity (KOSAC).
Rozi-Suzanah binti Yatab from EDGE is joining the delegation as the liaison officer.
Rozi-Suzanah and Adlina Rahayu will deliver a presentation during a sharing session on gifted education in Brunei.
The programme themed ‘From Prediction to Protection: The Role of Science in Responding to Natural Disasters’ is an annual initiative aimed at gathering gifted and talented students and educators in science and technology.
It provides a platform for collaboration and showcases skills in a stimulating environment.
The 16th ASEAN+3 Teacher Workshop for the Gifted in Science aims to enrich and enhance educators’ pedagogical competencies.
The workshop includes seminars on global education issues, hands-on sessions on the Science Inquiry Kit and a visit to Seoul Science High School. Head of EDGE Dr Mona Aliana binti Dato Paduka Haji Mohd Alimin was present at the Brunei International Airport to bid farewell to the delegation. – James Kon