A platform where aspirations take flight, providing the tools and knowledge for students to shape their destinies
In an era marked by rapid technological advancements and evolving professional landscapes, the concept of lifelong learning has emerged as a cornerstone for personal and professional development.
Recognising the ever-expanding wealth of knowledge and skills required to navigate the complexities of the modern world, the importance of continuous learning throughout one’s life cannot be overstated.
It is within this context that the establishment of a dedicated centre for lifelong learning gains paramount significance as it serves as a hub for individuals of all ages and backgrounds to engage in ongoing education, fostering a culture that values curiosity, adaptability and the pursuit of knowledge. Established to accelerate the country’s human resource development, Politeknik Brunei (PB) has witnessed a growth in student numbers and a significant percentage of graduates over the years.
In its partnership and collaboration with the Lifelong Learning Centre (L3C), PB utilises its venues for lectures and tutorials, particularly for first-year students from the School of Business (SBS) and the School of Information Technology (SICT) for its July 2023 and January 2024 intakes.
As of November 2023, PB now offers 26 programmes for Level 5 Diplomas across its five schools.
The Bulletin spoke to several new students during the institution’s recent orientation programme on their decision to pursue further studies.
Wee Mei Mei, a 20-year-old student who excelled in her final year at Chung Hua Middle School Kuala Belait, decided to pursue a Petroleum Engineering programme.
Her inspiration came from observing a friend who had taken the same programme. Witnessing the complexity of his studies, she felt compelled to challenge herself by undertaking this programme.
Her outstanding performance in Chemistry, marked with a star, significantly contributed to her choice of this field.
She firmly believes that chemistry plays a pivotal role in this programme, and her decision was further influenced by a friend who also opted for the same course.
“I appreciate Chemistry as it involves understanding chemical bonds. I find it intriguing to analyse which chemicals complement each other based on their bonding characteristics, requiring thoughtful consideration,” Mei Mei shared.
Aware that she is about to enter a new learning environment distinct from her previous school, Mei Mei is fully prepared for this new setting and knows what to expect throughout her studies at the institute.
“I hope to pursue my degree at either Universiti Brunei Darussalam or Universiti Teknologi Brunei if my studies go well, and I will definitely take the chance if I were offered a scholarship to pursue furthering my studies,” she said, adding that if that were not the case, she’d still opt to look for a job as it has always been her dream to pursue a career related to the field.
Meanwhile, another intending chemist, 19-year-old Shahamirul bin Haji Omar pursued an HNTec in Laboratory Science during his studies at the Institute of Brunei Technical Education (IBTE).
His longstanding desire to further his studies at a higher level led him to choose PB, attracted by the diverse range of courses offered. Opting for a Level 5 Diploma in Chemical Engineering at PB, his interest in chemistry aligned with the programme’s curriculum and complemented his prior learning at IBTE.
Expressing gratitude for supportive course mates and instructors at IBTE, Shahamirul gained valuable insights, particularly in laboratories and practical skills. These learnings are anticipated to be applied effectively in his studies at PB.
Despite his grades at IBTE suggesting otherwise, Shahamirul believes that he has given his best effort. Consequently, he was offered entry into PB. Given that this programme is a collaboration with Hengyi Industries, he aspires to secure an internship offer with Hengyi in the future.
With a career focus on general chemistry or physics laboratories, Shahamirul looks forward to commencing his studies at PB and undergoing his industrial base training at Lanzhou University in China, expected to take place during his fifth or sixth semester.
Another new student, Nur Firuz Nabihah binti Haji Mohd Yussof, graduated from IBTE School of Business Gadong after completing her studies in HNTec in Business and Finance.
Her decision to further her studies at PB was influenced by a strong recommendation from her sister, a PB graduate, who pursued a diploma in Human Capital.
“My sister’s success and the diploma’s applicability to job opportunities in accounting or human resources motivated my choice to apply here,” said Nur Firuz Nabihah.
“I’m confident in my academic abilities after having performed well at IBTE.”
She aspires to excel further at PB, viewing acceptance into the programme as a significant achievement and a step toward achieving her main goal.
“I am cognisant that the learning environment here will differ somewhat from IBTE, but I have readied myself to enter this institute with expectations of a more positive atmosphere, aiming to acquire additional knowledge and experiences.
“I am committed to applying the lessons I’ve learnt at IBTE whenever necessary, challenging myself to achieve even better results than before,” Nur Firuz Nabihah added.
Muhammad Nur’Ali bin Haji Ali Hakbar, on the other hand, is an 18-year-old graduate from St Andrew’s School with outstanding achievements, excelling in eight ‘O’ Levels.
His passion for business, cultivated through studying commerce in school, fuelled his desire to pursue a related field in higher education.
Upon seeking advice on the ideal subject and higher learning institute, he received numerous recommendations pointing towards PB. Influenced by this feedback, he chose the institution to pursue a diploma in business, specifically enrolling in the Entrepreneurship and Marketing programme.
“It has always been my dream to own a business, and I believe PB is the ideal place where I can acquire valuable experience through internships and relevant curriculum, particularly focusing on real estate or construction.
“As I embark on my learning journey here, my aspirations include gaining fresh insights, acquiring new knowledge, and building meaningful connections with new friends,” said Muhammad Nur’Ali.
Muhammad Nur’Ali plans to pursue a degree if the opportunity arises, and he is open to studying either locally or abroad, as long as it aligns with his preferences. – Lyna Mohamad
