The Singapore Association (SA) in Brunei Darussalam yesterday handed over a sponsorship of BND 6,000 to cover the monthly fees for five students of the Society for the Management of Autism Related Issues in Training, Education, and Resources (SMARTER) Brunei during the 2025 academic year.
High Commissioner of Singapore to Brunei Darussalam Laurence Bay Siow Hon presented the donation to Acting Chief Executive Officer and Vice President 1 of SMARTER Brunei Sharifah Adila Surya binti Malai Haji Abdullah. SA President Melhan Adam and UOB Brunei Branch Country Manager Howard Low Boon Keng were also present at the ceremony.
The sponsorship is part of the celebrations marking the 40th anniversary of bilateral relations between Singapore and the Sultanate. Funds were raised by Singaporean donors and friends of the SA, including UOB Bank, through the ‘SG Cares’ initiative, which supports meaningful causes in Brunei.
Laurence Bay Siow Hon said, “I am delighted the Singapore community is doing its part to support children with special needs through SMARTER Brunei. It also exemplifies the close people-to-people bonds between our two nations.”
SA President Melhan Adam emphasised the association’s commitment to fostering friendships among Singaporeans in Brunei and contributing positively to the local community.
“Other than fostering camaraderie among Singaporeans in Brunei Darussalam, the SA consistently seeks opportunities to make a positive difference and lasting impact on local communities such as SMARTER Brunei. We look forward to more collaborations with SMARTER Brunei in the coming years,” he said. SMARTER Brunei expressed gratitude for the support, which will help ensure continued educational opportunities for students with special needs. – James Kon
